News and Press

 

Know the life of Rae Marie, sexy, edgy, chic

Crystal Gardner

Denver Personal Style Examiner

 

August 3, 2011 

 If you take the trip to many of the art studios in Denver this Friday for First Friday, you are in for a walk down Fashion Avenue. The Wazee Union is the home of our very own high end and couture fashions, Fashion House of Rae Marie. I visited the new home of Rae Marie back in May during the studio grand opening. The room was decorated as a colorful and urban boutique you would only see in LA or New York.

Models passed by onlookers wearing the many fashions created by Rachel Hurst, Owner and Head Designer of Fashion House of Rae Marie. You would never know that all this existed here in Denver Colorado. After taking in the atmosphere and picking up a beautifully decorated sweet treat I made my way over to Rachel. I wanted to know how she came to be, how she embodied such great design and made women feel like stars on red carpet. The soft spoken designer was very open, kind, and shared everything about how she came to be.

 

 

Rachel got her start while doing an art project that lead to experimenting with fabrics. From there a friend suggested they start a fashion group on campus since there was no fashion program at CU Boulder. She continued to grow and learn her craft by working in costume design through the CU theater department. She then began to hold fashion shows to show her designs. The attendance would be at capacity with 400 people in the school ballroom. You can easily see why when you see the fashions her and her team design. Rachel is off to such a great start, she gets her energy and continued drive by feeding off of the great local talent here in Denver. With her passion to dress women to feel confident, great skill at her craft, kindness and artistry she can only go far. 

 

Make it a point to know The Fashion House of Rae Marie. I am a devote follower and fan, I am even more excited that you can now shop the fashions online in addition to her studio and  Fashion Denver. You can find The Fashion House of Rae Marie online at Indie Fashion Market Place. The prices are very reasonable considering they are made to order, are high in quality and fashion forward.

 

 

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Fame (fashion, art, music and entertainment) graced Denver - Denver style | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/style-in-denver/last-weekend-fame-fashion-art-music-and-entertainment-came-to-denver#ixzz1KlfmkGD8

 

April 2011: I was recently featured on the urban Outfitters Blog. CHeck it out:

http://blog.urbanoutfitters.com/blog/category/boulder

Rae Hurst

Described by designer Rachel Hurst as "flouncy, flirty, sassy, vibrant and exciting," Rae Marie is exactly that, plus super-feminine.  Check out her latest collection, which is available through our friends at Fashion Denver. -Kyle

March and April 2011

http://www.denver.lodomagazine.com/2011/04/13/edgy-chic-flair-dramatic/

Edgy and Chic with a Flair for the Dramatic

By Jim Wills

Feeling the need to help others, Rachel Hurst- Rae Marie to her friends and clients- believed that from a very young age she was going to be a doctor. The desire to become a doctor, fireman or astronaut is often romanticized and something many kids dream about doing.  As we continue to grow and discover a whole world of careers, though, our romantic dreams expand (or fade, for some) and we decide to walk- or in this case sew- a different path. This happened for Rae Marie when she took an art class in high school and studied the female form and the seeds of her future life as a designer were sown.

One year while still in high school, Rae designed a Victorian gown for her Halloween costume.  She knew she had some design skills but was still pretty green- in fact she sewed half the costume inside out!  Still, that little seed had sprouted and was now growing into a fully realized dream of fashion design.

Fast forward to 2008 when Rae sold her very first piece- a colorful bubble dress. “I really loved that piece,” she says. The Fashion House of Rae Marie was born.  Rae now specializes in custom-built fashions and has a flair that she has identified with roots in theatre and theatrical design.

“I like the dramatic. I really want people to be blown away when they see my fashions.” she says.

Rae likes to think of herself as a creator of personalities.  Like playing dress up, the ability to create a character for someone is something she really loves. Rae believes her overall design aesthetic is unique in the sense that she aims to make women feel beautiful no matter what their sizes are.  She has said that she loves making women feel beautiful and excited about wearing a Rae Marie Design that was made especially for them.

“I use colors, patterns and textures to create a glamorous look for my clientele that is sexy, edgy and chic.” she says.

Since its inception, the Fashion House has entered designs in numerous runway shows throughout Denver.  While we are not New York are L.A., Denver’s growing fashion scene is beginning to be recognized and is finding a place on the fashion map. Folks outside of Denver are realizing that we are no longer a town of cowboys and ski bums. This design explosion and subsequent recognition is in part because of designers like Rae Marie.

“The industry here is rough.” Rae Marie says. “At times there is very little reward for all of the hard work and it gets frustrating.” She continues.

But Rae Marie gives solid advice to those who are trying to break into the industry. “It’s a tough industry,” she says. “You're going to cry and scream and have to say ‘no’ and you’ll hear ‘no’ a lot. But if you love it, stick with it because I promise it gets better.”

Being in many fashion shows has also helped Rae Marie establish her name. She has put in the time and continues to market her unique custom-made designs and her look. It’s all about building the brand and Rae Marie looks to the big guys to find inspiration.

“I love Gucci, Valentino and I really have started obsessing about Alice+Olivia.” she says.

She also draws from life itself, being inspired by the people she meets, the things she sees, how she feels and where she looks. “All of these things inspire and influence who I am, how I design and who I want to become both as an individual and as a designer,” she says.  Currently her fashions can be found online- and, of course, she’ll custom create any design but Rae Marie soon hopes to be in boutiques throughout Denver. She is also making plans to open her own studio.

People who wear a Rae Marie design feel good about themselves and love the look she provides. In many ways Rae Marie has fulfilled her inner child’s dream to become a doctor. As she points out, “The ability to make someone feel special and happy is the best medicine in the world.”

April 2011 Picture in the Paper for F.A.M.E.:

Culture Club

Get Drinking at DAM Uncorked, Find Fashion at F.A.M.E., and Learn Swing Dancing at the Mercury Cafe

Red wine, runways, and ragtime will make this weekend a memorable one. Imbibe to support the Denver Art Museum this Friday, peruse Denver’s fashion scene on Saturday, and swing dance to live jazz at the Mercury Cafe on Sunday.

Taste on Friday [15]

Sample more than 300 wines from locales near and far at the DAM Uncorked wine tasting, a fundraiser for the Denver Art Museum. Selections from Two Rivers in Grand Junction and Guy Drew in Cortez represent the Colorado wine scene, and guests can bid on a private barrel tapping and tasting party at Denver’s urban winery, Infinite Monkey Theorem. Kevin Taylor Catering will provide hors d’oeuvres, and the galleries stay open until 8 pm (though food and drink stays away from the art pieces). Tickets are $70 for members, $90 for nonmembers, and $30 for designated drivers. Uncorked runs from 6 to 9 pm in the North Building at the Denver Art Museum.

Get Stylish on Saturday [16]

Denver’s Weekend of F.A.M.E., which celebrates up-and-coming local fashion, arts, music, and entertainment, comes to a close with a fashion show at Suite 200. Denver designers showcase their latest work, including the “romantic tomboy”-inspired Sexy...Edgy...Chic by Rachel Hurst, a CU-Boulder alum and the force behind the Fashion House of Rae Marie. Guests will also glimpse the latest from Cody Sudmeier, who designs T-shirts for nonprofits and donates all revenue. MegaStar Records artist John Gillette finishes the fashionable evening with a musical performance. Doors open at 8 pm and tickets are available here.

November 2010

http://www.thescoop303.com/couture-bound/

Couture-Bound by Amber Mosure

Posted by amber.mosure

A canopy of white Christmas lights and a carnival of sounds greet me as I stroll down Larimer Street on my way to the bar, Suite 200.  Nestled between 13^th and 14^th Street, the block is bustling and electrically-charged with culturally-famished nightlifers jumping out to let teenaged valet tend to their vehicles while their hungry eyes scan all the restaurants and bars looking for the perfect spot.

“Can I see your I.D.?” a bouncer inquires.  As I feverishly fish it out wondering if I also have to be on some list to get into this establishment, he takes a quick glance at it and waves me through.  Now accepted and permitted, I ascend the stairs into Suite 200 toward the strobe lights of fashion heaven awaiting me while techno beats bump and pound into the brick wall around me.  Inside, red and blue lights reflect off the sequined halter tops and liquor bottles behind the bar creating little periodic shimmers and twinkles in the dark corners.  People mingle over their cosmos, dancing to the music and stabbing the red cherry at the bottom.  The hanging orange rectangles adorning the booths sway in perfect time with the bass.  Shakespearean paintings cover one side of the bar, popping out vividly in stark contrast to the black wall.  Their velvety, oil-paint eyes seem to follow you around the room to the bar, scolding you as you purchase your drink.  Suite 200 is definitely one of those bars where a single guy on the prowl doesn’t actually approach the vixen he has his eye on to ask her if he can buy her a drink, but rather, it is one of those Sex-and-the-City-type establishments where the bartender intervenes on the budding courtship like a top-shelf, bottle-wielding matchmaker, sliding over a cocktail and saying, “compliments of the gentleman in the navy blue blazer.”

As the commencement of the fashion show draws nearer, the music becomes more upbeat and the runway glows looking more like a white cross amid a black backdrop—offering fashion salvation to the seated spectators starving for style resurrection.  The first models take the stage strutting down it with fierce confidence determined to influence up-coming fashion trends.  Zebra prints, metallic mini-skirts, and baby doll dresses with lacy frill abound among the blue, red, and black color motifs.  Some of the designers being featured in this show are:  Golden Diva, Vivian Nguyen, Kimoto Dragons, and Rae Marie.  My focus is on Rae Marie.  Rae Marie’s is the final name announced and girls take the stage in geisha-inspired attire.  Using paper fans as ninja assassin-masks, their eyes convey fashion signals like spinning whirligigs entrancing the on-lookers to pay attention to the designs.  Rae is, however, young and hip with a keen sense of style and trend so her designs should have no problem luring in the young fashionistas in rabid droves.  It’ll be as easy as attracting a starving tiger to fresh meat.  In addition to the Asian-themed digs, Rae utilizes lots of purples, pony tails, and zigzag patterns in her creations.   The girls, with their heart-shaped red and black lips and their sporty-looking halter tops, give the audience an interesting mix of style—tomboy meets Louise Brooks.

Originally from Topeka, Kansas Rae Marie (aka Rachel Hurst) has spent most of her life in Colorado.  Being (mostly) raised and reared in Denver, she garnered her drive from living in a single parent home, “sometimes it was hard but it has helped instill a great work ethic into me,” she says.  By the age of four, Rae Marie already had sights set on being a Pediatrician.  Her ambitious nature kept her very busy throughout her high school career, “I attended George Washington High School and received my International Baccalaureate (IB) Degree, as well as, my diploma. I was the high school Entertainment Editor and worked nearly full-time to help pay for my books in high school.”  But, it only took one high school art class to transform Rachel Hurst, the aspiring Pediatrician, to Rae Marie the talented fashion designer.  “[That class] changed my life!  I studied the female form and did a lot with Guerilla art concerning the female genitalia and the objectification of women.  It was seriously a vagina monologue, but that class fueled a fire for art.  I wanted to explore with other materials beside paints and markers, so I tried fabric and I loved it.”  After graduating from George Washington High School, Rae Marie attended CU Boulder, “I decided to go into business because I still didn’t have the confidence to pursue fashion.”  She didn’t get far into that program and major before she had a reality check from a close friend about what she should be doing with her hobby, “my freshman year, a great friend of mine, Jerraud Coleman, convinced me that my heart belongs in art. We decided to form the first fashion group on Campus called Avant Garde: A Fashion Group.  We did our first show in a dirty little art studio with about 75 people. That first moment walking on the runway, after my fashion presentation, was magical. From then on I knew that that was exactly what I wanted to do.”  After this first (and pivotal) fashion show,  Rae Marie realized what she really wanted to pursue and finally believed in herself for the first time, “I switched majors to Theatre with an emphasis in Costume Design since that was the closest thing that CU offered and really focused on my Fashion Group. We had no office, no following or funding really.  So, in four years, I worked hard, changed the name to the Fashion Design Student Association, got us an office, regular funding for a group of members and it is still thriving on the campus!  We created a fashion voice on the Boulder campus.  My last show was 300 people and we had to turn people away.  We went from 75 people to 300+ and from a dirty little studio to a ballroom. It was awesome!”

Rae Marie has a very eclectic sense of fashion and mixes unlikely eras and genres together, which keeps the clothes fun and unique.  “I love that Hollywood glamour of the 40′s and 50′s, the high-waist skirts and the curve-clinging clothing.  I am also inspired by the Victorian era and the Edwardian era with the details, the sleeves and the jackets, they are beautiful eras.  I mix that with slightly new age concepts of sexuality.”  Her most memorable project to date?–“My Red Dragon Dress, that was one of my favorite pieces and a piece that I feel that I mastered well.  It is one of my infamous pieces that people identify me with.”  Working in the fashion industry and meeting a ton of people, I knew she had to have one person she has worked with that stood out.  “James Morales with the James Studio is an amazing photographer!  He is one of those genius photographers that make artwork magical. He inspires me to inspire him and we work amazingly together.”

Rae Marie’s day is anything but predictable.  She seems to have not stopped since high school with her stringent work ethic.  Her desire to succeed at what she loves doing keep her very occupied to say the least.  So what does a typical day entail for Rae Marie?—“Gosh, I wish I had a typical day. But the normal fashion show day would be finishing last minute details because fashion design is never finished–sew hems, zippers, details, buttons!  Communicating with hair and make-up and approving every model. Keeping track of models and where they are.  Last minute fittings, Check!  Music on CD, Check!  Get Music to DJ, Check!  Runway walks, lighting, props, clothing! Check, check, check, check! These days are just hectic and I do a lot fashion shows!”  Being over-worked in this industry is far better than being under-worked, i.e. unnoticed.  Rae Marie has her dreams and sights set on New York, one day.  “I want my own boutiques in New York, California, and Colorado to start. I think my biggest aspiration is to design gowns for the stars.  I love Blake Lively, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, and Lady Gaga to name a few.”

Rae Marie hopes to accomplish big things with her clothing designs.  And going from 75 people in a dingy, small art studio to 300 people in a ballroom, I’d say she’s onto something or, people are onto her, and that’s getting her closer to fame and fulfilling her dreams.  I’d also say that going from a dirty, small art studio to a place like Suite 200 is a pretty big leap and is a testament to her talent.  What is her biggest inspiration?–“My surroundings and desire to make women beautiful.  The feeling you get from dressing a woman and making her feel good about herself is powerful.  I make clothing for women and I want every woman to feel beautiful.”  For inspiration designer-wise, Rachel admires John Galliano, “he is so fun and flirty on the runway and always tells a story.  He makes love to women with his clothing and that is what I would like to do, I wish to seduce both men and women… my men’s line is coming soon!”  What’s that I just heard?  She is now catering to the other sex too?!  “It will be a blend of my woman’s line and the debut of my men’s collection.  It will be a play on The Battle of the Gods and will be a different Rae Marie than fans are used to, but a good change!  The men’s collection will be a little Preppy Chic but definitely a great counterpart to Rae Marie Collection.  I can’t say too much! People should check the website for more information!”  Is there anything else in-store for us fashion-hungry people this year?  “I am also working on my voluptuous collection for the plus-size market which is very exciting for me!  It will be something no one has seen before and will debut either late this year or early next year.  And lastly, I am doing a show in December, which will deal with gender roles, sadomasochism and sexuality.  It will be a show you definitely do not want to miss!”  You can check out her clothing line at www.fashionsbyraemarie.com, www.ustrendy.com, and Fashion Denver (located on Bannock Street).

*Photo courtesy of Aurelio Mireles

One of my Amazing Models: Melissa Weintraub was interviewed and Mentioned me in the article. Check out what she has to say about Rae Marie. Thanks Melissa!

http://www.buffzone.com/ci_16763044?source=most_viewed

Denver designers and salons unite for a cause Lakeysha-Marie, fashion columnist Wednesday, December 8, 2010

 http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=10955

Sunday was a night of fashion, hope and inspiration as the Colorado AIDS Project hosted its second annual Red Ball at the EXDO Event Center in Denver to promote local awareness and raise funds for CAP. 

The night was dramatically themed around “Frost & Fire,” including a dynamic catwalk show that featured stunning collaborations between the top local designers and salons in the Denver-Metro area.

“Incorporating elements of style and fashion has enabled us to successfully connect with younger audience,” said Jeff Trujillo, development officer of the Colorado AIDS Project. “The highest rate of new HIV infections is between the ages of 24-34, so we wanted to do something to target this audience and spread awareness to the cause.” 

The attendance, which more than doubled since the debut event last year, was a key indicator of the night’s success, and was an important stepping stone for an organization that provides therapy and assistance to 75 percent of individuals in Colorado diagnosed with HIV and AIDS.

Fueled by the passion behind the event, designers set the catwalk ablaze with fiery fashions while hair stylists infused a sophisticated cool to the collections with frost-bitten locks, curls and chic up-dos.

When selecting designers to take part in the fashion show, it was important for Trujillo to keep the casting local. 

“We have high quality talent here in the city that people often do not realize,” Trujillo said “Bringing recognition to the stylists and designers working here was also a key part of the event.”

In addition to the featured designers, the Art Institute of Colorado selected their top five students to design a special frock for the evening. Guests in attendance cast their vote and the winner enjoyed her first catwalk experience as the model wore the winning ensemble down the runway. 

What you missed

Baskit Underwear: Male models clad in little more than high-top trainers, boxers and body paint strutted their stuff to Katy Perry’s “Peacock,” drawing an electric response from the crowd. Baskit’s collection featured color blocked solids, dotted prints and fiery tones designed to pick up the night’s theme.

Mona Lucero: Full skirts, skinny belts and rosette details added to this designer’s air of femininity. Ranging from modest to modern, models rocked sleek mini dresses, ruche detailing and voluminous flare skirts. 

Sara Mesmer: With striking solids and print inlays, this collection hinted of an exotic influence. What we liked? Her use of metallic fabrics to give an edge to an otherwise clean and basic silhouette.

House of Rae Marie: Front row toes were tapping to Destiny’s Child’s “Independent Women” as dapper models took to the runway. Made for the young independents, this collection was packed full of urban attitude Ń sleek trousers, cardigans, city shorts with heels, and of course the fall waist coat. A shimmery fish-tale gown was the signature piece that earned this designer a resonating applause from the audience. 

Post Mortum Couture: This lingerie collection touted corsets with flirty bows, sheer hold-ups, and edgy fitted tops. Designer Bree Wiles topped of the collection with a teddy bear touting model styled in an embellished black baby doll. 

Studio Yoshida: For her collection designer Kotimo Yoshida combined the elements of Tokyo street fashion and Marie Antoinette resulting in an avant garde display of technique and creativity. 

Kimono Dragons: Intense red and orange tones aptly picked up the fire theme of the night. The collection was punctuated with full a-line skirts, defined waistlines and sweet lady-like gloves to top of the look.

“It was a fun challenge!” said Brian Cruz, owner of Tribe Salon and Spa in Lakewood. “We knew the outfits were designed around fire, and with frost as the hair theme we had to be creative.” The stylists of Tribe Salon collaborated with Kimono Dragons for a Mad Men infused look that was cheered on by patrons.

“To be a part of tonight was significant because I have lost too many friends to this,” Cruz said. “My wish is for everyone to enjoy the event and continue to return. By creating so much awareness, it can only get better.”

To learn more about the Colorado AIDS Project, and how you can help log on to: www.coloradoaidsproject.org

Follow Fashion Stylist Lakeysha-Marie on Twitter @beautybodystyle. Respond to this article at editor@thedenverdailynews.com.

  

In December of 2010 I did my 2nd Red Ball with Copperfalls Salon. 

Denver designers and salons unite for a cause

Lakeysha-Marie, fashion columnist

http://thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=10955

 

This Year I participated in the 2nd Annual DiverCity Fashion Show!

See What College Fashionistas had to say about Rae Marie's pieces in the show:

http://www.collegefashionista.com/2010/03/02/trend-supporting-local-designers/

 

I put on Serveral shows up at CU Boulder with the Student Group that I founded: Fashion Design Student Association. Here is an Article interview with the COlorado Daily:

http://www.coloradodaily.com/ci_12960213?IADID=Search-www.coloradodaily.com-www.coloradodaily.com#axzz1CFdiMqac 

 

Last Year I Participated in an event at the Denver Art Museum and Came in 2nd place taking home the Audience's favorite! Thank you to all that voted for me!!!

Check out the article from the Denver Post:

http://www.denverpost.com/lifestyles/ci_13009469?source=email

 

Last September WestWord turned one of my gowns into a comic! LOL! Can you find me? Im in the bottom right corner!

http://www.westword.com/comics/strip/worstcase/28495661