This week marks the 55th anniversary of Derbyshire fashion house David Nieper. The occasion was celebrated in a unique fashion event held at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire’s most iconic venue.
In true Nieper family style, the company’s 250 staff were invited to this black tie event which showcased young local talent, starting with a high octane dance performance to open the catwalk show by students from the new David Nieper Academy.
Students from Chesterfield College provided sensational hair and make-up styling for the models taking inspiration from fashion trends over the half century.
The fashion show was uniquely ‘by the staff for the staff’ and featured some of the designer’s most beautiful vintage pieces taken from the five decades of its fashion archives, before unveiling this season’s new collection as a grand finale.
This anniversary has been just one of many reasons to celebrate throughout the company’s 55 year history. Other milestones have included opening 4 European offices, introducing day wear collections alongside its nightwear and lingerie collections, establishing a knitwear division, a catalogue printing press, a purpose built garment cutting factory and more recently the formation of the David Nieper Education Trust.
However, one thing that has not altered since day one has been the company’s unswerving commitment to British skills. Each and every David Nieper garment has been made from first sketch to final stitch at the fashion house in Derbyshire.
The ‘Made in Britain’ mantra has always been at the heart of the company, over two decades ago the decision was taken to keep producing clothes in the UK while the majority of the UK’s fashion industry went offshore for cheaper labour, since then the company has never looked back.
By keeping manufacturing in Britain, David Nieper has created significant local employment, and tremendous staff loyalty – 50% of David Nieper staff have been with the company for over 10 years.
The sustainable business model has weathered numerous political and economic storms including periods of recession and the recent financial crash. ‘Made in Britain’ brand has become its mantra and a badge of honour, guaranteeing high quality fashion supported by ethically sound and responsible manufacturing.
Christopher Nieper, Managing Director of David Nieper commented:
“This is a people business; people are the secret of our success and our magic ingredient that makes the spools spin, the sewing machines whir and the wheels of commerce turn. Each and every person plays an important role – we are here celebrating 55 years because of our people and people will be the secret of our success in the future.
It has been our family’s privilege to work with such highly skilled individuals over the years and through them to have been able to make a contribution to British fashion and British manufacturing.
This event has been a celebration not just for our own family business but of all that is great about British produced fashion. It has been a show of first class design, luxury fabrics and beautiful craftsmanship. However, what really secures the future of fashion manufacturing in Britain is young talent and passing skills down from the older to the younger generation.
If we, and indeed any UK manufacturer want to be trading in Britain in another 55 years, it is crucial to train and nurture young talent. This is the purpose of our David Nieper Education Trust and it’s only through the creation of a skilled workforce that UK manufacturing can flourish and grow!”
