Paris, Oct 5, 2001/ FWD/ --- Richard Bengtsson and Edward Pavlick - the design duo behind Richard Edwards, opened the Paris fashion week Friday afternoon not quite with a bang, but with a solid try.

Now in their second season of women's wear, the two designers formerly known for their precise, modern men's wear have started establishing their label as a line of clean, well-structured clothing, characterized by an unassuming edge.

For Spring 2002, they sent down the runway a composed set of fresh-faced, tight pony-tailed girls, treading quietly in sheer ballet slippers and basic, antiseptic pieces tweaked ever so slightly.

There were thin ruffles that ran down the leg of a white tuxedo pant and swept along a ballet tee; simple, solid black blouses or suit jackets, given an edge with shoulder cutouts; an otherwise gentle-natured shift dress rendered alluring by high-legged sheer; a deconstructed woven cocktail dress, with two hanging bondage straps - all crisply presented in a solid palette of white, gray, and black with touches of soft butter yellows and baby pinks.

The result was simple, innocuous clothing, for a woman who, once in a while, likes to push the envelope, or play at being flirty. Neither brilliant, nor breath-taking, it is, though, a highly wearable collection.

Richard Edwards Fashion

Richard Edwards Fashion

Richard Edwards Fashion

Richard Edwards Fashion

Richard Edwards Fashion

Richard Edwards Fashion