NEW YORK—A new Sergio Cereda Design Award will be formally announced at Vision Expo East on March 16, a second initiative created in honor of eyewear designer Sergio Cereda to recognize distinctive and emerging talent in the eyewear industry. The North American Award follows the creation of the European award to honor Cereda, which was successfully launched at the Mido exhibition in Milan on Feb. 3, as VMAIL previously reported. The deadline for submissions for the inaugural North American Sergio Cereda Design Award is Oct. 1, 2024. Winners of the award will be announced in 2025.

Longtime eyewear executive Harvey Ross, along with 20/20 Magazine, which is marking its 50th anniversary this year, are collaborating on the North American award, a tribute to one of the most influential designers in the optical industry, a career which began in the 1960s and left an indelible mark on the world of eyewear.

Ross, former owner of Viva International, now CEO of the Optyx New York, said, "Join us in celebrating the legacy of Sergio Cereda by participating in the Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, presented by The Ross Family Viva Foundation Corp, powered by 20/20 Magazine.

 
 Sergio Cereda.
  
"This is more than a competition; it's an opportunity to shape the future of eyewear design. We hope students will let their creativity shine, honor Sergio’s contributions, and be a part of the next chapter in optical innovation. Together, we can ensure that Sergio Cereda's legacy lives on in the hearts and designs of future eyewear creators.”

The North American award is an opportunity for young designers and students under 25 to follow in the footsteps of Cereda. A $10,000 prize, supported annually to encourage education and the development of design and development careers in the international optical industry, echoes Cereda's vision. Details and additional information about North American submissions are posted here.

A distinguished domestic and international jury will carefully evaluate each entry based on the theme and entry criteria. The North America Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award jury will include HarveyRoss, founder of Viva International Group and CEO of Optyx New York, along with Victoria Garcia, 20/20 Magazine fashion editor, John Juniper, eyewear designer, David Friedfeld, president of ClearVision Optical and Stefania Cereda Opperman, eyewear designer and design consultant for EssilorLuxottica’s North America product team.

The Cereda family stated, “Presenting the Sergio Cereda Design Award at the recent Mido 2024 edition in Milan, Italy, was such an inspiring and powerful experience that generated incredible admiration and interest. We hope that the announcement in New York during Vision Expo East will be as exciting. When Harvey's vision for this design award was presented to Sergio, his own words were ‘I love the idea.’ As a family, we fully support and highly encourage young designers to develop a passion for eyewear design, a rewarding and exciting profession."