As November 1 marks World Vegan Day, we celebrate the best animal-loving and cruelty-conscious brands available for bags, shoes and clothes

BY Amy de Klerk | 30 October 2014

BAGS...

Best for affordable totes and clutches Wilby was born in 2013 as a vegan fashion range specialising in clutch bags. Not only are all products animal free, but they are certified for being eco-sensitive and environmentally aware too. The brand now sells totes, small handbags and clutches, all of which pack a punch as well as making you feel awfully good. With the brand's identity firmly based in the London neighbourhood of Chelsea, Wilby is also about celebrating British craftsmanship, but with prices remaining very fair, ranging from 40 - 120. Primrose totes, 110, Wilby

Best for affordable leather-look handbags You've probably heard of MATT & NAT - and if not, get to know it before you make your Christmas wish list. With a huge selection of lovely leather-look handbags - from satchels and totes to overnight bags and backpacks - the brand is the place to be when you're in need of a fair-priced, well-made bag. The brand started in 1995, inspired by MAT(t)erial and NATure, using only vegan-friendly material and are constantly endeavouring to find new sustainable practices. Prices start at 80 and only reach 160 for a weekend dream of a bag and shipping is free if you spend over 50. Blinkin cross-body bag, 85, MATT & NAT

Best for high-end handbags London College of Fashion alumni, Lorna Burton, started CoraLlei - an ethical handbag line with all products made from Italian vegan leather. Gone are the days when vegan meant a compromise with style - these bags are beautiful in their own right. From cross-body styles to large "leather" totes, sitting around the 200 - 400 mark, here is where you will find a high-end but affordable piece that will take you through the seasons. Simone bag, 218, CoraLlei ; Teo bag, 234, CoraLlei

Best for designer handbags Stella McCartney is one of fashion's most famous vegetarians, refusing to use any leather or fur in her designs. For designer handbags, she really is the best at proving that animal-free products do not need to mean a compromise on style. Explaining in an interview with us at her collection reveal this summer, she admitted, "Most of the women here tonight probably don't even know the bags aren't leather, and I find that very exciting." Expect to pay between 175 and 1,500 depending on your choice of tote.

SHOES...

Best for affordable casual shoes Wills describes itself as an 'animal and human friendly' brand, with shoes being made animal free and all workers being paid and treated in accordance to European regulations. The brand was started with the aim to bridge the gap between wearing affordable, high-street type fashion and living an ethical life. The designs really do echo what is happening on the high street and prices are what you'd expect to pay there too (ranging from 40 - 100). We are in love with their monogrammed loafers and would happily slip into a pair of these vegan sneakers. Low black sneakers, 65, Wills

Best for affordable smart shoes and boots Beyond Skin is a Brighton-based, vegan-friendly footwear brand, which began in 2001 in a bid to inject some much needed style into veggie fashion. It now carries everything from bridal shoes to office pumps and a great selection of leather and suede-look boots, perfect for winter. You will pay from between 80 - 250 for a pair of shoes, all of which are handmade in Spain. Oh, and Natalie Portman is a fan too. Sary wide-leg fit black faux leather boot, 185, Beyond Skin ; Lucy black faux leather and print brogues, 135, Beyond Skin

Read more:
The best vegan fashion brands