I had the pleasure of watching Emma Lines speak at Cannes Lions 2025 about the future of inclusive fashion. Emma is a powerhouse, an accomplished model with experience working with global brands and retailers and an extremely professional and confident speaker with authority. During Emma’s session, there was a staged “technical issue” that I honestly believed was happening! It didn’t feel rehearsed at all, and Emma commanded the room with ease. Emma brings her lived experience to everything she does, and I look forward to hearing more of her story.
Kelly, CEO of With Not For
Emma Lines – History-Making Wheelchair Model & Disability Rights Advocate Leading Change in Fashion and Media
Emma Lines is a pioneering model, content creator and disability rights advocate who is transforming the fashion and media industries. As the first wheelchair model for M&S and one of the three faces of Primark’s first adaptive clothing range, Emma is breaking down barriers and setting new standards for representation. Her story of resilience, creativity and purpose has made her one of the most inspiring figures in inclusive fashion today.
Speaking Topics
- Representation and Disability in Fashion and Media
- Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience
- Inclusive Design and Accessibility in Modern Brands
- Empowering Disabled Voices in the Workplace
- Authentic Advocacy and Digital Storytelling
- Breaking barriers in fashion and media
- Disability representation and inclusion in creative industries
- Fashion accessibility: what style looks like sitting down
- Building authentic online communities
- Advocacy, resilience and ambition in the face of adversity
Credentials & Impact
Emma’s journey began when her condition, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a neuromuscular disease, unexpectedly progressed at 17, leaving her a full-time wheelchair user. Rather than allowing this to limit her ambitions, Emma channelled her determination into a thriving career in modelling and public speaking. She made history as the first wheelchair model for M&S and went on to represent Primark’s debut adaptive range, marking a turning point for accessibility on the high street. Her collaborations with major fashion houses, including ASOS and Next, have proven her ability to merge creativity with purpose. Beyond modelling, Emma has used her growing platform to educate audiences on disability awareness and the importance of visibility in fashion, showing how perseverance can transform exclusion into empowerment.
Publications & Media
Emma’s work has been featured across major fashion and media outlets for her trailblazing campaigns with M&S, Primark, ASOS and Next. Through her digital series “Fashion Shown Sitting Down,” she engages over 25,000 followers by showcasing inclusive fashion from her unique perspective. She has appeared in interviews, brand features and public discussions that highlight disability inclusion in design and marketing. Emma has also spoken at Parliament, the Professional Publishers Association and Cannes Lions, using her platform to challenge stereotypes and promote a more representative future for fashion and media.
Why Book Emma Lines?
Emma Lines is a captivating and authentic speaker whose story resonates across industries. Her journey from challenge to change inspires audiences to rethink representation, accessibility and resilience. With honesty and passion, she motivates teams and individuals to create more inclusive workplaces and communities. Whether addressing corporate, creative or educational audiences, Emma’s message is one of courage, innovation and lasting impact.
To book Emma Lines to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
