A host of extra-terrestrial and intergalactic visitors landed in the annual David Nieper fashion house in Alfreton this week, along with almost one hundred local primary school children taking part in the annual Fashion for Free design competition.

Children had been encouraged to let their imaginations take a journey into deep space and create some space-age fashion.

The ‘Out of this world’ theme inspired some fantastic and outlandish results, children were asked to make a textile design, spend no money and up-cycle fabrics, clothes and even old curtains and sheets from around their homes and schools.

Five schools took part including; Leys Junior School, Mundy Church of England Junior School, Swanwick Primary School, Copthorne Community Infant School and Woodbridge School. Judges were impressed with both the children’s creativity and the level of technical skill that went into making the alien form designs.

Christopher Nieper, Managing Director David Nieper said;

“It is so important that children grow-up using their imagination. Thinking outside the box is the creative force that inspires design and innovation.

Fashion students today need to be both creative and resourceful which is why we insist on designs that cost no money. Recycling and reusing helps minimize waste and protect the earth’s natural resources and we are keen to instill this awareness of sustainability into children at an early age.”