"It isn't much warmer inside," a publicist leading us into the Commonwealth Utilities Fall 2010 show at the Nomad Hotel warned Sunday evening. Haven't heard of the Nomad Hotel yet? That's because it's still under construction.

Guests entering the space off 28th Street found a raw, unfinished lobby with exposed beams, stripped walls and peeling paint on the ceiling. The man next to us half-joked that it looked like the ceiling would collapse upon us. Ushers offered hand-warmers and warm (non-spiked) apple cider. We mention the virgin apple cider because the gift left on the seats was a Commonwealth Utilities flask, wrapped in a paper bag.

Menswear line Commonwealth Utilities staged its first runway show last night at a storied New York barber shop, Astor Place Hair Designers. Although the label is relatively young, it has already captured a high-profile fan in New York Rangers player Sean Avery.

Six months ago, Commonwealth creative directors Anthony Keegan and Richard Christiansen sent Avery a sweater that was modeled off a hockey jersey. To their surprise, Avery called the duo and asked to work with them. He stops by their studio to weigh in on designs, Keegan says.