The Brutalist: Up Close with David Taylor

Steven Kohlstock and 31-year-old David Taylor teamed up for this Playgirl exclusive. Inspired by Berlin’s brutalist architecture.

I’d describe myself as a bit of a hybrid: model, actor, content creator, athlete and health coach. Sports were a huge part of my life growing up. Basketball eventually took me to the US for college, onto the German national youth teams and later into professional basketball.

After sports, I became increasingly interested in health and longevity, which led me into medical school, personal training and nutrition.

At the same time, modeling and content creation gave me a completely different creative outlet through fashion, acting, music, cooking and lifestyle. But underneath all those labels, I’m simply someone who constantly wants to grow. I try not to compare myself too much with other people. I want to become a better version of myself, while also uplifting the people around me.

And I strongly believe in balance. Health matters to me, but health shouldn’t become a prison. Sometimes the healthy choice is training, eating well and going to bed early. Sometimes it’s dancing until 4 a.m. with your friends. I want both. 

Playgirl • November 2026.

Your favorite actor and why?

Denzel Washington and Leonardo DiCaprio. They both have an incredible presence. With Denzel especially, there’s this authority and calmness where he doesn’t need to do much to completely own a scene

What is your workout routine?

My roots will always be basketball. These days I combine strength training, athletic training and conditioning. I still like to move like an athlete rather than train purely for aesthetics. I want to look good, obviously, but I also want my body to actually perform.

Which living person do you most admire?

My family. Different people in my family have taught me completely different things about discipline, ambition, love and resilience. The older I get, the more I appreciate that.

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of?

There are a few: graduating from college in the US, becoming a professional basketball player, representing Germany at youth national-team level and being selected for the Jordan Brand Classic among some of Europe’s best young players.

But I’m probably most proud of continuously reinventing myself. Basketball was once my entire identity, and learning that there can be another chapter after that was important for me.

Glasses: Prada • Jacket: YSL • Pants: Woolrich • Socks: Falke • Boots: Gucci.

What is your favorite movie?

I’m a huge Marvel and Harry Potter nerd, which people sometimes don’t expect. But I also love psychological movies like Shutter Island that make you rethink the entire movie afterwards.

Where would you like to live?

Berlin still feels like home and I genuinely love living here. But I’m a free spirit, so I could easily imagine spending part of my life somewhere like Barcelona or close to the ocean. Give me a big city, good food, interesting people and water nearby and I’m happy.

Who is your favorite singer?

Chris Brown. Controversies aside, purely musically and as a performer, I’ve always loved his work. The combination of singing, dancing and stage presence is pretty unique.

Are you single?

Single. So, ladies, hit me up.

Glasses: Prada • Jacket: YSL • Necklace: Emanuele Bicocchi Jewelry.

What is your favorite travel destination?

Asia in general. Japan is probably at the top of my list, but I also love Korea and Thailand. I’m fascinated by the food, culture and how completely different everyday life can feel compared with Europe.

What is your favorite place to make love?

My bed is hard to beat. But outside in nature can be fun too. Honestly, with the right person, any place can be the right place.

If you could change one thing about your body, what would you change?

I wouldn’t seriously change anything. But if somebody offered me another inch or two of height, I wouldn’t say no. And maybe blue eyes for a day, just to see what all the hype is about.

Glasses: Prada • Suit: Hugo • Boots: Gucci.

What do you like most and what do you hate about modeling?

I love how much modeling teaches you about yourself. You learn how your body moves, how to pose and how to communicate emotions without saying anything. In that sense, modeling can actually feel very close to acting.

The downside is that it can do exactly the opposite. You’re constantly being judged on things that are incredibly subjective. One bad shoot, rejection or unflattering picture can suddenly make you question yourself. You have to learn not to let other people’s perception determine how you see yourself.

Your favorite food?

Asian cuisine, easily. Japanese, Korean and Thai especially. I also love cooking myself and experimenting with healthier or plant-based versions of dishes without making them taste like “health food.”

Glasses: Prada • Suit: Hugo • Boots: Gucci.

Who is the fashion model you look up to the most?

I don’t really have one specific model I try to emulate. I’m more inspired by people who manage to build something beyond modeling — where fashion becomes one part of a bigger personal brand rather than their entire identity.

Tell us something nobody knows about you.

People often assume I’m either the athlete or the fashion guy when they first meet me, but I’m actually a massive nerd. I can happily talk about longevity and medicine for an hour and then switch to anime or Marvel.

Instagram: @DavidTaylorOfficial

More of David, exclusively at PLAYGIRL+

Leather Vest: YSL vintage • Jock: Calvin Klein.