Airport Experience® News - ACDBE Issue 2025

BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF

TERMINAL FASHION IND Partners With University To Showcase Sustainable Clothing Designs To Travelers

BY SARAH BELING

V isitors passing through Indianapolis International Airport (IND) this April were treated to an Earth Week-themed fashion show and design exhibit, thanks to the airport’s first Recycled Runway event, hosted in partnership with the nearby Ball State University Fashion Industry Studies program. The fashion show, which featured 13 designs from nine Ball State students, showcased pieces made from donated and recycled materials and clothing. The showcase was coupled with a fireside chat involving student designers and Polina Osherov, executive director of e-commerce accelerator Pattern, Inc . Indianapolis Airport Authority officials say that they chose to host the fashion show to not only demonstrate their ongoing commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious operations, but also to show their “ongoing support of the creative economy in Indiana.” IND also has a strong Ball State University connection, officials add. “In fact, one of our former interns is connected with the Ball State fashion program, and our senior director of public affairs is a Ball State alum and serves on a board with the university,” say officials, “so it was a strong connection to who we are and how we support the community in multiple ways.” Travelers were more than happy to learn from the exhibit, say IND officials, noting that “whenever we have pop-up exhibits, people usually stop and look at them, but with this one being displayed on mannequins, it made people pause more and drew them in to learn more. Also, we heard from many parents attending the event about how proud they were that their child had their artwork in the terminal, and cited that as a huge accomplishment.”

“Partnering with the Indianapolis Airport was an incredible opportunity for our students and team,” says Ball State professor and assistant lecturer of Fashion Industry Studies Audrey Robbins. “From the very first conversation, the energy and enthusiasm were undeniable, and it all came together in a truly unforgettable event. We proudly spotlighted nine talented students who debuted twelve original designs, each one thoughtfully upcycled and transformed into stunning, runway-ready fashion statements.” Students enjoyed the opportunity to display their work in the high-profile transit facility, too. “Participating in the Earth Day Recycled Runway exhibit at the airport was truly inspiring. It was incredible to see so many people excited about sustainable fashion and to connect over the creativity behind the materials we used,” says Ball State student and teaching assistant Emily Hayes. “As a designer, having my work featured in such a high-traffic space was an amazing

Above: In April, Indianapolis International partnered with Ball State University for a sustainability-focused fashion showcase with designs using upcycled clothing.

opportunity to spark conversations and raise awareness. I hope travelers paused, looked closer, and left with a deeper appreciation for why sustainable fashion matters.” And while the exhibit was temporary, officials say that IND “honors Earth Day every day in how we operate and the decisions we make.” It’s not certain yet if the Recycled Runway event will become an annual Earth Week event. Nevertheless, IND officials say that they’re “pleased with the passenger response and how this aligns with our eco-conscious operations, our emphasis on strategic partnerships and community engagement, and our commitment to promoting the creative economy.”

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AX NEWS JUNE 2025