Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Tootle
Austin , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From a young age, I was always captivated by pop culture. While most kids spent their mornings watching cartoons before school, I was glued to MTV with my sister, mesmerized by the musical artists and the artistry behind their music videos. Music has always been one of my greatest sources of inspiration, and art was a constant presence in my life. I took art classes all through elementary, middle, and high school, and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my art teacher, Mrs. Appelfeller, for putting up with my wild ideas and helping me develop my passion.
In my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to direct the school musical, which was when I really felt like I was in my element. This experience led me to pursue modeling and acting after graduation. However, I quickly realized that acting wasn’t for me, and I wasn’t the right size to pursue a career in modeling. But I became increasingly fascinated by the fashion being showcased on the runway, which ultimately led me to pursue a degree in fashion at the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD).
During my time at CCAD, I spent my freshman year and the start of my sophomore year learning the fundamentals of design. But then the pandemic hit, and I was forced to continue my education from my living room for over a year. It was a challenging time, but it was also a period of self-discovery. While many of my peers wanted to design for corporate brands, I realized I wanted to pursue a career as a runway designer or a designer who creates for celebrities—whether for concerts, music videos, or other high-profile events. I loved the glitz and glamour of the fashion world and dreamed of seeing my name in lights.
By my senior year, I was ready to put my vision into action. I curated a lingerie collection from scratch, drawing inspiration from cults, James Bond films, and the 1960s. The models wore 8-inch heels and vintage-style wigs, creating an unforgettable visual impact. At my senior fashion show, I was honored with the Easton Fashion Awards for academic achievement, creativity, prosperity, and dedication.
After graduation, I knew it was time to launch my own brand, TUTEL. My hard work paid off when I was selected to present an extension of my senior collection at the 2022 Fashion Week Columbus Finale Show. By the end of 2022, I had accomplished a lot—finishing college during a global pandemic and showcasing at a fashion week—but I was ready for a break. However, destiny had other plans.
In early February 2023, I received an invitation to present at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). At first, I thought it was a scam and didn’t respond, but they were persistent, and I quickly realized it was a legitimate opportunity. NYFW had always been my dream, and I knew how difficult it was to be invited, so I jumped at the chance.
Not long after that, I was approached to design an outfit for a figure skater for the 2024 National Figure Skating Championships at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. It was a collaboration with the Columbus Sports Commission, Experience Columbus, United States Figure Skating, and CCAD. I could hardly believe it when I learned the skater was 2023 USA National Champion, Isabeau Levito. The opportunity to design for such a talented athlete was something I never could’ve imagined, but I couldn’t pass it up.
2023 was a whirlwind. I showed at NYFW, designed for Isabeau Levito, and presented an extension of my NYFW collection at Fashion Week Columbus. But after everything that had happened, I thought 2024 might finally be my chance to take a break… or so I thought. In early 2024, I received an invitation to headline at NYFW, following one of the most viewed shows in 2023. I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and if I was going to return to NYFW, I had to make an even bigger impact than before.
So, in 2024, I headlined NYFW with an entirely new collection, followed by an extension of that collection at Fashion Week Columbus. It’s been an incredible journey, one I never could’ve predicted, but I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey to achieving anything in life is rarely a smooth one. We often focus so much on the finish line and the rewards that come after reaching a goal, but for me, it’s the challenges and lessons along the way that leave a lasting impact. Once you finally reach that destination, you might realize that the journey itself was actually the best part—full of growth, setbacks, and unforgettable moments.
A recent example that comes to mind happened on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend in 2024. It was my final day to finish everything for New York Fashion Week—sewing, steaming, packing… all the final touches. As I was preparing my finale look, I had this vision: I wanted to create a floor-length, fully studded leather trench coat. But with so much already on my plate, I knew I couldn’t do it alone. So, I called on my friends for help. My best friend Zach, my finale model Casanova, and my mom immediately dropped everything to come and assist.
We spent 13 nonstop hours working on that coat—punching out holes and applying each stud by hand. It was a massive undertaking, but somehow, we pulled it off. The finished product weighed a staggering 75 pounds—just pure leather, studs, and sweat. After staying up all night to finish, we packed everything up, and I drove to New York City to prepare for the show. It was one of the most exhausting experiences I’ve had, but when I look back on it, I can’t help but laugh at the memories we created and the moments of pure joy amid the chaos.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My name is Austin Tootle, and I’m a fashion designer based in Columbus, Ohio. I grew up in Lancaster, Ohio, and after college, I launched my own fashion brand called Tutel. What sets my work apart is my commitment to creating an immersive experience. Fashion, for me, is about more than just clothes—it’s about entertainment. When you come to one of my shows, I want every element to work together: the visuals, the music, the garments, the models—everything has to merge into one cohesive vision.
Looking back, I’ve always been fascinated by stage performers like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, and Lady Gaga. The drama and power they commanded on stage—along with the incredible outfits they wore—were a huge influence on me. I was also captivated by the iconic Victoria’s Secret fashion shows and the incredible energy and aesthetics they brought to the runway. Those performances were where I knew I wanted my own shows to draw inspiration from: the larger-than-life energy, the artistry, and the unforgettable impact.
I specialize in lingerie and stage/performance wear, but I don’t want to be limited by those labels. To be a well-rounded designer, you have to take on the challenges that come your way and push yourself to grow. I never want anyone to expect just one thing from me—I want to design for the client and bring their vision to life. There’s no greater feeling than when a model steps into an outfit, their face lights up, and they say, ‘I love it,’ or, ‘I feel so sexy and confident!’ That moment of transformation is what I live for.
And at the same time, I always come back to my roots in stagewear. I dream of designing for performers all over the world, creating outfits that not only elevate their presence but help them express their true artistry. Fashion doesn’t have limits—it’s a powerful medium for self-expression and performance, and that’s the philosophy I carry into everything I create
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck plays a role in all of our lives, whether good or bad, but it’s how you respond to it that makes all the difference. Early on, I’d probably say I experienced a lot of ‘bad luck.’ There were moments where I felt like things weren’t falling into place, where opportunities slipped through my fingers, or when obstacles seemed insurmountable. But over time, I’ve learned that what might seem like bad luck is often just a part of the process. It’s in those challenging moments that you learn the most about yourself and what you’re capable of.
As for good luck, I’d say I’ve definitely had my share. But it’s never been something I’ve relied on. I’ve always believed that luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Yes, being in the right place at the right time matters, but you can’t rely on luck alone—you have to be ready to take advantage of those moments when they come. For example, when I was invited to showcase at New York Fashion Week in 2023, I could’ve easily chalked that up to luck. But I knew it was the result of years of hard work, planning, and perseverance. When you put in the effort and push through the challenges, sometimes the right opportunities just seem to appear.
At the end of the day, I don’t think luck defines your success—it’s about staying focused, working relentlessly, and having the resilience to navigate both the good and the bad moments that inevitably come your way.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tutelcouture
- Other: email – tutelcouture@gmail.com
