Ever find yourself scrolling through old clips of Project Runway season one? You know the ones. The corn husk dress. That impeccably coiffed hair. The sheer, unapologetic glamour of a 23-year-old who looked like he’d stepped right out of a 1940s Hollywood backlot. If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered what is Austin Scarlett doing now while everyone else is busy talking about fast fashion and minimalist beige.
Honestly, he didn't just disappear into a cloud of tulle.
While the fashion world moves at a breakneck pace, Austin has been busy reinventing what it means to be a "fashion personality" in 2026. He isn't just sketching wedding gowns in a lonely atelier anymore. He’s actually taking center stage—literally.
From the Runway to the Spotlight: Satin Secrets
Late in 2025, Austin threw everyone a curveball. He didn’t just release another bridal collection; he launched a one-man show called Satin Secrets: A Night with Austin Scarlett. It premiered at Theatre Row in New York City as part of the United Solo Theatre Festival.
This isn't your typical "sit-down and talk about my career" type of event. It’s a full-on cabaret. Imagine the technical brilliance of a couture designer mixed with the soul of a jazz singer. He’s up there crooning standards, sharing stories from the early days of Bravo, and—this is the best part—performing a dizzying amount of costume changes. All of them are his own designs, obviously.
Why this shift matters
- The Multi-Hyphenate Reality: It’s not enough to be just a designer anymore.
- Authentic Storytelling: He’s finally talking about the "heartache and happiness" of the industry.
- Creative Autonomy: He’s calling the shots, from the lighting to the set design by Chris Fields.
The show, directed by Dusty Childers, basically peels back the "silken curtain." It’s a vibe that feels very 2026—people want the person, not just the brand. Seeing a guy who once turned grocery store vegetables into high fashion now interpreting vintage vinyl on a New York stage? That’s growth.
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The State of the Austin Scarlett Atelier
Don't worry, the sewing machines haven't stopped humming. For years, the big question regarding what is Austin Scarlett doing now was usually focused on his bridal business. He launched his signature couture line back in 2012, and it became a staple at places like Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
His work is still very much alive, though it has become increasingly exclusive. He’s moved toward a more bespoke, "made-to-order" model. It’s less about being in every department store and more about the "Art of Couture." If you want an Austin Scarlett gown today, you’re looking at a process that involves his personal supervision in the heart of NYC.
What sets his current work apart?
Honestly, it's the technique. While most brands are outsourcing production to save a buck, Austin is still obsessed with silk satin organza, horsehair wave detailing, and hand-draping. He’s mentioned in recent interviews that a wedding dress isn't just a "runway fantasy"—it’s a real garment that becomes part of a woman’s history. That level of sincerity is rare these days.
He’s also leaned into his role as a costume designer. You might have seen his work at the Public Theater or even with the Santa Fe Ballet. He’s taking those couture skills and applying them to movement and stagecraft, which explains why his own cabaret show looks so polished.
Living the "Red Carpet Life" in 2026
You won't see Austin chasing every viral TikTok trend. That’s just not his style. He’s always been a bit of a "hopeless romantic" who prefers the grand traditions of the 21st century over ephemeral internet fame.
Interestingly, he’s been spending more time in North Carolina lately, occasionally popping up for events like Austin Fashion Week. He seems to have found a balance between the high-pressure world of Manhattan and a more grounded, inspired lifestyle. He’s even talked about how his sisters were his first models and how that early playfulness still fuels his work today.
The Legacy of Season One
Whenever people ask what is Austin Scarlett doing now, there’s always a hint of nostalgia. We remember the "corn husk dress" because it was a moment of pure, unadulterated creativity before reality TV became a formula.
Austin has managed to do something very few early reality stars did: he kept his dignity. He didn't become a caricature. Whether he’s designing a gown for a "cinematic siren" at Neiman Marcus or singing jazz in a New York basement, he’s stayed remarkably consistent.
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Actionable Insights for Austin Fans
If you’re looking to reconnect with his work or find inspiration in his journey, here’s how to do it:
- Check the Theatre Listings: Satin Secrets was a massive hit at United Solo. Keep an eye out for potential touring dates or a digital release of the performance.
- Go Bespoke: If you’re a bride-to-be looking for that specific "Austin aesthetic," reach out to his atelier directly rather than looking for off-the-rack options. The brand has moved toward a more intimate, one-on-one experience.
- Follow the Art, Not Just the Fashion: Look into his costume design work for dance companies and theater productions. It’s where he’s doing some of his most "technically innovative" work right now.
- Embrace the Aesthetic: Take a cue from Austin—don't be afraid of a little drama. In a world of sweatpants, being the person who chooses "grandeur and opulence" is a radical act of self-expression.
Austin Scarlett is proving that there is life after reality TV, and it doesn't have to be loud or messy to be successful. It just has to be fabulous.