MILAN, Jan 18, 2007/ FW/ --- If for his 10th anniversary show last September John Richmond went for new age gothic, he went darker this season, with Alex De Large, main character of Clockwork Orange as the muse of this collection.

With the ubiquitous bowler hat, Alex De Large’s signature look, with a walking cane topped with John Richmond’s signature ‘skull’ used as accessories in the very sartorial black and white suits, there is an alluring quirkiness in the collection that only John Richmond can provide.

Boxy shoulders on suit jackets, trousers cut wide, white shoes, black & white ascots as neckwear, the look is covetable for any young man who wants to be on the ‘grown up’ side of the fence but do not want to lose his individuality.

Still, this is John Richmond’s vision, and the designer is a rebel at heart, hence the black distressed leather bomber jacket worn over a form fitting white shirt with tiny collar and very slim necktie, this kid might be part of the underground at night, but he is definitely accepted in the right social circles by day.

The collection is a symphony of black and white, from the white tuxedo vest worn with a short sleeve shirt, to the all white suit matched with a black shirt underneath. There is mystery and secrecy, a quality that makes the collection enthralling.

Gray was used sparingly, perhaps just to break the monotony. Still, the gray trench coat with a fur collar speaks of luxury.

Embellishments were used sparingly, like tiny pearls and tiny black crystals beaded on the lapel. Again, the opulence was there, yet it was just hinted and not brash in its display.