NEW YORK—Applications are now open for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, the international competition that recognizes the next generation of eyewear designers and celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and strategic brand thinking, organizers announced. The award honors the legacy of eyewear designer Sergio Cereda and will be presented during Mido 2027 in Milan, scheduled for February 6-8, 2027. Founded by Harvey Ross, CEO and owner of the eyewear retail chain OPTYX New York, the award is presented in partnership with the Ross Viva Family Foundation, Mido and the Cereda family.
The 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award invites participants “to think beyond aesthetics and approach eyewear through the lens of identity, storytelling and purpose,” the announcement said. Entrants may choose to reinterpret the design philosophy of an existing brand, movement or aesthetic that inspires them or develop an entirely original concept. Participants are also encouraged to understand what makes a brand distinctive and expressive “through thoughtful, original design,” according to organizers. “The goal is to create eyewear that reflects a cohesive point of view and demonstrates an understanding of how design, materials, lifestyle, and emotion come together to create lasting impact.”
For 2027, participants are asked to design a complete collection of three original optical frames, or a complete collection of three original sunglass designs. The three designs should work together as a unified collection while demonstrating originality, versatility and a consistent design language.
In addition, each entrant will submit a one to two minute video presentation that explains the inspiration behind their collection, their creative process and how their designs embody the DNA of the chosen brand or original concept. This video presentation will “play a significant role in the judging process,” organizers noted.
“Sergio Cereda understood that exceptional design begins with understanding,” said Ross. “Before he ever designed a frame, he immersed himself in a brand’s identity—its customer, its materials, its history and its purpose. He believed great designers create collections, not just products. This competition reflects that philosophy by challenging students to think strategically, communicate their ideas, and design with authenticity.”
Submissions will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Creativity and originality.
- Cohesion and consistency across the three-design collection.
- Interpretation of brand DNA or originality of concept.
- Innovation and forward-thinking design.
- Craftsmanship and aesthetic excellence.
- Material awareness and market relevance.
- Quality and effectiveness of the video presentation.
(L to R) Harvey Ross with 2026 winner Giada Tosana and Lorraine Berton.
Entries will be evaluated by an accomplished panel of industry leaders and design experts. This year’s panel includes:
- Harvey Ross: Founder of Viva International Group, CEO of OPTYX New York and HMR Holdings
- Lorraine Berton: President, Mido and ANFAO
- Stefania Cereda Oppermann: Design consultant, EssilorLuxottica
- Caterina Cereda: Strategic consultant, co-founder Sergio Cereda Archive
- David Friedfeld: President of ClearVision Optical
- Giovanni Vitaloni: Founder Vanni Eyewear
- Bruno Palmegiani: Eyewear designer
“Sergio Cereda’s legacy reminds us that true creativity begins with understanding identity, purpose and context before form,” said Berton. “Through this competition, we want to encourage the next generation of designers to think beyond objects and to develop a vision capable of connecting design, innovation and storytelling. Supporting young talent in this journey is part of Mido’s commitment to shaping the future of the eyewear industry.”
The Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award has established itself as a global platform for emerging talent, organizers noted. The 2026 competition attracted 122 participants from leading design institutions around the world including Instituto Marangoni Milano (Italy), Savannah College of Art and Design (USA), LABA – Libera Accademia di Belle Arti di Brescia (Italy), IED Torino (Italy), ITS Cosmo Fashion Academy (Italy), Politecnico Milano (Italy), and Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design (Germany).
“Competitions like the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award represent exactly the kind of international arena where our students need to measure themselves,” said Sergio Nava, global scientific director of design, Istituto Marangoni-Italy. “At Istituto Marangoni Design, we believe that great design education happens at the intersection of creative vision and industry intelligence and Sergio Cereda embodied that intersection throughout his entire career. Through this award, our students don’t simply design eyewear: they learn to read a brand’s identity, translate it into material form and understand the strategic depth that separates a product from an icon. That is a lesson that transcends the category.”
A total of $20,000 USD in awards will be presented for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award as follows:
- First Place: $10,000 USD
- Second Place: $5,000 USD
- Third Place: $3,000 USD
- Fourth Place: $2,000 USD (Harvey’s Choice Award)
Applications are officially open online here. The competition is open to applicants worldwide who are 30 years old or younger, currently enrolled in a design program anywhere in the world and able to attend Mido if selected as a finalist. All entries must be submitted by November 30, 2026.
Winners will be announced and recognized during Mido 2027.
Organizers noted that students, educators and design institutions are encouraged to follow the competition on Instagram at @sergioceredaaward for application updates, important announcements, competition news, and behind-the-scenes content throughout the submission period.
