RACHEL MARIE HURST
One BRAVE Designer!
everal years ago, in a rustic country barn, a new fashion designer was born. As the oldest of four children, growing
up in Topeka, Kansas, Rachel credits her single mom, a teacher, for instilling a strong work ethic in her that has proven
to be the corner stone of her career. When a childhood dream to become a doctor made a sudden shift after two years
of college at Colorado University Boulder, Rachel knew that fashion was where her heart wanted to be and right behind
her was her biggest fan, her mother.
It’s not easy telling your family and friends that you’re trading in scrubs for couture. The decision was clear to her after
she and a college friend formed a fashion group on campus and produced their first fashion show. Since then, hundreds
of fashion shows have followed. They first started in malls, hotels, night clubs, and now show off their designs during
New York Fashion Week.
Currently, her company Fashion House of Rae Marie, LLC is knee-deep in custom bridal orders, expanding into
boutiques like Goldyn, and continuing to build her online presence at Rachelmariehurst.com.
Goldie Mae Productions asked Rachel to share a few of her observations along her journey to help our model readers
better understand the business from a designer’s view.
GM What’s currently inspiring your designs?
RMH My customer is constantly my inspiration; what is she doing? where is she going? who does she love? Right
now, we are in the “pop world” of fashion and that excites me. I can’t say too much until we launch our next collection!
GM
When you’re booking models for your show, is there anything specific you are looking for?
RMH I am looking for a girl that represents my brand and customer. Is she a confident walker? A blank canvas?
Does she fit my sample size (it is a business and much cheaper to make smaller samples)? Do I enjoy her personality?
Does she meet the height requirement and is she fierce? These are things I look for when hiring a model.
GM
If you could advise models on what not to do in the fashion industry, what would you say?
RMH The biggest problem I run into with models is lack of professionalism by not showing up prepared and not knowing who they are walking for. Being pretty is not enough; your personality plays a huge role to getting hired. Also, knowing your angles, how to walk and fitting the sample sizes are all a part of getting hired. Keeping your skin clear and your
health in check is important.
By: Julie Gallahue/Goldie Mae Productions, LLC