In the vibrant heart of creativity, Milan, an iconic city for fashion, a Mexican invention shone brightly in its own light in 2019. This unexpected protagonist, a revolutionary material from the arid lands of Mexico, promised to redraw the boundaries of sustainable luxury. Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, at the peak of their careers in the fashion sector, introduced Desserto to the world, not just as a brand, but as a vision: to transform the cactus, a hardy and abundant plant, into an eco-friendly and sophisticated alternative to traditional animal leather.
After gaining experience in the global fashion industry, Adrián and Marte decided to focus their energies on creating a sustainable material. Their goal was clear: to provide an alternative to leather, free from toxic chemicals, phthalates, and PVC, found in many of the synthetic substitutes available on the market. After two years of research and development, and numerous failed experiments, the duo finally reached their goal in July 2019.
The production process of Desserto respects the environment at every step. The cacti used grow almost spontaneously in the state of Zacatecas, relying solely on rainwater and the natural resources of the soil. After harvesting, the mature leaves are sun-dried for three days, before being transformed into the revolutionary “cactus leather”. What’s more, the residual part of the leaves is sold to the food industry, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable use of the resource.
But Desserto doesn’t stop at fashion. The material, characterized by its distinctive softness and excellent technical properties, has already found applications in furniture and the automotive industry. The attention to detail and the adaptability of the product are highlighted by the ability to customize color, thickness, and texture according to the client’s needs.
Adrián and Marte, with their vision and commitment, not only brought a breath of innovation to the world of fashion but also demonstrated how business and sustainability can be reconciled. Their message is clear: the real revolution begins when we decide to make the right choice for our planet. And with Desserto, sustainable fashion has never been so stylish.
