PARIS, Mar 2, 2005/ FW/ --- Bernhard Willhelm who is better known as a menswear designer is trying his hand with womenswear but having a hard time translating the heat he packs with masculine lines to the softer side of things.

Showing on the first day of the Paris season, things looked to start out very well for the young designer - a full house, important members of the international press and great atmosphere.

Then things suddenly went wrong… and all of a sudden, the audience was left out in the cold, literally and figuratively.

Presenting a very visually interesting collection with prints that ranged from leopard stripes to Greek icons & symbols together with solid colors in yellow, gray, black… you name it and it was there, the show has Bernhard Willhelm’s trademark artistry and creativity.

But, the problem was that most pieces in the collection are not sellable. The only things that were potentially commercially viable were three long printed dresses in blue.

The irony of it all is that the collection does have some touch of sophistication, however, it also has a rugged edge that does not jive, even jars the silhouette at times.

There is hope though. In this time and age where young people are always seeking ways to distinguish themselves among their peers through individuality in clothing style, Bernhard Willhelm will appeal to that market.

For all we know, he is already catering to them, and in the end, no matter what the fashion press says, it is the cash registers ringing that decide whether a collection is successful or not.

Bernhard Willhelm

Bernhard Willhelm

Bernhard Willhelm

Bernhard Willhelm