After more than two decades mastering the art of grooming, Houston entrepreneur and designer D. Simmons is stepping into the global fashion spotlight. This September, the founder of DCASSO Custom Designs will unveil The Bespoke Collection at New York Fashion Week — a milestone that marks his transformation from respected master barber to emerging force in luxury menswear.

Simmons’ career began in Channelview, Texas, where he built a loyal client base as a barber known not only for his precision cuts but also for his sharp personal style. Nearly every day, he worked in a tailored suit — a choice that caught the attention of his clients. Many asked where he bought his suits, and one business decision by an established brand set him on a new path.

“When I approached a company about a collaboration, they told me I didn’t have enough followers,” Simmons recalled. Rather than see the rejection as a setback, he turned it into an opportunity. “If I couldn’t represent someone else’s brand, I’d build one that represented me.” That was the birth of DCASSO: The Art of Fashion — a label synonymous with craftsmanship, individuality, and unapologetic style.

Despite having no formal fashion training, Simmons immersed himself in the craft. He studied his own garments, breaking down every seam, lapel, and lining, learning fabric weights, and working closely with manufacturers to master fit and construction. His years behind the barber’s chair had taught him discipline, an eye for detail, and the importance of making clients feel confident — skills that seamlessly translated into custom fashion design.

Now, his Bespoke Collection is set to make its runway debut. Inspired by the idea that clothing should reflect individuality, the line blends the precision of traditional tailoring with daring fabrics, textured materials, and statement overcoats. Simmons describes the aesthetic as “timeless elegance with a modern edge” — clothing designed to make the wearer feel as if they own every room they enter.

Central to his work is his personal motto: “Dress How You Want to Be Addressed.” For Simmons, this is more than a catchy phrase — it’s a guiding philosophy. He believes clothing is the introduction before a word is spoken, shaping first impressions and influencing the way others respond. “Every stitch is intentional,” he says. “It’s about projecting confidence, commanding respect, and creating a lasting impression.”

His roots in Channelview and his life in Houston continue to shape his creative vision. Raised by a single mother of three, Simmons learned perseverance and humility early on. While Channelview gave him grit and resilience, Houston provided diversity, culture, and a creative melting pot that encouraged him to take risks and push design boundaries.

DCASSO’s clientele ranges from corporate executives to artists and public figures who value the brand’s bespoke approach. Each custom piece is designed to fit not just the wearer’s body, but their lifestyle and aspirations.

The road to building the brand has not been without challenges. Simmons recalls the difficulty of gaining credibility for an unknown fashion label. To combat skepticism, he invested heavily in himself — designing, modeling, and showcasing his own suits in professional photo shoots, letting his work speak louder than words. “Consistency builds trust,” he says, a principle that continues to drive his business.

Following his New York Fashion Week debut, Simmons plans to expand DCASSO into new cities, work with high-profile collaborators, and create a luxury retail and lifestyle space combining grooming, fashion, and personalized service. His vision is to turn DCASSO into a complete luxury experience.

“This is more than a clothing line,” Simmons said. “It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, styled, and ready to take on the world. And we’re just getting started.”