At Mia Bridal Couture

An old soul trapped in a 29-year-old body: Austin Scarlett's wedding gowns evokesimpler times

Designer Austin Scarlett next to his Strapless Duchess Satin Floreale at a trunkshow at Mia Bridal Couture in River Oaks.
Photo by Terilyn Brown & Koby Brown/ArchetypeStudioInc.com
Scarlett incorporates his personal love of Parisian vintage couture to meldmodern and youthful patterns into old world glamor.
Photo by Terilyn Brown & Koby Brown/ArchetypeStudioInc.com
Mia Bridal Couture owners with Austin Scarlett Team, Starla Flake (from left),Emily Arbuckle, Neal Hamil Model, Austin Scarlett, Jill Ivers and AllisonAlexander.
Photo by Terilyn Brown & Koby Brown/ArchetypeStudioInc.com
Mary Denney, left, and Starla Flake
Photo by Terilyn Brown & Koby Brown/ArchetypeStudioInc.com
John and Jo Ann Woodward
Photo by Terilyn Brown & Koby Brown/ArchetypeStudioInc.com
Erin Crouch, left, and Lauren Simkins
Photo by Terilyn Brown & Koby Brown/ArchetypeStudioInc.com
His approach follows a trend in brides seeking garments that reach beyond justappearance. Women want something more meaningful, a touch that tells her storyand evinces the essence of the couple in love.
Photo by Terilyn Brown & Koby Brown/ArchetypeStudioInc.com
The trunk show was complete with complete with Michael's Cookie Jar pastries,nibbles by Occasio Events and Plants & Petals florals.
Photo by Terilyn Brown & Koby Brown/ArchetypeStudioInc.com

Fashionistas may have expected Austin Scarlett's first signature collection since departing wedding gown maker Kenneth Pool to be suffused with dramatic flair, akin to the corn husk dress that won the first challenge in Project Runway's inaugural season or the daring formals he opts for artsy soirees at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.

After all, the young designer has a penchant for all things theatrical.

In fact, he's preparing for his costume debut with the Forth Worth Opera with a piece by Daniel Crozier on the life of 17th-century Mexican nun, Juana Inés de la Cruz.

Surprising his devout following at a trunk show at Mia Bridal Couture in River Oaks — complete with Michael's Cookie Jar pastries, nibbles by Occasio Events and Plants & Petals florals — Scarlett's weddings gowns flow with a nostalgia for simpler times. He incorporates his personal love of Parisian vintage couture to meld modern and youthful patterns into old-world glamor.

"Austin is an old soul trapped in a 29-year-old body," Allison Alexander, his business director, jests.

"People in other parts of the country have this assumption that Texas brides all wear enormous, debutante, satin ball gowns. It's the complete opposite."

Consider his Strapless Duchess Satin Floreale: The asymmetrical skirt ruffle could belong to a voluminous ball gown — think mega, puffy sleeves and some sort of gravity defying headpiece. But Scarlett opts for a sexy, form-fitting bodice that accentuates the natural womanly curves and exposes skin.

The Tulip gown finds its muse in a flower bouquet, yet it's updated with hand-painted stems that rise to the strapless neckline, fastened by a grosgrain ribbon at the waist. Her face becomes the blossoms.

Yet in lieu of dictating his "something-old, something-new" style, Scarlett's approach follows a trend in brides seeking garments that reach beyond just appearance. Whether an added color, initials embroidered in the train, a detail on the petticoat, women want something more meaningful, a touch that tells her story and evinces the essence of the couple in love.

"The Houston woman has a love of tradition, a love of classical beauty," Scarlett tells CultureMap. "But they're also fashion forward. They love to dress up, they embrace femininity, and my collection is the perfect match. It's fresh and modern in the interpretation of those traditions."

Scarlett offers options. Take the two-piece organza ball gown. It has a layered petal bodice and overskirt separate from the underskirt, which can be removed to transform the ensemble into a petite — and seductive — cocktail dress.

All the fabrics are imported from Italy; much of material is lightweight, like silk, satin and tulle. Hand beading stitched in India — not China — adds elegant textures to flowing textiles. Dresses range from $4,000 to $10,000 in the regular collection, and the sky is the limit for a custom made gown.

"Mine is a craft as much as it's an art as much as it's a commercial good. Though my approach is always artistic. Doesn't that mean you are going to shock some people?"

"People in other parts of the country have this assumption that Texas brides all wear enormous, debutante, satin ball gowns," Alexander says. "It's the complete opposite. Brides here love a very modern, almost bohemian look.

"One thing they don't want — for sure — is to look like every other friend who's been married, and Houston brides don't shy away from taking a risk."

Next to intimate apparel, a wedding gown is the single most personal dress a woman will purchase. Doesn't (almost) every little girl dream of her day when she says I do to her Prince Charming? That Scarlett chose to delve into this genre of fashion says something about his passion for connecting one-on-one with his clients.

"When I work with brides and see fulfillment in their eyes while they imagine that pivotal moment in their lives, I am humbled and honored to be part of their story," he says. "It's a huge responsibility to realize their dream. That's something I love.

"There are so many pressures coming from so many directions in the fashion industry. But at the end of the day, you have to be true to yourself even if it means going against the advice of others. Mine is a craft as much as it's an art as much as it's a commercial good. Though my approach is always artistic.

"Doesn't that mean you are going to shock some people?"

Touché.

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SEASONAL SCORES

Where to shop in Houston right now: 12 stylish stops for September

Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

Houston designer Christy Lynn brings fall-ready style to the city with jewel-toned dresses, signature prints, and hand-painted silks.

Houstonians may be sweating through the beginning of September, but that hasn’t stopped the city’s retail scene from daydreaming about fall. From designer finds to new boutiques popping up in River Oaks District and CityCentre, this month brings plenty of reasons to shop. After all, it is always a good excuse to escape the heat, look for something new, and enjoy wishful thinking that Houston’s version of autumn is just around the corner.

Blue Bird Circle
Back for its fourth year, the Blue Bird Circle's Couture Boutique is a can't-miss shopping event featuring a highly curated collection of designer clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories from coveted names including Chanel, Dior, Gucci, St. John, and more — all at exceptional prices. The event is free and open to the public on September 12, from 10 am-3 pm at 615 W. Alabama St.

Burdlife
Get free piercings every Wednesday this month at M-K-T Heights piercing studio, Burdlife. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome, and all customers have to pay for is the jewelry itself, making it easy to get a midweek upgrade.

Christina Greene
Christina Greene launched Color Therapy, a new jewelry collection celebrating the way color can transform any look or mood. Known for her use of natural stones and colors, the brand created the collection around pieces that feel joyful, wearable, and easy to make your own.

Christy Lynn
Houston-based designer Christy Lynn Lee just dropped her latest collection of jewel-toned dresses and separates that are ideal for fall. Shoppers can stock up on her signature prints and hand-painted silks in transitional styles perfect for Houston's warmer autumn weather.

Creed
Available at the Galleria, Creed’s newest fragrance, Iris Debonair, is a floral fragrance inspired by British and French influences. The scent has notes of bergamot, absinthe, pink pepper, and cardamom.

Elizabeth Anthony
Uptown's must-shop boutique is celebrating 30 years this fall with a bevy of trunk shows and appearances. From Zimmermann to Safiyaa, Robertro Quaglia, and an in-person appearance by Van Gelder Find Jewelry, there is something for everyone to enjoy this month. More detailed information is available here.

J. Jill
Available at the Galleria, J. Jill has just dropped its reimagined denim collection, featuring new fits, fresh washes, and denim designed for all body types. The new line of denim is available in regular, petite, plus, and tall sizes.

Kendra Scott
The jewelry brand recently launched the Heaven's 27 Strand Necklace designed with the families of Heaven's 27 to honor the 27 girls who lost their lives in the Kerry County floods in July 2025. The hand-painted enamel hearts represent each girl through their favorite color. Kendra Scott will not retain any profit from the Heaven's 27 Strand Necklace; 100 percent of net profits will benefit the Heaven's 27 Foundation through the Kendra Scott Foundation.

Silvia Tcherassi
Houston is getting a new name in luxury fashion. Colombian designer Silvia Tcherassi is opening her first Texas boutique in River Oaks District. The boutique is located between the new Chloé and A.L.C. stores. Shoppers can expect Tcherassi’s latest ready-to-wear collections, Atelier pieces, accessories, and styles created exclusively with Houston in mind.

State & Liberty
Now open in CityCentre, Detroit-based State & Liberty is a menswear brand known for combining athletic fit with elevated style. The brand specializes in tailored clothing for athletic builds and offers suits, sport coats, dress shirts, and pants made with stretch fabrics for comfort and ease of movement.

Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters just opened a new store at The Woodlands Mall, introducing the brand’s latest retail concept to the market. The large, 5,604-square-foot space will feature a brighter, more modern design, making it easier for shoppers to navigate the store and personalize their looks. To celebrate the opening, UO Rewards members will receive a gift with purchase, with no minimum spend required, including a tote, gourmand fragrance, and patches.

Vince
Vince at River Oaks District is partnering with Houston-based ceramic artist Franki Star for an in-store art showcase. Running Monday, September 8 through Saturday, September 13, Star's ceramic pieces will be on display throughout the boutique all week. This art showcase is perfectly timed with Vince’s Fall 26 campaign launch.

Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

Houston designer Christy Lynn brings fall-ready style to the city with jewel-toned dresses, signature prints, and hand-painted silks.

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