Austin Scarlett is a New York designer whose work has been described as “magic” and “a tour de force” (The New York Times), “worthy of a goddess” (Elle), “technically innovative and aesthetically sublime” (Madame Figaro) and he is a “bright young thing” (Artforum).

Born in Cottage Grove, Oregon, Austin has been designing since he was a child.  Following his passion, Scarlett moved to New York as a teenager to pursue his education in fashion design, studying at the Art Students League of New York and The Fashion Institute of Technology.  After graduating, he continued to hone his talents in dressmaking as an apprentice fashion archivist at the Museum at FIT, and a theatrical costume design assistant and pattern maker.

Austin first gained international recognition for his designs on the original season of Project Runway, winning the program's first challenge ever with his famed corn husk dress.  He went on to become one of the youngest designers in history to be named Creative Director of a couture wedding and eveningwear collection, Kenneth Pool, in 2006, creating six seasons of gowns for the design house.

As a multimedia artist, Austin’s work with theatre and television provides another outlet for his abundant creativity, and a platform to share his philosophy of beauty with the world. In 2010 he developed, hosted and designed in his critically acclaimed television program, On the Road with Austin and Santino.  Austin again captivated the hearts and minds of millions with his unique style on Project Runway All-Stars in 2012.

As fashion historian and expert, Austin has lectured at Yale, New York Public Library, Parsons School of Design, and the University of Texas. He authored the book “Forever Scarlett, the Immortal Style of Gone with the Wind”.

He has designed costumes for David Parson's Dance on PBS, Juilliard, Fort Worth Opera, The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Shen Wei Dance Arts at the Park Avenue Armory and Metropolitan Museum of Art.