Layla Taylor, a prominent figure from the reality show ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,’ is set to make her debut on the New York Fashion Week runway this September 9. Taylor has been carving her path in the modelling industry since she announced her ambitions to pursue modelling in the show’s fourth season. This upcoming event, in collaboration with the fashion brand Oh! Polly, comes after she has participated in two Miami Swim Week shows over the past two years.
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Speaking to PEOPLE ahead of her New York Fashion Week appearance, Taylor shared her enthusiasm for working with Oh! Polly, describing the brand as “perfect” for her first fashion week experience. She expressed a desire to expand her modelling opportunities beyond Miami’s swim scene. “I love their team so much,” she noted, reflecting on her time in Miami which she considers an introductory stage to the modelling world. “I want to be acknowledged not just as an influencer, but as a model,” she affirmed.
Despite the excitement surrounding this milestone, Taylor has her ambitions firmly set on further achievements. The aspiring model indicated that walking at Paris Fashion Week is next on her aspiration list. “I want to start working with designers; I want to build my portfolio and print,” she said. Along with runway appearances, Taylor aims to explore diverse aspects of modelling, including print and digital formats, to find her specific niche within the industry.
Arriving in New York City shortly before the event, much of Taylor’s preparation has involved focusing on her mental well-being. “You get so in your head, questioning if you deserve to be there or if you are good enough,” she explained. Taylor has learned to embrace a more positive mindset, reminding herself of her worth and capability as she prepares for her walk down the catwalk.
However, she has encountered significant challenges along her journey, particularly in regard to her ongoing battle with an eating disorder. During the premiere of the show’s fourth season, she candidly revealed via social media that she was still in treatment for the condition, something she had believed she had overcome in her earlier years. “Getting in the right mental headspace has been crucial in my recovery,” she shared, emphasising the importance of fostering a healthy relationship with food and body image while navigating the often-critical modelling environment.
Taylor described her mental health as her top priority ahead of the fashion week. She feels she is currently in “a really good place,” attributing a part of her progress to her regular therapy sessions. “Eating disorders can be lifelong struggles,” she acknowledged, highlighting the significance of building supportive environments and dialogues around these issues.
A unique aspect of her recovery journey involves a strategy of self-talk that resonates with her nurturing instincts. “I try to talk to myself as if I were addressing a child,” she recounted. The approach stems from a desire to ensure that she treats herself with kindness, avoiding negative self-dialogue and nurturing a positive self-image.
The timing of her runway debut is significant, as it falls just before the release of the fifth season of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ on Hulu. The new season, comprising five episodes, marks the show’s return amidst previous production delays due to ongoing legal issues involving co-stars Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen. Despite the legal disputes and mutual protective orders, the show’s producer confirmed both parties are welcome back for the upcoming season.
With her modelling aspirations and personal recovery taking precedence in her life, Layla Taylor exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity. As she prepares to make an impactful statement on the runway, her journey serves as inspiration to many, particularly those facing similar struggles. For anyone dealing with eating disorders, resources like The Alliance for Eating Disorders offer crucial support, including a helpline and therapist-led groups, underscoring the importance of community in recovery.