PARIS, Jan 23, 2004/ FW/ --- Bad football jokes made up the press release, but generalisations do have an underlying truth. Now don’t get me wrong, I am no big American football fan, to tell the truth I barely understand the game.

Why the football blurb? Because Bernard Willhelm made the American Football Club players, Les Templiers, Elancourt his models for his autumn winter 2004/05 collection in Paris this afternoon.

‘A builders heart is not made out of stone’ as stated on the same press notes, is representative of his superb sense of humour.

In the Paris headquarters of the maison, on a bright white and brick wall wallpaper background the players came out dressed in pads, with Willhelm designs consisting of a series of prints ranging from brick walls, flames and marbling to mini white stars on black, all of which were placed over the top of their gear.

Big guys in big clothes that included knit embroidery and diversity through the joining of fabrics for sweatshirts and zip up k-way style jackets with hoods.

As the models (football players) weaved their way down the horseshoe runway, they stopped to pose for photographers in true footballer style, improvising moves usually reserved for stadiums, equipped with mean looks as they peered through their protective helmets at ‘fashionistas’.

Yet this is where Willhelms genius shines through, and it lies in not taking himself seriously; music, ironical 1980’s dance his score for show time; models, beefed up football players; outfits, urban graphic prints.

All of which are completely contrasting from one another.

Post-modern, urban and active with the only accessory, a bum bag, tone on tone, or rather print on print with the black and white star outfit.

Down jackets are sure to keep out the cold and the sports style pants are comfortable for the everyday. Willhelm succeeds in bringing the sports world into the fashion arena, not due to his celebration of it, but rather due to the obvious denial, he is fun and eccentric.

Bernard Willhelm

Bernard Willhelm

Bernard Willhelm

Bernard Willhelm