But, just as I was having that thought, in walked Austin Scarlett! He was accompanied by Betsy Robinson, owner of the boutique, who was very warm and welcomed us kindly. She introduced us to Austin and when I said we were from Blogging Project Runway, he simply lit up! He said that he was familiar with the blog and would be very glad to talk with us. We settled in on some lovely couches with our champagne (what else would you drink with Austin Scarlett???). We jumped right into talking about what a dream it is for him to design these bridal gown with a practically unlimited budget, resources, and inspiration. I really enjoyed how he spoke of bridal gowns being a means of bringing such lavishness, opulence and glamour to the "everyday" woman...exactly what the Kenneth Pool line is about.
He shared that he does two lines a year but that each is really timeless. He told us that this line is a fantasy and right from his heart. I was curious as to whether he had a favorite dress or not and he told us that they were like his children...that on one day, one would be the favorite and then the next, he'd really like another but when it came down to it, they were each incredibly dear to him. He said that he loves being given the opportunity to make dreams come true and to be a part of such a happy moment. In regards to the future, he really enjoys what he is doing now but is also insanely excited to see what comes next!
Next, we talked about the BEST PART...PROJECT RUNWAY! He does excitedly tune in each and every Wednesday night like the rest of America! He keeps in touch with Heidi and Tim and said that Tim has continued to be a wonderful friend and mentor to him. After the show, Tim gifted him with a mannequin of his own. He seemed to be very thankful not only for all that Project Runway had exposed him to but also for the relationships he gained there. I was dying to ask about his corn husk dress and whether it had survived! He said, humorously, that it was hanging in his closet at home! After each of the shows air, BRAVO auctions off the designs and that dress was purchased by a publicity company who then gave it back to him. It said that it is completely shriveled but still lives on!
We chatted about our mutual love of Laura (me for the maintenance of her glamour in the midst of a gaggle of children, he for her similar aesthetic...) and about the frustration over feeling like the judges weren't always supportive of her distinct style. I had to ask, in light of Laura and Heidi's impending children, if he had ever thought of doing children's wear...he replied, "I've thought of doing beaded christening gowns...with 100 foot trains!" Of course! Before moving off of the subject of the show, I asked about Santino picking the same fabric for his "Inspiration" challenge as Austin had picked for his "Grammy" dress. He said, "Well, of course! It's fabulous fabric!" and said that he was very flattered. He consistently spoke highly of the show, felt like he had been accurately portrayed, and was so very thankful for the experience.
Being a seamstress myself, I'm always intrigued by how designers got their start with a sewing machine. Austin told us that he taught himself to sew. His mother sewed but never really approved of his interest in fashion so he would sneak her machine out. He said that when she would put her machine away, she'd set it to back stitch and when Austin would get the machine out to sew for himself, he didn't know how to make it go forward so he just would always sew in reverse! Wouldn't that make a great challenge for the show? In regards to sewing, he stated that he is a true constructionist...always wanting to do everything the old fashioned was with proper construction and techniques like ironing seams, clipping thread, and hand finishing of hems.
Finally, Austin again gushed about how fantastic an experience the show was and that he looks forward to providing fashion for the rest of his life so keep looking out for Austin Scarlett!
When we were done talking, we took the opportunity to take some pictures with our We HEART BPR sign and also some pictures with Betsy Robinson. Through the course of conversation, we discovered that Ms. Robinson knew Maria's in-laws family quite well so Austin and I made some more small talk while they chatted about old times! What a delight! The whole evening had an air of classiness about it while being amazingly down to earth. Thank you BPR for the opportunity to go meet such a genuine human being! We HEART BPR and we HEART AUSTIN SCARLETT!
A special thanks to Maria, my best friend, who was my scribe and photographer and for having the awareness to help Austin and I see, in the midst of our conversation, when someone was standing by waiting for a greeting from him!
More pictures can be seen here.
Amber M (Laurel, MD)
Click here to comment.
