The best ethical luxury fashion brands

Stella McCartney

Brand founder Stella McCartney is a lifelong vegetarian, and places the battle for animal-friendly fashion and sustainability at the centre of her company. Since it was established in 2001, her eponymous label has avoided leather, skin, fur or feathers in its clothing. As well as being very aware of animal rights, sustainability also plays a key role in Stella McCartney's ethos; its decision to use recycled polyester creates 24 times less of an environmental impact than if they had used calf leather.

stellamccartney.com

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Shrimps

British brand Shrimps has built its name on its outlandish faux fur creations, after founder Hannah Weiland (who is allergic to fur) came across a new modacrylic blend that's softer than traditional polyester faux fur. The use of bold, bright colours and prints featured in Weiland's work has made Shrimps one of the highest profile brands specialising in the material, especially renowned for its overcoats that have been adopted by countless celebrities.

shrimps.co.uk

Matt & Nat

Inspired by the textures and colours found in nature, Matt & Nat is one of the most established ethical brands for handbags, backpacks and other vegan accessories. From its conception in 1995, it has been dedicated to finding innovative ways to remain sustainable and eco-friendly, and since 2007, all its linings are made from recycled plastic bottles. The brand also continues to experiment with the use of recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber and cork.

mattandnat.com

Vaute

Founded with the goal of creating animal-free fashion, Vaute has aimed to achieve this through the use of high-tech, innovative and sustainable textiles, and was the first vegan label to show at New York Fashion Week. Founder Leanne Mai-ly Hilgart has always placed the treatment of animals at the fore, even being named PETA's Most Influential Designer at the 2014 Vegan Fashion Awards.

vautecouture.com

Angela Roi

Angela Roi champions an ethical and sustainable approach to fashion. Its handbags are fully vegan, made using eco-PUL, a poly material used to replicate the soft texture of traditional leather. Beyond the bags, the brand is dedicated to ensuring a good working environment and fair wages across its supply chain.

angelaroi.com