Desserto

23/10/2025

You’re not dreaming. Vogue is going fur-free.

This is a big shift for fashion. A magazine that once helped set trends is now saying compassion is part of luxury.

Condé Nast, Vogue’s parent company, has made the policy public. No new animal fur in editorial pages or ads. This touches every edition, every story, every shoot.

Change didn’t happen in a vacuum. Activists, readers, and brands have been pushing for years. The message was simple and human - animals are not accessories.

The move also fits the moment. So many labels have already stepped away from fur. Now one of fashion’s loudest voices is joining them.

There is nuance. The policy mentions defined exceptions related to subsistence and Indigenous practices. Respect for culture can live alongside animal welfare.

Will this end fur overnight? Probably not. But it resets the standard. Young creatives and big houses alike will feel this. Future editorials will, too.

Today, kindness feels fashionable. And it looks good on everyone.

References

Condé Nast Goes Public With Fur Ban After Activists Target Executives - The Business of Fashion

Condé Nast to no longer feature new fur in publications - FashionUnited

‘Vogue’ and Condé Nast go fur-free in new sustainability strategy - VegNews

Statement re Condé Nast Announces Editorial and Advertorial Fur Ban - PETA

Condé Nast, Vogue go fur-free - Humane World for Animals

Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.

22/10/2025

Hublot's Mexican Volcano: Green Carbon Edition with Desserto

In a bold fusion of design, materials, and cultural identity, Hublot presents the limited edition Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Green Carbon Mexico, a timepiece that channels the raw power and aesthetic of a Mexican volcano. This edition, limited to 35 pieces.

A Volcano in Design

From the first glance, the watch evokes the eruption of molten forces: the 42 mm tonneau-shaped case is rendered in lightweight titanium paired with what Hublot calls “Frosted Carbon” treated in a cactus-green tone. On the sapphire dial you’ll see skeletonised mechanics—including the automatic chronograph movement HUB4700—through which green nopal-colored accents gleam: the subdials, seconds hand, date display, and minute track.

The Desserto strap: A Mexican Statement

One of the most distinctive features is the strap developed by Desserto: made from genuine nopal cactus, a plant native to Mexico and deeply embedded in the country’s cultural symbolism. The green nopal strap not only enhances the watch’s Mexican identity—it also aligns with sustainability goals, since nopal is a plant that demands low water consumption. For versatility, the timepiece also includes a black rubber strap and Hublot’s “One-Click” system for easy interchange.

Desserto's Perspective on the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Green Carbon Mexico

At Desserto, we see the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Green Carbon Mexico as more than just a luxury timepiece—it’s a statement of innovation, culture, and sustainability. The inclusion of a plant-based nopal cactus strap reflects a growing shift within the luxury industry toward responsible, nature-driven materials, a philosophy that has guided our own work from the beginning.

The design’s volcanic inspiration and green carbon texture capture the powerful essence of Mexico’s landscape and creative identity. By pairing high-performance Swiss engineering with the symbolism of the cactus—a resilient and iconic plant of Mexican heritage—Hublot demonstrates that sustainability and craftsmanship can coexist without compromise.

This collaboration between Swiss precision and Mexican spirit embodies what we at Desserto call “sustainable storytelling”—where materials, culture, and innovation converge to create objects that are both meaningful and timeless. It’s a remarkable example of how design can ignite conversations around cultural pride, ecological responsibility, and material evolution within the luxury world.

www.desserto.com.mx

Hublot's Mexican Volcano: Green Carbon Edition with Desserto. hublot green. hublot sustainability. desserto leather.

22/10/2025

Made with cactus, built for legends — Hublot x Desserto

21/10/2025

Paredes de nopal 🌵sabías que al adobe se le puede poner una capa de jugo de nopal lo que lo vuelve impermeable y resistente a los insectos?

In rural Mexico, ancient wisdom and modern sustainability meet in a remarkable way: coating adobe houses with cactus juice to protect them from water and insects. This traditional technique, recently revived by eco-builders and researchers, uses the mucilage (gel) extracted from the prickly pear cactus (nopal). When mixed with water and lime, this natural solution creates a breathable sealant that waterproofs walls without trapping moisture — preventing erosion, mold, and pest damage.

Adobe (a blend of clay, straw, sand, and water) is one of the most sustainable building materials ever developed. It keeps homes cool in summer, warm in winter, and is made entirely from local, natural resources. But its biggest weakness has always been vulnerability to rain. Cactus mucilage solves this by forming a micro-film barrier that repels water yet allows v***r to escape — extending the lifespan of structures for decades.

Beyond its technical benefits, this innovation also revives indigenous practices that respected nature’s balance. In many Mexican communities, it symbolizes a return to environmentally harmonious living — blending science, culture, and sustainability into one green solution.

20/10/2025

Coneli: Emotionally Sustainable, Beautifully Made with Desserto

In the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion, one of the most compelling stories is the convergence of material innovation and design ethos. Enter Coneli—a brand whose mission is to craft timeless, multifunctional bags from plant-based vegan leathers—and Desserto, a pioneering cactus-derived material that offers a credible alternative to traditional animal leather. Together, they embody a shift: not just in aesthetics, but in material philosophy.

This feature walks through the why, how and what of this collaboration/choice: why cactus-based materials matter, how the material works (and its implications), and what it means for Coneli’s position in the market and for you as a fashion-conscious consumer.

Why Cactus-based Materials Matter?

Traditional leather carries high environmental and ethical costs, while synthetic “vegan” leathers often depend on fossil fuels. Desserto changes that narrative. Made from nopál cactus leaves grown in Mexico’s arid lands, it requires no irrigation, minimal chemicals, and allows plants to regenerate after harvest. The result is a soft, durable, water-resistant material that rivals traditional leather while cutting down on CO₂ and water use.

Though still blended with some synthetics for strength, Desserto’s USDA-certified bio-based composition makes it one of the most credible next-gen leathers available today.

The Brand: Coneli's Ethos

Founded in Portugal by Conny and Francisco Javier, Coneli was born from a desire to live more mindfully and create accessories aligned with that philosophy. The brand:

Uses plant-based materials as an alternative to leather with high bio-based content.

Manufactures locally in Portugal, ensuring ethical production and craftsmanship.

Designs minimalist, versatile bags — f***y packs, totes, and backpacks — built for longevity, not fast-fashion cycles.

Coneli’s niche lies between conscious luxury and functional minimalism, appealing to those who want premium design rooted in sustainability.

The Material: Desserto

Source: Opuntia ficus-indica cactus, harvested sustainably in Mexico.

Production: Mature leaves processed into bio-resin up to 90% bio-based content and combined with recycled textile backings.

Benefits: Durable, soft, abrasion-resistant, and water-repellent, while reducing land and water use dramatically compared to cattle leather.

For Coneli, Desserto embodies both technological innovation and storytelling power — transforming desert flora into modern, ethical luxury.

Coneli and Desserto redefine what luxury means in 21st-century fashion: craftsmanship rooted in responsibility, materials that respect nature, and design that lasts. Their collaboration proves that innovation and aesthetics can coexist — and that the future of fashion may, quite literally, be growing in the desert.

www.desserto.com.mx

www.conelibags.com

Keywords:

cactus leather, desserto leather, desserto cactus leather handbag, vegan leather, leather alternative, plant based materials.

17/10/2025

Desserto is a cactus-based technically advanced plant-based material developed as a solution for the negative impacts associated to the leather and synthetic (plastic) industries. This sustainable vegan material can be applied on a wide range of applications, from fashion to automotive, interior design products and beyond.

16/10/2025

Santos by Mónica and SENTIENT Redefine Modern Luxury with Cactus.

In an era when sustainability has become a central currency in the fashion world, two innovative labels — SENTIENT (BySentient) and Santos by Mónica — are charting new terrain. Anchoring their ethos around Desserto® cactus leather alternative, they offer a compelling narrative: luxury, durability, and style need not come at the expense of the planet.

Desserto® is a cactus-derived, plant-based biomaterial engineered as an alternative to animal leather. It is grown without irrigation or pesticides, harvested without destroying the cactus, and requires orders of magnitude less water than conventional leather.

On environmental metrics, early assessments show that cactus leather outperforms animal leather in water use, carbon footprint, and eutrophication.

The Desserto® plantations also act as carbon sinks, absorbing thousands of tons of CO₂ annually — turning a raw-material source into a regenerative asset.

Santos by Mónica

Santos by Mónica is a Latina-owned, New York–based label founded by Mónica Santos Gil, who has stewarded a two-track mission: to make fashion that is both beautiful and conscientious. Santos by Monica The brand commits to local, handmade production in the U.S., with small-batch and made-to-order processes.

Desserto® in Santos’ DNA

What distinguishes Santos by Mónica is its unabashed embrace of cactus-based biomaterials. The brand explicitly calls Desserto the “heart” of its bag collections.

They emphasize that cactus-derived material offers the look and feel of leather, but with 80% less water consumption and partial biodegradability.

furthermore, for every item sold, Santos by Mónica plants a tree (via Sprout), reinforcing that sustainability is more than materials — it is ecosystemic commitment.

Santos by Mónica shows how a niche, artisanal brand can anchor its identity in a single advanced biomaterial. The brand’s educational framing helps consumers see cactus leather not as “vegan gimmick” but as a legitimate, high-performance alternative.

SENTIENT (BySentient)

SENTIENT (or BySentient) positions itself as a pioneer in “next-gen vegan classics,” boldly replacing animal leather with plant-based alternatives. The brand name itself evokes consciousness and compassion—“to feel”—a linguistic gesture toward sentience in all living beings. Its product lines include handbags and accessories crafted from cactus leather alternative (Desserto®).

SENTIENT leverages Desserto® not as a gimmick but as a design foundation. For instance, the Panthera line is explicitly marketed in cactus leather alternative variants.The softness and color adaptability of the material allow the brand to realize chic, refined silhouettes without compromise.

Moreover, SENTIENT is planning take-back and recycling programs for end-of-life accessories — signaling a move beyond “sustainable input” to “circular output.”

By centering Desserto®, SENTIENT bridges aesthetic luxury with ecological accountability. Their narrative is credible: the same material that underlies their bags is rooted in regenerative agriculture and transparently deployed.

A Shared Vision

Bound by a shared philosophy, SENTIENT and Santos by Mónica are redefining what sustainable fashion looks — and feels — like. For both, Desserto® cactus leather alternative isn’t a token gesture; it’s the backbone of their creative and ethical identity. They champion transparency in every layer, tracing their materials from the cactus fields of Mexico to the ateliers where conscious design takes form. Their work embodies a slow, thoughtful rhythm — small-batch production, enduring shapes, and craftsmanship that resists the noise of fast fashion. And through their storytelling, they turn sustainability into something tangible and inspiring, transforming cactus leather alternative from a material innovation into a symbol of fashion’s evolving conscience.

By weaving Desserto® into design, branding, and messaging, they elevate it from “alternative material” into a material ideology: that fashion can heal rather than harm.

For Desserto®, these partnerships mean more than just material adoption — it’s a validation of the philosophy behind the cactus-based materials movement. Seeing brands like SENTIENT and Santos by Mónica fully embrace Desserto® as the core of their collections demonstrates that sustainability can coexist seamlessly with luxury, craftsmanship, and timeless design. It proves that Desserto® is not a niche experiment or a marketing gimmick, but a credible, high-performance alternative that inspires both designers and consumers to rethink what responsible fashion can be.

www.desserto.com.mx

https://santosbymonica.com/

https://bysentient.com/

14/10/2025

Two Mexican entrepreneurs, Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, invented an eco-friendly leather called Desserto, made from the nopal cactus. 🌵✨ This cactus grows easily in Mexico and doesn’t need much water — just rain. Farmers cut only mature leaves every few months, letting the plant live and regrow naturally. 🌱
The cactus leaves are dried in the sun and turned into a soft, durable material that looks and feels like real leather. Big brands like Adidas, BMW, and H&M are already using it for bags, shoes, and car seats. 💼👟 This innovation helps save animals, water, and the planet while keeping fashion stylish and sustainable. 🌍💚

13/10/2025

Your bottle called… it wants a spa day in cactus leather

Gold Coast, QLD – Who said staying hydrated has to be boring? Frank Green is here to prove otherwise with the Desserto Cactus Leather Alternative Bottle Sleeve, the ultimate hands-free, adventure-ready accessory for your ceramic reusable bottle. Sleek, practical, and sustainably chic, it’s ready to keep up with everything from rollercoaster rides to white-water rafting – yes, really.

Made from Desserto® Plant-based material featuring cactus as an alternative to leather, a material that’s kind to the planet, this sleeve doesn’t just hold your bottle—it elevates it. Slide your 34oz Frank Green bottle in, sling it over your shoulder with the adjustable strap, and strut your stuff in one of four swoon-worthy colours: Blushed, Khaki, Lilac Haze, and the show-stopping Sunburst. Bonus: it’s easy to clean, so you can focus on the fun, not the spills.

Why You’ll Love It:

Made from sustainable cactus material (fancy, eco-friendly, and guilt-free)

Adjustable strap = hands-free freedom

Easy to clean (a quick swipe with soap and you’re good to go)

Limited edition, so you’ll be one of the cool few

Available at Tiny Trader, the Gold Coast’s hub for lifestyle lovers, baby essentials, and all things a little extra. With in-store and worldwide shipping, your hydration upgrade can follow you anywhere.

Grab yours before it’s gone!
Tiny Trader – 4039/19 Robina Town Centre, DR ROBINA QLD 4226

Shop online: https://www.tinytrader.com.au/search?q=cactus

www.desserto.com.mx

13/10/2025

Too Sharp for Pickpockets: Thafael’s Cactus Leather Crossbody.

In an era where solo travel and sustainability meet modern design, Thafael is carving a new path in functional luxury. The brand’s latest release, the Thafael Crossbody Travel Bag, brings together thoughtful security features, elegant minimalism, and sustainable materials — powered by Desserto®.

Crafted for women who move through the world with quiet confidence and curiosity, this sleek crossbody is more than a handbag; it’s an invitation to travel free from worry.

Smart Security Meets Sophisticated Style.

Safety, but make it fashion.

The Thafael Crossbody combines advanced anti-theft engineering with understated style. Its slash-resistant lining and straps deter pickpockets, while lockable zipper clips ensure peace of mind in crowded markets or transit hubs. Inside, RFID-blocking pockets protect passports and cards from digital theft — a must-have for the modern explorer.

The bag also features a secure attachment clip, allowing travelers to fasten it discreetly to a chair, carry-on, or belt. It’s the kind of design innovation that proves practical can also be beautiful.

Functional Design, Thoughtful Details.

For Thafael, functionality is the new luxury.
The bag’s perfectly balanced size and intuitive pocket layout make staying organized effortless. With seven interior compartments, dedicated card slots, and structured design, every essential has its place.

“No more digging for your passport or keys — the Thafael was built to simplify your journey,” the brand says. “It’s a travel companion that thinks for you.”

Travel smart, travel free — that’s Thafael’s philosophy.

Built to Last — Beautifully

Durability is at the heart of the design. Made from Desserto® plant-based material which features cactus, the bag offers a supple yet robust feel, engineered to withstand the demands of global travel. The material’s water resistance, planet-friendly credentials, and refined finish make it an ideal canvas for Thafael’s minimalist aesthetic.

Each bag is finished with solid brass hardware, elevating the design with timeless sophistication and ensuring it ages gracefully — a rare trait in today’s fast fashion landscape.

Comfort in Motion.

With an adjustable strap and cushioned shoulder pad, the Thafael adapts effortlessly to your movement. Wear it crossbody for hands-free comfort, or over the shoulder for a more polished look. Light, structured, and versatile, it’s designed to go wherever your passport takes you.

A New Standard for Conscious Travel.

As travelers seek greater meaning in the products they carry, Thafael’s collaboration with Desserto® signals a shift in the fashion landscape — one that values innovation as much as intention.

“Desserto® cactus leather embodies everything — strength, beauty, and responsibility,” a customer of the brand explains. “It’s a material built to last, and to inspire confidence.”

Limited Edition — Infinite Confidence

The Thafael Crossbody Travel Bag is available in a limited edition, crafted in vegan cactus leather with meticulous attention to detail. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a statement of freedom — for women who travel light, live fully, and move fearlessly.

Discover more at www.thafael.com

www.desserto.com.mx

10/10/2025

🌍✨ MEXICANS ARE CREATING THE LEATHER OF THE FUTURE 🇲🇽🌵

Cruelty-free. Eco-friendly. 100% Mexican innovation.

What once seemed like an impossible dream is now a revolutionary reality — thanks to the brilliance of Mexican visionaries Adrián López Velarde and Marte Cázarez, who turned to the land for answers… and found them in the humble nopal cactus. 🌿

From its resilient leaves was born Desserto®, a next-gen, sustainable material that looks, feels, and performs like leather — but is:

✅ Biodegradable
✅ Flexible and durable
✅ Free of toxic chemicals
✅ Created with zero animal cruelty
✅ Grown without artificial irrigation

This innovation doesn’t just have the power to save billions of animals annually — it also offers a vital lifeline to our planet, addressing the massive pollution and water waste of the global textile industry.

🌵 What started in the fields of Zacatecas is now catching the eye of major international fashion brands that want to align with ethical, conscious design.

💭 Because the future of fashion should be built not on suffering — but on intelligence, respect, and sustainability.

🇲🇽 Mexico isn’t just dressing the world — it’s inspiring it to change for the better.