Emma Lines (she/her) is a history-making model, content creator and disability rights advocate who has become a powerful voice for inclusivity in fashion and media. She made history as the first wheelchair model for M&S and as one of three faces of Primark’s first adaptive fashion range, a milestone that brought inclusive design to the UK high street. With over five years of experience in modelling and content creation, Emma is also building an inspiring career as a public speaker, raising awareness about representation and accessibility.
At the age of 17, Emma’s condition, Charcot-Marie Tooth, a neuromuscular disease, progressed unexpectedly, leaving her a full-time wheelchair user with limited dexterity in her hands. Determined not to let this define her, Emma pursued her passion for fashion and began modelling. She soon appeared in campaigns and commercials and secured partnerships with major brands, including a 7-month collaboration with ASOS and a 3-month partnership with Next. Her career shows how resilience and determination can transform obstacles into opportunities.
Emma’s digital presence has also become a key part of her impact. Through her Instagram account, she engages more than 25,000 followers with her series “Fashion Shown Sitting Down.” This creative content challenges perceptions of disability while celebrating fashion from a perspective that resonates with all audiences. By combining creativity with advocacy, Emma has built an authentic platform that highlights the importance of inclusive representation in style and media.
As a speaker, Emma inspires audiences with her story of resilience, representation and ambition. She has spoken in Parliament, at Primark panels, for the Professional Publishers Association, and at the CMT UK annual conference, where she became the charity’s first-ever ambassador. In 2025, she joined fellow models at Cannes Lions, sharing her experiences of exclusion in media and marketing while offering practical ideas to break down barriers. Emma continues to challenge the industry to be more inclusive and uses her voice to push for a world where fashion and media reflect the diversity of society.
Emma Lines's official speaking topics are listed below:
- 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
Official Testimonials From Both Online & In-Person Events
"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
- 2025 – Spoke at Cannes Lions on representation in media and marketing
- 2025 – Became the first-ever ambassador for CMT UK
- 2023 – Partnered with Next for 3 months on fashion campaigns
- 2022 – Partnered with ASOS for 7 months on adaptive fashion content
- 2022 – Featured in Primark’s first adaptive fashion range campaign
How to hire Emma Lines
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Emma Lines for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
