I love people watching, and the week before last, waiting for Zoe outside Great Portland Street tube station, I was in prime position for some good old-fashioned voyeurism. The stream of people making their way up the stairs and into the building across the road looked as though they could have been attending any of the top fashion designers’ shows at London Fashion Week: the women in gorgeous printed summery frocks, accessorised with brilliant jewellery, sky-high heels and clutches, the men in crisp shirts and suave suits.

But the occasion that had brought all these very well dressed people to One Marylebone this particular evening was not a catwalk show at all; we were here to attend the 2013 Observer Ethical Awards. I was not the only one who had stopped for a peek - many passers-by seemed interested in the turn-out - and as I viewed the spectacle through the eyes of an outsider, I was reminded that the concept of green living has really come a long way since the days when it was restricted to the outskirts of society. The associations and stereotypes that wrapped everyone interested in a greener lifestyle in a khaki hemp dress and/or had them chained to tree, have all but dissolved.

This evening showed and celebrated that living sustainably and ethically can be chic, stylish and fashionable, and the photos from the night are testament to that!

For more on The Observer Ethical Awards, see our previous blogs:

The Observer Ethical Awards: The Winners
My Style Story
The Observer Ethical Awards: how 'Well dressed' are you?

About the author

Fashion and textiles graduate, newby to London, charity shop addict, lover of tea