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.

   Commonwealth Utilities Spring 2010

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.

Avery, an avowed fashion fan who completed an internship at Vogue last year, embodies the Commonwealth Utilities's aesthetic of a downtown guy who "loves to dress up," Christiansen said.

Avery's guy's-guy input has helped shape the brand, Keegan says. (Keegan designs the clothes, while Christiansen manages the branding and marketing.) Avery's opinion "really helps bring a masculine edge to our brand," Keegan says. "In menswear you need to keep an eye on masculinity; it's really important."

"We wanted to make sure we can dress him," Keegan adds.

The spring collection primarily featured ensembles in black, gray and white neutrals, such as black slim-cut slacks paired with a black shirt and vest, and white blazers paired with jeans or tailored long shorts. There was only the occasional soft-pink shirt for a splash of color.

Avery was slated to appear at both the runway show and the after-party at his Tribeca bar, Warren 77, but did not show up.