Jun 29, 2002/ FWD/ --- Vampires have never looked so good. Even with their gaunt faces, dark-circled eyes and long, slicked-back locks, the models at the Andrew Mackenzie show were more sexy than scary.

The Welsh-born Mackenzie called his hard-core yet glam show “being at the center of the electroclash universe.”

Sounding slightly like a self-made theory reached in a mind-altered state, Mackenzie confirmed after the show that the ECU is an actual current trend in music: “It’s a fabulous music movement that is happening in select circles and is generating a new breed of night owls. I love these boys -- they are so cool.”

Emerging from a smoky, mysterious doorway, the cool boys wore slim-fitting, low waisted trousers featuring zips, laces and chains in all the right spots.

Mackenzie showed the pants in many versions - dark denims, light cottons, as well as in more luxurious brocades that were sometimes sprinkled with embroidery detail - and paired them with thick leather belts and expertly cut jackets.

When jackets were shown in ¾ length with rich gold brocade fabrics or boldly striped taffetas - often without shirts - the look was instant Gothic chic.

Mackenzie’s dramatic looks were accessorized with stiff, pointy lace-up oxfords that came in two-tone color combinations and leather detailing.

On the topic of the mod yet up-to-date shoes, Mackenzie commented, “I think they’re shoes for the new Iggy and David of today - super-cool.”