Austin Scarlett American fashion designer Date of Birth: 01.01.1983 Country: USA

1. Biography of Austin Scarlett
2. Early Career
3. Success on "Project Runway"
4. Post-"Project Runway" Career
5. Recognition and Television Appearances
6. Philanthropy

Biography of Austin Scarlett

Austin Scarlett is an American fashion designer who gained fame after participating in the first season of the reality show "Project Runway" in 2004-2005, where he almost made it to the finals. Born on January 1, 1983, in Ringwood, New Jersey, Austin is the son of Debra Little and Christopher Scarlett. He studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, specializing in high-end clothing construction and evening gown design, and graduated with a degree in fashion design. Additionally, Austin pursued painting at the Art Students League of New York, an art school in New York City.

Early Career

While still a student, Austin started sewing custom garments for private clients and worked as an assistant designer and pattern maker on various projects, ranging from opera to ballet and from film shoots to Broadway productions. He also worked in the costume archive of the Fashion Institute of Technology, dealing with their fabric and couture collections.

Success on "Project Runway"

Austin's breakthrough came during his participation in the first season of "Project Runway," which premiered on December 1, 2004. He received rave reviews on the show for his ability to create stunning garments under tight deadlines, despite the unconventional challenges of the competition. In the very first episode, he crafted a breathtaking dress made from corn husks, which Tim Gunn and the three judges later declared as one of the most impressive designs in the show's history.

Post-"Project Runway" Career

Following his success on "Project Runway," Austin released his own eponymous collection for the fall of 2005 and the spring of 2006. In January 2006, he became the creative director of the luxury clothing line "Kenneth Pool" at the New York-based fashion house, Amsale, and held this position until early 2009. The wedding dresses created based on his designs continue to be highly sought after by brides all over the world.

Recognition and Television Appearances

As a designer and print enthusiast, Austin has been featured in publications such as "The New York Times," "Town and Country," "Madame Figaro," "Elle," "In Style," "New York Daily News," and "Women's Wear Daily." He has appeared on television channels including NBC, Bravo, MTV, E!, PBS, The Discovery Channel, Logo, and VideoFashion. Both Austin and his dresses have been featured on the TLC program "Say Yes to the Dress." Comedian Fred Armisen parodied him on "Saturday Night Live's" "Project Runway" sketch. Additionally, Austin has worked on costumes for opera performances such as "El Cimarron" at the Greenwich Music Festival, as well as for ballet companies like Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and David Parsons Dance.

Philanthropy

Austin Scarlett also channels his design talents for numerous charitable causes, collaborating with organizations such as the New York Public Library, New York City Opera, "Live Out Loud," "Equity Fights AIDS," "Women In Need," and many others.