MILAN, Italy—Italian trade show Mido has opened nominations for its 2025 Awards. Nominations are open for the Certified Sustainable Eyewear (CSE) Award, the Stand Up for Green Award, the Best Store Award in the categories of design and innovation and the Sergio Cereda Design Award. Applications forms for all awards are available on the Awards section of the Mido website. Mido 2025 exhibitors can apply to participate in the CSE Award through December 13, 2024.

This is the third edition of the award, which was created by Mido in partnership with ANFAO and Certottica. It assesses sustainability in the eyewear industry at an international level. Participants may nominate a pair of sunglasses, eyewear frames or an eyewear case, and a panel of judges will evaluate the competing products which all must have been produced in compliance with the principles of sustainability. According to Mido, some of the criteria the jury will use to determine the winners include recycling of materials, reduced consumption in the production and distribution processes and maximization of the supply chain.

2025 exhibitors can nominate their stands for participation in the Stand Up for Green Award through January 15, 2025. This Award recognizes the most sustainable stand in terms of its focus on environmental impact and use of materials, Mido said. The jury will base its decision on stand display, level of innovation, originality and the ability to convey a positive message to the public about the importance of green choices.

 
 
Through January 8, 2025, opticians from around the world can apply to participate in the Best Store Award, which will be in its 10th edition. This award recognizes the best international optical shop and is divided into two categories: design and innovation. An international jury made up of design and retail experts, managers, creative directors, journalists and designers will decide the winners based on: shopping experience, atmosphere, furnishings and materials, or a special retail space layout (design category); and traditional communications, interaction, customer service and the history of the store and its human and emotional qualities innovation category).

This year also marks the first edition of the Sergio Cereda Design Award, which recognizes emerging Italian talents in eyewear design. The award was announced at Mido 2024 and honors influential designer Sergio Cereda; the award was envisioned by Harvey Ross, founder of the Viva International Group, CEO of Optyx Retail Group and founder of HMR Holdings, in collaboration with the Cereda family and Mido.

The theme for the award is “Eyewear in its pure form: Balance between proportions and harmony, innovation and breaking point.” Participants are invited to create designs that show an in-depth understanding of styles and models, balancing innovation and creativity. Candidates must be at least 30 years of age and must currently be enrolled in or have just completed a program in a design school in Italy. Applications can be sent here and must be received by November 30, 2024. The winning prize is $10,000.

Presentation of the Mido Awards and the Sergio Cereda Design Award winners will take place during an official ceremony at Mido 2025. Registration for Mido 2025 is now open online.