EMMY OUTFITS UP FOR UBIDS.

Byline: Barbara De Witt Fashion Editor

So many gowns from so many galas, what's an Emmy-nominated actress to do?

Donate to charity, is what Emmy nominee Jane Kaczmarek of ``Malcolm in the Middle'' declared at Sunday's Emmy awards.

While parading the red carpet, she announced she was putting her black lace maternity gown (size 8-10) by Heidi Kaczenski on uBid.com to benefit Cure Autism Now. Her husband, Bradley Whitford of ``The West Wing,'' said he was donating his Ralph Lauren tuxedo (42 long) as well.

``Last year, after so many were discouraged because they'd selected their dresses for the Emmys, and then Sept. 11 changed everything - including the dress code - Jane got the genesis for the idea of donating this year's clothing to charity,'' says Tracy Shaffer, the couple's publicist. ``She and her husband sent letters to all the nominees and presenters and got a great response.'' Shaffer added that before the clothing can be listed on the Web site, it has to be cleared with the designer, so more names will be added daily.

``This is the one of the best kinds of recycling - slightly used tuxedos and evening gowns turned into hard cash for worthy causes. The academy commends television's brightest stars for not only taking home the gold but having hearts made of it as well,'' said Bryce Zabel, chairman and CEO of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

Among the 16 already on the site is ``West Wing'' star Martin Sheen's Brioni tuxedo valued at $3,700 - shirt and tie included. Although Sheen didn't pay for the elegant ensemble, a Brioni spokesman said the Italian clothier was happy to have any proceeds go to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the charity selected by Sheen.

Fashionistas might note that Martin's co-star Janel Moloney is auctioning her size 4 peacock blue gown to benefit the same charity. For those thinking about investments, this could be a hot ticket, since it's by the late American designer Bill Blass. So far, the opening bid is $1,000, but the online auction continues through Oct. 7.

Among the other actors auctioning their Emmy ensembles is ``Alias'' best actress nominee Jennifer Garner, who hopes to raise money for Heifer International and UNICEF. Her Ralph Lauren gown had the most bids, but the buyer should beware: The gown featured on the Web site is not the gown she was seen wearing at the awards ceremony, and Ralph Lauren's office offered no explanation.

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

MOLONEY: ``West Wing'' star's size 4 gown could be yours.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer