NEW YORK, Feb 4, 2007 / FW --- With a collection entitled ‘Close Encounters,’ it was natural to expect a futuristic / sci-fi collection but Andrew Buckler designing under the label Buckler surprised his audience by proposing skinny jeans and trousers with a rock & roll theme.

That the silhouettes would be slim was a given from the first exit, skinny trousers paired with a torso hugging pullover with the sleeves extending to be an arm warmer cum fingerless gloves. Pointed maroon shoes completed the look that actually made it borderline between rock & roll and ‘Clockwork Orange’, a favorite theme among menswear designers.

But, don’t expect Alex de Large to make an appearance. It’s more of working class heroes and dockworkers with chequered shirts and hooded coats that were either long or brief.

Of course, there were also the formal suits that were proposed as single-breasted two-button variety, and the military inspired jackets that the twenty-somethings will love.

And the ‘Close Encounters’ reference in the invitation, perhaps it was meant for the ‘underground’ men’s fashion, i.e. men wearing corsets. Of course, it was just meant for the runway, like the vaudeville drama in the end.

And though this collection might look like it is for the rough & tumble, don’t be fooled. There were a lot of pieces that college kids, stockbrokers, even Washington D.C. interns will be more than interested in wearing.