Our "Roots & Rebellion: a Mermaid Walking Runway Experience" made the front page of the Arvada Press! Here's the article:

Mermaid Walking Boutique debuts summer collection at Olde Town fashion show

Eschewing traditional models for ‘role models,’ Olde Town boutique shows off red, white and blue designs

Some of Arvada's most prominent role models took their positions on the runway in front of Mermaid Walking Boutique on June 17, participating in the shop's "Roots and Rebellion" fashion show in celebration of an Americana-themed summer line.

Mermaid Walking Founder Ali Larsen said the event's theme was a nod to America's 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th year of statehood, with an emphasis on community betterment.

"The collection is our Roots and Rebellion summer collection," Larsen said. "And basically, it was inspired by the 250th anniversary of America, the 150th (anniversary) of Colorado. At first, in the beginning of the year, when I was planning my collections for each season, I was pretty scared to lean into that, just because of the political climate and all of that — but this is nothing political.

"This is all about just being proud of your roots, celebrating your roots, and being rebellious enough to grow from there," Larsen continued. "And to make America (and) make your community an even better place to be."

In accordance with that theme, Larsen opted for what she called "role models" rather than experienced runway models, bringing a group of high-profile Arvadans together to model the red, white, and blue designs.

Some "role models" who took part included Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson, Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce CEO Kami Welch, Visit Arvada Executive Director Jean Gordon, Silver Vines Winery owner Kristin Chayer and Apex Director of Community Services Katie Groke.

"I wanted women who are making a difference in Arvada, who strive every day to make it a better place," Larsen said. "And these are women who I have met through the boutique, but have become genuine friends, just how they support fellow women, fellow business owners, they're all just making a positive impact and doing amazing things. So, I feel like they deserve to be highlighted and made to feel special, because they are."

Larsen sources all of her designs in Los Angeles, which are sold in-store on a first-come, first-served basis. She said the Roots and Rebellion collection was inspired by "Colorado grit and western life."

She said she hopes the collection inspires women to be themselves.

"There's really no one more (hardcore) than a cowgirl, so I have to play off of that," Larsen said. "These are just pieces that I love, that's how I feel. The boutique is what I want in my closet, and what inspires me, and what I hope will inspire other women to be bold, go hard."

As the models walked down the runway, audience members cheered and applauded each look, showing an enthusiasm for the collection that could not be tempered by the scorching heat in Olde Town.

Larsen said that her neighbors at Outside the Box helped her realize her vision for a non-traditional fashion show, and assisted by planting flowers in beds around the area in front of the two shops. Fuzzy's Taco Shop also opened up its patio for onlookers.

The Roots and Rebellion collection is now on sale at Mermaid Walking, located at 5760 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, Unit D, in Olde Town Arvada.

See the original article written by Rylee Dunn at the Arvada Press.