From the sun-drenched citrus groves of Sicily to the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, Ohoskin is weaving a new narrative in sustainable luxury. Founded in 2019, this pioneering startup is taking the fashion industry by storm with its innovative, sustainable alternative to leather. Crafted from repurposed agricultural byproducts, and combined with recycled plastic, Ohoskin‘s material offers a luxurious and vegan option with a dramatically reduced carbon footprint.
A Vision Born in Sicily
Ohoskin’s story begins with Adriana Santanocito, a fashion design student in Milan with a deep love for her Sicilian roots. Witnessing the burgeoning movement for sustainable textiles, Adriana envisioned a material that could be both beautiful and ethical.
Back in Sicily, inspiration struck – the island’s abundance of oranges and prickly pear cacti presented a unique opportunity. These iconic fruits generated mountains of byproducts, a problem Adriana saw as a potential solution.
Ohoskin‘s revolutionary material is born from this vision. It blends repurposed orange and prickly pear cactus byproducts with recycled plastic, resulting in a luxurious vegan leather alternative with a dramatically reduced carbon footprint. Compared to traditional leather’s staggering 110 kg per square meter, Ohoskin boasts a mere 2.57 kg.
Sustainability at its Core
But Ohoskin’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond the material itself. Transparency is paramount. Their entire supply chain is tracked with blockchain technology, ensuring responsible sourcing and ethical practices. They champion a circular economy by designing products built to last and minimizing waste throughout production.
Overcoming Challenges, Achieving Recognition
Ohoskin‘s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic forced them to innovate, finding ways to showcase the luxurious feel of their material in a virtual world. They’ve also tackled greenwashing, educating consumers and brands about responsible material choices.
Despite the hurdles, Ohoskin’s success is undeniable. Their collaboration with Ganni for the popular Boubag bag landed them a coveted feature in Vogue UK, propelling them into the spotlight. Now, they’re developing new automotive materials and actively building a young and vibrant team. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, they’re committed to hiring at least 14 new staff members in 2026.
A Team of Passionate Minds & Industry Recognition
Ohoskin is driven by a dedicated team of five passionate individuals. Their dedication is reflected in the numerous awards and accolades they’ve achieved, including ISO 9001:2015 certified production, REACH and PROP65 compliance, and a phthalate-free product. Additionally, they hold the VVV+ Animal Free Fashion label by the Anti-Vivisection League, and their bio-based percentage is C14 analysis certified. Most recently, they’ve been awarded ISO14001 Environmental Certification.
A Sustainable Future for Luxury
Ohoskin’s vision is a future where luxury and sustainability coexist seamlessly. It is not only about creating a sustainable material, it is about creating a new way of thinking about luxury, one that benefits the environment, the fashion industry, and the people who wear their creations.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Innovation
Ohoskin has partnered with leading fashion brands like MoEa and nat-2™, as well as designer Claire Chance, to create unique and sustainable sneakers and luxury bags. Through these collaborations, Ohoskin is helping brands around the world achieve their sustainability goals.
In January 2024, the Catania-based Sicilian startup announced their Ohoskin-made Sabelt racing shoes, the first ever created with a plant-based material to pass the stringent FIA fire resistance tests.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which confirms the quality and performance of our material made from oranges and cactus,” said Adriana Santanocito, CEO of Ohoskin. “FIA approval is very difficult to obtain due to the organization’s extremely high standards. This result proves that we are on the right track to true sustainability, prioritizing durability over degradability.”
In February 2025, Ohoskin has reached another milestone: a second patent application has been filed! Indeed, intellectual property is one of the most valuable assets for those driving change. By submitting their second patent application, Ohoskin is strengthening and expanding its technological portfolio.
“A special thank you to our investors and the Museo del Tessuto for their support, enabled by our recognition through the WeMed Award and the The Stand Up Project, coordinated by MedWaves and TEXFOR as part of the INTECMED ENI CBC Med program. We are proud to see our company and intellectual property grow, solidifying our commitment to a more sustainable future” said Adriana Santanocito.
Learn more about the WeMed Award and the STAND Up! project here https://lnkd.in/dAHHG6Vr
With this ambitious vision and their impressive track record, Ohoskin is poised to disrupt the luxury market for years to come.
Check out their website: https://www.ohoskin.com/
Follow them in social media:
FB:https://www.facebook.com/ohoskinbrand/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ohoskin_brand/
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohoskinsrl
X: https://twitter.com/ohoskin_brand
Photo credits: courtesy of Ohoskin