Houston Airports, Southwest Airlines, and the nonprofit design house Magpies & Peacocks have teamed up to present a unique fashion exhibition at William P. Hobby Airport, marking a significant commitment to sustainable fashion and creative upcycling.
The “Runway R&R” exhibit, officially announced earlier this month, aims to engage travelers in a dialogue on sustainability and the potential of repurposed materials, such as airline seat leather, to create high-fashion pieces.
This partnership highlights both environmental stewardship and the power of art in delivering meaningful messages to the public.
This exhibit also celebrates the 10th anniversary of Southwest Airlines’ “Repurpose with Purpose” program. Launched in 2014, this global sustainability initiative focuses on reusing retired aircraft seat leather to prevent it from ending up in landfills.
According to Southwest Airlines, the program has successfully kept more than 1.4 million pounds of leather out of landfills, benefiting communities through grants and job creation.
The airline has also distributed over $2 million in grants as part of this commitment, fostering skill development and employment opportunities linked to sustainable fashion practices.
The “Runway R&R” exhibit is an artistic showcase of fashion items created from upcycled airline seat leather, transforming what was once airplane upholstery into stylish and sustainable art.
“By showcasing sustainable fashion, we encourage our airport guests to pause, reflect, and engage with the deeper message of creativity, reuse, and environmental stewardship that these incredible artists aim to convey,”
Alton DuLaney, curator of public and cultural arts for Houston Airports
The display not only represents innovative design but also emphasizes Houston Airports’ dedication to fostering meaningful conversations among travelers about art and sustainability.
As part of Southwest’s ongoing environmental initiatives, the airline has invested in lighter seat designs, which have contributed to fuel savings by reducing aircraft weight. Southwest also introduced redesigned cabins, featuring sustainable RECARO seats and updated employee uniforms.
These initiatives are part of a larger strategy to enhance passenger experience, improve environmental impact, and support the company’s financial performance.
