Paris, Oct 5, 2001/ FWD/ --- One of the more humorous talents showing in Paris is Tom Van Lingen, a Dutch designer who presented his Spring/Summer 2002 collection today, the opening day of the Paris collections.

Staged in the basement of the Pompidou Center, the show was backed by an opera soloist, interrupted occasionally by a voice commanding the models, "One, two, three, stop!" This they abruptly did in a virtual maze, before all 20 of the blond afro-wigged models lined up at a far wall.

Van Lingen opened with some great white wrap dresses with scattered color mini-blocks, followed by skirts and Directoire coats in faux patchwork stripes.

Tom showed some brilliant shoes and tights, with floral patterns beginning on the heel of the shoe and creeping up onto the calf.

Though fun throughout, it was also a little naughty, with tight black tops that morphed into suspenders used to hold up multi-pleated asymmetrical dresses.

His item-driven collection was a droll mélange of posh punk looks and French gamine chic. Fun, yes, but never foolish, wacky but always practical.

Tom Van Lingen Fashion

Tom Van Lingen Fashion

Tom Van Lingen Fashion

Tom Van Lingen Fashion

Tom Van Lingen Fashion

Tom Van Lingen Fashion