"My main goal in life has always been for my work to be looked upon as something of lasting bea

Austin Scarlett wowed us with his incredible works of art on the first season of Project Runway. Since then, he has traveled the world as one of the top American fashion designers, appearing on shows like Say Yes to the Dress and dressing celebrities with his beautiful gowns. His unparalleled passion for what he does makes him our #MCM:

1. What's your story? What makes you unique?

Most of America knows a little of my story from watching my work on Project Runway: boy from Oregon dreams big, works hard and makes those dreams come true.

What makes me unique? A deep respect and love of the traditions, techniques and classical esthetic of Haute Couture. A passion for creating one-of –a-kind designs for a new generation of women around the world. My work aspires to a balance of freshness, romance and sophistication, of timelessness and innovation.

2. What motivates you?

Creating beauty, the world needs all it can get.

Helping women feel empowered through there own unique expression of style.

3. Who is a hero of yours?

Cristobol Balenciaga, the legendary master Couturier.

To him, fashion was living sculpture, moving breathing art, and the female form his eternal inspiration. Balenciaga was among the few couturiers who understood every aspect of a designed creation from first vision, development of the silhouette and pattern, perfection in fit, to the fine techniques of construction and finishing. He was an artist and a craftsman, if in some small way I can carry that torch for a while, it would be a dream fulfilled.

4. What's your future plan? Your goals?

Right now we are in the process of developing a number of new projects. One I am particularly excited about is a new cocktail collection at a more broadly accessible price point.I’d love for every woman in the world to have at least a few Austin Scarlett’s hanging in her closet. My main goal in life has always been for my work to be looked upon as something of lasting beauty.

5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Know Thyself.

Don’t try to do everything.

Think carefully on which opportunities are right for you and which ones aren’t.

When the right opportunities come along, give them all you’ve got.

6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?

Arts education is a cause I believe is tremendously important for the youth of today and tomorrow….our next generation of designers, inventors and artists!

I’m always looking for ways to get kids exited about creating, whether it be fashion, music, art, theatre, poetry, anything to get their brains thinking outside the computer screen.

I have had the joy of working with children’s programs like the NY Public Library, and have hosted kids groups in my studio, but there is always more I wish I could do!

7. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?

I’ve been so blessed with fantastic opportunities, fun adventures and glamorous experiences throughout my life, from traveling cross-country filming my own TV show, designing costumes for the Metropolitan Museum of art, and working with fascinating clients like Deborah Norville….

One really cool thing I did recently was to make a dress for my grandmother’s 90th birthday; it was blue ombre chiffon and we both had a great time. Can’t wait to design her 100th birthday dress!

When all is said and done, the coolest thing remains being able to follow my heart’s calling do what I love every day.