What’s your favourite eco label? The Observer Ethical Awards is back!

A host of celebrities, fashion moguls and ethical enthusiasts will be attending the fifth Observer Ethical Awards later this year, which will decide on the brightest new name in ethical fashion and style. Now’s the time to vote, writes George Walker.

The glamorous awards ceremony includes a Marie Claire-sponsored prize for the best ethical fashion and accessories label or retailer. Past winners include People Tree, Finisterre and Terra Plana. Winning this award, it seems, is a sure-fire mark of future success.

Each year the contest heats up as more companies begin to mix their ethical concerns with a passion for great design. There will be no badly fitting sack dresses, cumbersome sandals or unpractical designs here. The message is clear and the pressure is on: we want it ethical, we want it stylish. As a spokesperson for the awards said: ‘We want entrants to move away from the stereotypes associated with ethical fashion and to submit their new and innovative fashion ideas.’

The Observer Ethical Awards 2010 were launched last Sunday and entries are open until 12 March.  Judges will include the likes of Marie Claire’s fashion director Jayne Pickering, Director of London College of Fashion’s Centre for Sustainable Fashion Dilys Williams, and a flock of celebrities such as Colin Firth, Sue Perkins and Deborah Meaden.

To nominate an ethical retailer or fashion label which has supplied you with that favourite skirt, shirt or dress, head to the Observer Ethical Awards website.