Runway R&R exhibit turns aircraft leather into couture at HOU

Houston Airports, Southwest Airlines and Magpies & Peacocks celebrate sustainable fashion and aviation partnership.

Jun 16, 2025

In a bold blend of fashion, sustainability and aviation, Houston Airports hosted an exclusive reception Monday, June 16, to celebrate the Runway R&R exhibit at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), where retired aircraft seats have found stunning second lives as high-fashion designs.

The exhibit is a collaboration between Southwest Airlines, Houston-based nonprofit Magpies & Peacocks and Houston Airports. On display in Hobby’s main concourse, Runway R&R features seven original fashion pieces crafted entirely from retired Southwest Airlines leather seats, highlighting the power of creative reuse and circular design.

During Monday’s event, key leaders behind the partnership gathered to discuss the exhibit’s creation and larger sustainability efforts. Sarah-Jayne Smith, president of Magpies & Peacocks, joined vice president Ahshia Berry, Southwest Airlines Senior Corporate Responsibility Regional Manager Ana Schwager, and City of Houston Chief Curator of Cultural Affairs Alton DuLaney for a conversation with invited guests.

“This project demonstrates how innovation can fuel sustainability, transform waste into art and create real social impact,” said DuLaney.

The exhibit marks the 10th anniversary of Southwest Airlines’ Repurpose with Purpose program, which launched after the airline retired 43 acres of aircraft seat leather as part of a fleet refresh. Since 2014, Southwest has donated over $2 million in grants and repurposed 1.4 million pounds of leather, supporting employment, skills training and workforce development across multiple communities.

Magpies & Peacocks, the nation’s only nonprofit design house dedicated to disrupting textile waste, led the design work. Through its MAKR Collective initiative, the nonprofit trains and employs trauma survivors, including those who have experienced human trafficking, domestic violence and those who are military veterans or are overcoming housing insecurity.

“Hobby Airport’s passengers now have a front-row seat to see how aviation waste can become wearable art,” said DuLaney. “Public art at Houston Airports continues to surprise, inspire, and reflect the creativity of our city.”

The Runway R&R exhibit will remain on display in Hobby Airport's main concourse and ticketing lobby through October 2025.