Solenn Robert

The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet, yet much of its biodiversity remains hidden, overlooked or under threat.

While conservation campaigns often spotlight well-known marine icons such as whales or sea turtles, countless lesser-known species face equal or greater vulnerability without receiving the same recognition. This invisibility not only diminishes their cultural and ecological importance but also limits the urgency of protecting them.

MERE responds to this gap by reframing marine conservation through the language of fashion and art. Rooted in the dual meaning of the French words mère (mother) and mer (sea), the project positions the ocean as both a nurturing force and a fragile entity.

By drawing inspiration from the traits, colours and textures of endangered marine life, MERE translates their essence into high-fashion inspired visuals. In doing so, the project shifts the narrative from scientific data, making marine life accessible, emotive and culturally resonant.

The context of MERE lies at the intersection of environmental awareness and visual storytelling. Fashion, as a cultural medium, carries the power to reshape how audiences perceive beauty and value. By applying this lens to marine species, the project encourages viewers to engage with them not just as ecological subjects, but as aesthetic and symbolic presences worth protecting. Ultimately, MERE positions conservation as not only a scientific necessity, but also a cultural responsibility: asking audiences to reimagine the ocean’s hidden life as art, and therefore, as something deeply worth saving.