Fresh from New York Fashion Week, with a Ralph Lauren campaign on the horizon, we chat with up-and-coming talent Taylor Simmons.   Learn how this Clutts Agency find isn’t letting fame go to his head – and why he probably won’t be dating a fellow model anytime soon.     As high school drew to a close, Texan Taylor Simmons passed up an opportunity to play college football in search of success in the modeling industry. After signing with Dallas-based Clutts Agency, and later Major Model Management in New York City, his risk netted reward in the form of shoots with famed photographer Bruce Weber for Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister.   Next up for Simmons, a Ralph Lauren campaign is set for December release, and Armani is already on the books. His career is set to skyrocket - but Simmons’ (cowboy) boots are still firmly planted on solid Southern ground.   Here, we chat with the up-and-comer about his Texan style, hometown girls versus international models, and more.  

  DFW Style Daily: Tell us about your first professional runway experience.   Taylor Simmons: It was a big shock. …I remember walking down the runway for the first time, and I saw more cameras than I had seen in my entire life. It was kind of like Friday Night Lights. It felt like there were five hundred cameras, and it was insane.   Describe your personal style.   I still wear my cowboy boots and boot cut jeans all the time. I try to keep my Texas style. I wore my cowboy hat and boots to New York City my first time up there, and everybody was staring at me.   The modeling industry can be brutal. How do you keep things in perspective?   I am not going to let modeling change me. When I go on a shoot I am still the same sweet, innocent boy from Texas. To everyone I meet, I am very polite. I always say ‘sir’ or ‘ma'am’.   What was it like working with Bruce Weber?   When you shoot with him, there are about 50 people standing behind him, and it's magnificent. Everyone on set is very friendly and calm. Bruce likes positive energy. He likes everything natural, so he says to just ‘go have fun’, and then he starts shooting.   When I got to Plymouth, Massachusetts, for the Ralph Lauren shoot, Bruce asked, 'Where is your cowboy hat?' I told him it was back in Texas, and he said that he wanted it, so I had it over-nighted.   What are your thoughts on female models? Would you ever date a model?   It's hard to say. In New York the models are friendly. We get along with each other, and we all have a good time. In Milan, the female models look at male models like they are complete losers. Would I date a model? Probably not, because I love the sweet kindness of a Texas woman.   Note: All photos featured herein are the work of Bruce Weber.