Factory Creatives: Ellie Brown

Factory Creatives is a new series where we head out into the city to find out more about the local creatives at the heart of our programme. We caught up with Ellie Brown at Vulcan Mill – her first real home in Manchester – to talk about the inspirations behind Disability Pride Catwalk.

Can you introduce yourself?

I’m Ellie Brown, a Manchester-based creative and founder of Recondition – an adaptive fashion brand designing with accessibility at its core. My career began with Recondition straight after graduating from Manchester Fashion Institute. The brand started from a research project that quickly became something much more important. My work focuses on inclusive design, challenging traditional fashion narratives and centring disabled voices. Through creative projects and community-led initiatives, I aim to create spaces where fashion, identity and accessibility intersect, empowering people to feel seen and celebrated.

What or who inspires you to do the work that you do?

My main inspiration is the community we’ve built around Recondition and the creativity that comes from their lived experiences. There’s so much innovation and resilience in how people adapt to the world around them, often without recognition. I’m also driven by the lack of representation I’ve seen in fashion growing up… there’s a gap that needs filling. Artists, activists and everyday people who unapologetically take up space motivate me to keep going. Ultimately, my work is inspired by the idea of creating a future where accessibility isn’t an afterthought, but a starting point.

Why did you choose the location in your photograph?

I chose Vulcan Mill because it reflects both Manchester’s industrial history and its evolving creative identity – something that mirrors my own journey. It’s also where I spent so much time while building the brand, the building where I spent a whole summer researching and beginning to build post graduating and my first real home in Manchester. The space holds texture, character and a sense of resilience, which aligns with the themes in my work. It feels grounded but full of potential, much like the communities I design for. I’m always drawn to places that feel lived-in and real, that have character and heritage, where stories are embedded in the environment, and where new narratives can be built on top.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester’s arts and culture scene?

Manchester’s arts scene is unapologetically grassroots and collaborative. There’s a strong sense of community here; people genuinely want to uplift each other and create opportunities together. It’s a city that embraces experimentation and gives space to underrepresented voices, especially outside of traditional institutions. That openness makes it exciting to be part of. Whether it’s independent exhibitions, live performances, or community-led events, there’s always something evolving. And here in Manchester, it feels like art is accessible to the people and about the people.

What would you say to someone who has never been to a Disability Pride Catwalk?

Come with an open mind and expect to feel something. It’s more than fashion; it’s about celebration, identity and visibility. You’ll see creativity without limits and people owning their space unapologetically. It’s powerful, joyful and something everyone should experience at least once.

Disability Pride Catwalk takes over the Undercroft on Saturday 27 June. Find out more and book tickets here.