Printable Biography of Austin Scarlett

Austin Scarlett is a designer whose work spans the realms of fashion, theatre and pop culture.

Scarlett’s designs have been described as “magic” (The New York Times), “worthy of a goddess” (Elle), “technically innovative and esthetically sublime” (Madam Figaro), and he, a “bright young thing” (Artforum).

Born in Cottage Grove, Oregon, as a teenager Austin moved to New York to pursue his education at The Fashion Institute of Technology. He also studied fine arts at The Art Students League of New York. After graduating, Austin continued his studies by working as an apprentice costume archivist at the Museum at FIT and their collection of historic costume and Haute Couture.

In 2005 Austin made television and fashion history with the creation of his immortal corn-husk dress, on the very first episode of the Peabody award winning Project Runway.

Austin continued to develop his reputation for couture when he served as creative director of international bridal and evening collection Kenneth Pool, designing over six seasons of gowns from Spring 2006 to Spring 2009.

Scarlett’s other Television projects have included his traveling fashion adventure, On the Road with Austin and Santino, 2010, and Project Runway All-Stars, airing 2012.

Austin’s life long love for theatrical performance has led him to costume design and collaboration with artists such as Shen Wei at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, David Parson’s Dance as seen on PBS, The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Greenwich Music Festival: 2010 El Cimmarone, 2011 Jean Cocteau.

Scarlett also enjoys sharing his design talents in support of the arts and charitable causes including The New York Public Library, Equity Fights AIDS, Live Out Loud, Women in Need, and City Opera.

Austin lives in New York City.