Fashion designer Rachel Marie Hurst is on a mission to change the world of plus-size fashion. With her brand, M. Bolden, she challenges the limits of traditional fashion by creating bold and empowering designs that celebrate every curve. Hurst’s work pushes the boundaries of style and inclusivity, ensuring that women of all sizes can feel confident and powerful in their clothing.
A New Approach to Plus-Size Fashion
Rachel Marie Hurst’s journey into fashion started with a desire to help others, but not in the way you might expect. Initially planning a career in medicine, she soon realized that fashion was her true calling. “Fashion offers the incredible opportunity to change how someone feels about themselves,” she says. For Hurst, clothing is more than just fabric—it’s “medicine for the soul.” Through fashion, she empowers women to see themselves in a new, more positive light.
Hurst’s brand M. Bolden is built on this philosophy, where fashion isn’t just about looks; it’s about how it makes women feel. She has made it her personal mission to provide plus-size women with stylish, chic options that don’t compromise on fit or flair. As she explains, “Representation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility.”
Pushing the Boundaries of Style and Fit
Hurst’s designs are far from ordinary. She blends strength and elegance, drawing inspiration from icons like Zendaya, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. Her creations balance delicate lace with structured suiting or urban streetwear, making fashion feel like both art and armor.
Through M. Bolden, Hurst is breaking the common belief that plus-size fashion has to sacrifice style for comfort or fit. Her collections celebrate curves unapologetically, providing pieces that help women feel empowered, whether they are at work, running errands, or going out for the evening.
More Than Just Clothing – A Movement
For Hurst, inclusivity is about more than just offering larger sizes. It’s about ensuring that plus-size women feel seen and celebrated, not overlooked. She works tirelessly to provide stylish, on-trend clothing that makes women feel good about themselves, no matter their size. “When a woman puts on one of my designs, I want her to feel unstoppable,” Hurst says.
Her mission goes beyond creating clothes. She wants to change the way women view themselves and each other, fostering a sense of belonging for everyone in the fashion world. Hurst has made it clear that luxury and style are for all women, not just a select few.
Overcoming Challenges as a Designer in Denver
While Hurst’s fashion philosophy is bold, her journey as a designer hasn’t been without challenges. Based in Denver, she faces limited resources and fewer fashion infrastructures than larger cities. However, Hurst uses these limitations to fuel her creativity. She’s learned to think outside the box, adapting to a market that requires a balance between style and functionality due to the city’s diverse climate and audience.
Despite the challenges, Hurst remains passionate about her work. She sees every connection with clients who resonate with her designs as a small victory. It’s these interactions that keep her motivated to continue her mission of making fashion empowering for all.
A Black Woman’s Impact on Fashion
As a Black woman in the fashion industry, Hurst brings a unique perspective to her work. Her designs are deeply rooted in her culture, resilience, and storytelling. Although Black women remain underrepresented in the industry, Hurst sees this as an opportunity to share untold stories and create space for others like her.
Her background has instilled in her a sense of resourcefulness that helps her navigate the fashion world. She uses her experiences not only to build her brand but also to inspire others, creating a path for women of all backgrounds to follow.
Looking to the Future: Expanding the Vision
Hurst’s vision for the future is expansive. She plans to continue growing M. Bolden, focusing on sustainable, handmade pieces while expanding her brand through collaborations that bring new textures and ideas to life. Her ultimate goal is to create not just clothing, but experiences that inspire and empower women everywhere.
For Rachel Marie Hurst, fashion is more than just a business—it’s a movement. Her work is about celebrating diversity, breaking stereotypes, and ensuring that every woman feels powerful, beautiful, and worthy of the best. She is truly reshaping the future of fashion, one bold, confident design at a time.
