The Power of Presentation: D. Simmons debuts “The Bespoke Collection” at New York Fashion Week
When you meet D. Simmons, you can instantly tell he lives by his motto: “Dress How You Want to Be Addressed.” The Houston native, raised in Channelview, has already made a name for himself as a master barber with more than two decades behind the chair. But on September 13, 2025, Simmons will step onto one of the biggest stages in fashion as he debuts The Bespoke Collection at New York Fashion Week.
This moment is more than a showcase. For Simmons, it is proof that self-belief and persistence can cut through any barrier, even without formal training.
The Leap from Barbering to Bespoke
Fashion was always in him, long before the runway lights. “People at the shop would ask me all the time where I got my clothes from,” Simmons said. “I tried reaching out to a company I bought clothes from, but they dismissed me because I didn’t have a big social media following. That was my moment to say, you know what? I can’t let them tell me what I can and cannot do. That’s when I created Dcasso Custom.”
Without investors, models, or even clients at the beginning, Simmons invested in himself. He designed, purchased, and wore his own creations, learning each step through trial and error. “I went through a lot of material, a lot of money, but I figured it out. Step by step, laying each brick one at a time.”
A Collection That Demands Respect
What sets Simmons’ work apart is precision. His custom suits are designed to require
little to no alterations, saving clients both time and money. His newest statement piece? A bomber jacket crafted from soft goat skin and lined with camel hair. “It’s an oldie but goodie with a twist,” he explained. “I want to bring back those classic styles in a way that feels fresh.”
At New York Fashion Week, he sees this as more than a chance to show off his designs. “It’s about getting on that stage and having people from all over the world see what you’re doing,” Simmons said. “For a small-town boy from Channelview, Texas, to stand next to global designers, that’s a privilege and a stepping stone.”
For Simmons, style is deeper than clothing. It is armor, confidence, and identity. 
“Before you even say anything, people judge you by how you look,” he said. “As a Black man, I know I already have strikes against me. So I step out in a way that demands respect. That’s what I want for my clients, too. When they put on my pieces, I want them to feel like they can conquer anything.”
It is that energy, that undeniable swag, that he believes transforms the way his clients move through the world. “It’s like when you get your hair done, you walk differently. That’s what my clothes do.”
Inspirations and Legacy
Simmons credits mentors both in and out of fashion. A longtime client and friend, David Amanite, inspired Simmons with his sharp dressing early on, while global icons like Ralph Lauren continue to influence his vision.
But when it comes to legacy, Simmons thinks bigger than accolades. “Fashion lives on,” he reflected. “Versace isn’t here, but his style still exists. I want Dcasso to be that. I want my name and my logo to stand the test of time, something my children’s children can still look at and be proud of.”
For anyone chasing a dream, Simmons has simple but powerful advice: jump. “If you have a vision, don’t be afraid. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it because of followers or status. The only stopping point is you. Birds can never fly until they jump out of the nest. So jump.”
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to New York Fashion Week begins, Simmons is still seeking sponsors to support his milestone moment. Tickets to his show will be available, and he encourages anyone interested in the magic of fashion to experience it firsthand.
For now, he continues to press forward, blending Houston grit with luxury design. Simmons is proving that when you dress how you want to be addressed, doors open, and sometimes those doors lead straight to New York Fashion Week.
