FASHION FIX

For one night, organizers of Fashion Forward 2005 will transform the stodgy Academy of Natural Sciences into Tokyo's Harajuku district.

The $40-a-pop runway show and fundraiser is the fifth of its kind benefiting AIDS Services in Asian Communities (ASIAC). Ten style mavens will show off hip-hop, urban chic and evening-wear threads — some of which will be on sale at the event. "Fashion is a fun thing to do and a lot of people appreciate it," says ASIAC Executive Director Ronald Sy. "It's also a great way to raise consciousness about issues." The nonprofit agency strives to educate the city's growing population of immigrants who might not have access to health care because of a lack of information or a language barrier. Sy also says sex, sexuality and substance abuse are still taboo topics in some Asian cultures, leading to widespread misconceptions about AIDS and HIV. Besides the warm fuzzies that come from helping others, guests can drink up at an hour-long open bar and bid on gift certificates, art and collectibles at a silent auction. Finally — a respectable excuse to covet clothes.

Fashion Forward 2005, Sat., Sept. 24, 8 p.m., $40-$50, Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, 215-563-2424, www.asiac.org/events.