Along with their cigarettes, assistants, indoor sunglasses, cell phones, boyfriends and Dixie cups of whiskey, Philadelphia's designers displayed their collections on Saturday at the annual Fashion Forward show, a benefit for AIDS Services in Asian Communities (ASIAC) which saw the the Changing Exhibits Hall in the Academy of Natural Sciences turned into a runway.

Despite a debacle with a missing model, which sent one designer into histrionics — causing him to drop his sunglasses (gasp) and smoke half a pack of Kools ("because," said designer Garfield Michael, "that's what designers do") — the show went off without a hitch. Models were sent down the runway wearing everything from spandex to feathers.

The boutique Male Ego plastered a variety of neon undies onto a herd of well-endowed men, providing an explicit anatomy lesson for the two young girls in the front row (they'd have found out sooner or later).

Some designers made liberal use of artistic license, creating garments along the lines of J. Lo meets Braveheart, featuring green floral togas with leather everywhere, while others constructed outfits of duct tape. A few created collections you'd even wear, like in public. Standout lines were offered by Liz Truong, whose collection of flowing gowns in gold and crisp white were beautifully presented, and Michael, who showed boldly constructed garments in blacks and brights.

Designers' friends, prep kids, hipsters, parents, a catwalk-commandeering documentary maker and purportedly Tyson Beckford's mom were in attendance, and availed themselves of the open bar while being watched by the Academy's taxidermied deer. They bid on restaurant gift certificates and leather bustiers, helping ASIAC raise nearly $11,000 to fight the growing AIDS epidemic among Philadelphia's Asian population.

So, what's next? Whispers of Philadelphia's own fashion week (akin to the New York event) to be held in the Kimmel Center, says one respected Philadelphia designer. Stay tuned.