A mum-of-two has gone from the stage to the catwalk as she fulfils her fashion dreams.

And she will be showcasing her new line - gender neutral clothing collection - at Northern Fashion Week in Manchester next month.

Natalie Marland from Bolton University has been chosen to showcase her collection, Dot Dot Dandy for the Northern Fashion Week taking place at Manchester Grand Central this summer from July 4-9.

The mum of two designed the six-piece collection including a skirt, dress and top, to be worn by anyone.

The Bolton News:

She said: “I’m the only one at Bolton Uni that has been chosen for this so it’s really nice I made it.

“I went back to university at 33 but we went into lockdown during my course so a lot of it I did at home.

“The concept was old school dandy and pop art and I wanted it to be gender neutral so everyone could wear the pieces.”

Natalie’s vibrant collection will be strutted on the catwalk by models in the graduation collection.

The fashion design hopeful retrained after having her two children, now four and eight, because she was bored at home and wanted to find her own purpose.

She said: “I worked for 10 years in the entertainment industry working as a singer all over the UK.

“Then I had children and unfortunately was diagnosed with post-natal depression and was very poorly with my mental health.

“It was because I didn’t have anything for myself, I was just at home all the time with my children, so my best friend who was already at university, talked me into going too.

“And that gave me purpose too instead of just being a mum.”

The Bolton News:

NFW intends to deliver an enriching experience and offer its community the opportunity to cultivate industry knowledge and create further positive change. 

The programme and lineup of catwalks and presentations are designed to support underrepresented communities within the fashion industry

Founder CEO of both Northern Fashion Week and New Talent Fashion, Siobhan Clare O’Donnell shares her excitement and drive behind Northern Fashion Week.

She said: ”I created Northern Fashion Week to allow northern talent the opportunity to showcase themselves, giving them a fair chance within the fashion industry.

“Representing the North means to not only represent the talent but also the fabulous thriving industry. And so, Northern Fashion Week aims to celebrate both. The North is my birthplace and the birthplace of many exceptional fashion industrial innovations and inspirational fashion talent.”

Natalie added: “I didn’t expect to be involved when I applied and it’s amazing because there are so many people who do what I do so to able to- chosen is an honour and can mean great things for me.”

Natalie is hoping to launch her brand Fashionably Crazy in the near future.

Book tickets to the catwalk here.