Leather from the Sea

The research project Leather from the Sea, developed by Indrė Mikuckė, focuses on biobased materials made from natural ingredients, algal biomass, and algae-derived binders. Through processes of mixing, casting, and controlled drying, these components are transformed into flexible surfaces. The resulting materials reveal subtle irregularities, rich textures, and shifting shades that echo the character of natural leather. The project explores more sustainable alternatives to traditional leather production by rethinking resource use and minimizing environmental impact, offering designers and researchers new ways to combine creativity with ecological awareness.

Indrė Mikuckė is a clothing and accessories designer, lecturer in the Fashion Design study programme at Kauno Kolegija Higher Education Institution, and Junior Researcher at the Creative Interdisciplinary NEB Research Centre at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. Her research seeks to transform harmful processes into more sustainable ones by engaging with the natural environment. Through hands-on experimentation, she explores the potential of new surfaces and alternative forms of leather, aiming to reconnect human life with the natural world as an interconnected fabric. Her work bridges creative practice and ecological responsibility, contributing to the future of biobased materials.