Southport entrepreneur takes Inclusive Fashion Show on tour of the UK

A Southport based award winning entrepreneur, fashion designer and previous-Ms Curvaceous UK is organising a special event celebrating diverse talent in the modelling industry next month -  as she takes the Inclusive Fashion Show to more cities around the UK.

With four sold out events under her belt, attracting hundreds of attendees from across the UK, including industry professionals in hair, beauty, fashion and film, along with casting agents, influencers and celebrities, founder Debbie-Lyn of DL Models is now excited to showcase more models of diversity, in Birmingham on 21st June, in collaboration with Topsy Curvy Plus Size Fashion.

Debbie-Lyn, 43, has been an MUA working in the fashion and entertainment industry for the last 10 years and has now dedicated her work to empowering models from all backgrounds to thrive.

No stranger to the spotlight, she’s enjoyed screen success as a supporting actor in Netflix smash Fool Me Once alongside Michele Keegan, as well as also featuring in shows such as Missing You, TOWIE, Hollyoaks, Casualty, Boiling Point, Domino Day - alongside building up her modelling career as a plus size model.

Battling with ADHD and also suffering from a brain disorder called FND (Functional Neurological Disorder), which means that she often has to use a wheelchair, she is not one to accept forced limitations.

Her commitment to inclusivity and her fierce advocacy for talent inspires confidence and resilience in the models she mentors, having developed her own career path from makeup artist, to curve model, to business owner now guiding others within the industry.

The Inclusive Fashion Show will showcase models including Feya Wenham, a disabled plus size model with chronic health conditions who faces the world ‘always with a smile on her face’; Shannon Kelly a disabled model who also has FND and Elton Bannister, ‘a Visibly Unique Professional Fashion Model with radical clubhand in both arms’ all whom are signed with DL Models Ltd.

A passionate advocate for disabled creatives, Debbie-Lyn is also a fashion designer, having created several collections, all of which are sustainable and take influence from ethnic fashion and art deco glamour.

The Inclusive Fashion Show blends all her passions and is a celebration of diversity, focusing on models of all shapes, sizes, abilities, and backgrounds, showcasing adaptive fashion for disabled people alongside conventional collections.

The aim is to bring greater visibility to the importance of representation in fashion by promoting designers who are paving the way for inclusive, accessible fashion for all.

Alongside Debbie’s designs via DL Sustainable Apparel, designers featured in this show include Liverpool based Seraphic Fashion owned by Loren Haigh, a trendy leisure wear brand, and Seated Sewing founded by disabled designer Kat Payler-Bent, after sustaining a spinal injury that left her permanently in a wheelchair, she developed additional medical complications requiring a catheter, feeding peg, and colostomy, all of which caused discomfort.

Frustrated by the lack of practical and dignified products on the UK market, she began designing her own solutions that offer both comfort and style. Every product is personally tested and made with care, including a variety of fabrics for personal expression.

Debbie-Lyn said: “With the Inclusive Fashion Show we’re creating more than just an event. This show is about giving real beauty a platform, making it more accessible, and celebrating the diversity that makes every body unique.

"We’re redefining what it means to belong on a runway, with models who represent all abilities, identities, and walks of life—from those with disabilities to neurological differences, curve models, LGBTQ+, and trans individuals.”

“As a plus-size model living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and ADHD, l've faced my fair share of challenges. Fashion has not always been kind to people like me.

"I've experienced the sting of being overlooked, judged, or excluded simply because I don't fit traditional beauty standards. Living with FND, a condition that affects how my brain and body communicate, brings its own set of challenges.

"Some days are harder than others, and balancing that with the relentless energy of ADHD can feel overwhelming. But these experiences have given me a unique perspective-and a deep empathy for others who feel unseen.”

Previous success stories of models who’ve featured in the others shows include Ellie Prendergast, who since featuring in the Inclusive Fashion Show at Southport has been signed to an international modelling agency; May Marigold, an up and coming designer, specialising in adaptive fashion, who after joining the Manchester show was invited to the BBC to talk about her fashion brand; and Esmae Sheldon who had zero modelling experience, but after an empowering styled shoot, stepped onto the runway like a pro and is now modelling professionally for Topsy Curvy and just signed with one of the top talent agencies in the UK.

“For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed of a world where fashion embraces every body-where no one feels left out, invisible, or unworthy and I’m excited to be bringing this to life.

"When I see models of all shapes, sizes, and abilities step onto the runway, l'm reminded why I push through the tough days. Some of them are walking a runway for the first time, unsure if they belong there. But the moment they hear the cheers and feel the love, their confidence grows, and they radiate joy. It's transformative-for them and for everyone watching.”

The tour also opens up conversations about inclusion, with workshops and panels tackling topics like representation, self-esteem, and accessibility.

The event runs from 6pm to 10pm and tickets can be purchased via DL Models.