Irish designer Megan Ginn combines cultural heritage and material innovation in her latest project, blending traditional Aran knitwear techniques with a novel algae-based biomaterial. Developed as part of her BA Fashion Design studies at Birmingham City University, Ginn’s work exemplifies how bio-based materials can open new avenues for sustainable and circular fashion design.

Biomaterial bonding for adaptive garments

Central to the project is Ginn’s custom-developed algae-based biomaterial, which acts as a bonding agent between wool and fabric. Unlike conventional synthetic adhesives, this natural binder offers both environmental and functional advantages. The biomaterial not only secures the knitted elements to the textile base but also introduces transformative design possibilities.

One of the material’s most distinctive properties is its thermoplastic behaviour: it can be reheated and reshaped, allowing garments to adapt and evolve over time. This reconfigurable quality enables wearers to personalise their clothing, creating a dynamic aesthetic that shifts with use and preference. Such adaptability aligns with contemporary design approaches that favour longevity, customisation, and emotional durability, key principles in circular fashion.

Inspiration from Aran knitwear

The design draws deeply from Ginn’s Irish heritage, referencing the complex patterns and rich cultural significance of Aran knitwear. Traditionally associated with fishermen’s sweaters, Aran patterns symbolise elements such as family, livelihood, and protection. By fusing these motifs with cutting-edge biomaterials, Ginn offers a contemporary interpretation that honours tradition while addressing modern sustainability challenges.

Potential beyond fashion

While the project is primarily fashion-focused, the innovative algae-based bonding technique could have broader applications for designers working with natural fibres across disciplines. Product designers and packaging developers exploring biodegradable or reconfigurable materials may find inspiration in the reheat-and-reshape functionality, which offers an alternative to single-use or static designs.

Sustainable material innovation

This project exemplifies ongoing explorations in bio-based, renewable material sources that reduce reliance on fossil fuel-derived synthetics. By integrating algae—an abundant, fast-growing resource—into textile bonding processes, Ginn contributes to the growing field of biomaterials that support a circular design economy.

Source: Megan Ginn
Photos: Fran Gomez de Villaboa / Gethin Jones