Text by: Alejandra Castillo
Photos: Courtesy of DESSERTO
The Mexican vegan leather company, co-founded by Adrián López and Marte Cázares, has crossed borders, collaborating with names ranging from Adidas to Balenciaga, Karl Lagerfeld, and Givenchy.
Founded in 2019, Adriano Di Marti launched with a clear purpose: to challenge the environmental impact of the traditional leather industry, long associated with excess, resource-intensive processes, and unsustainable practices.
Created in Mexico yet conceived for a global audience, the brand has redefined what leather can be, drawing from the cactus an innovative, plant-based biomaterial that is both forward-thinking and deeply conscious. More than an alternative, it represents a new language for fashion — one where aesthetics, technology, and sustainability coexist.
VEGAN AT ITS CORE
Desserto is a vegan biomaterial developed from nopal, Mexico’s emblematic cactus, valued for its resilience, low water consumption, and regenerative properties.
This plant-based leather, derived from organically cultivated nopal, requires no artificial irrigation, pesticides, or toxic chemicals — significantly reducing environmental impact compared to animal leather or synthetic alternatives. Its versatility allows it to be adapted into a range of textures, colors, and thicknesses, making it a viable solution across multiple industries.
MATERIALS FOR A CONSCIOUS INDUSTRY
Desserto has developed a portfolio of sustainable materials designed to meet the needs of various industries, starting with its namesake material for fashion. This is followed by Deserttex, created for the automotive sector, which raises the bar for performance, durability, and innovation in upholstery through a cactus-based biomaterial that merges technical functionality with sustainability.
Desserto Agave introduces a groundbreaking innovation by transforming industrial waste from tequila production into a high-value biomaterial, reducing waste while advancing a circular economy. Cactus Yarns, meanwhile, expands the brand’s textile universe with cactus-derived fibers that redefine sustainable textiles by weaving together efficiency, premium aesthetics, and environmental responsibility.
Beyond fashion, the brand has extended its reach into other creative industries through its wide-ranging material portfolio. Adidas has incorporated it into high-performance products and sports equipment — including boxing gloves, where durability is non-negotiable. In the automotive world, Mercedes-Benz has integrated Deserttex into conceptual interiors, bringing the sustainability narrative to the heart of high-end vehicle design.
Since its international debut, the material has received some of the most prestigious global awards in innovation and sustainability — among them the LVMH Innovation Award, the Green Product Award, the Good Design Award, the Latin American Fashion Award, and the PETA Compassionate Business Award — along with key certifications such as USDA BioPreferred, USDA Organic, and international vegan labels.
HAUTE COUTURE WITH A PLANT-BASED SOUL
Beyond accolades, true recognition in this industry comes through collaboration with the leading names in haute couture and global design. Environmental responsibility has become a defining statement of where fashion is headed, and in step with that shift, this Mexican company’s plant-based leather has proven itself a sustainable alternative capable of meeting the aesthetic, technical, and durability standards demanded by the world’s top houses.
This ability to merge design, technological innovation, and environmental responsibility has, in just seven years, positioned Desserto as a benchmark for a new generation of brands and consumers seeking beauty with purpose.
Balenciaga has incorporated it into striking pieces — including an oversized jacket that pushes traditional boundaries while embracing innovation. Givenchy has explored its potential through special developments and design applications, among them its first marbled liquid lip balm, Couture Rose Perfecto, presented in a vegan, cactus-based case. Karl Lagerfeld integrated it into his second collaboration with sustainability ambassador Amber Valletta.
The brand’s reach extends further into the global lifestyle sphere. Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger have embraced this plant-based leather in accessories and capsule collections. In the world of performance and wellness, Lululemon has incorporated it into products where durability, flexibility, and material innovation are essential.
