Fashion central? That’s just not an L.A. state of mind

As the fall fashion shows continue, this week winding their way to Milan, the final details for next month’s runway shows in L.A. are still being ironed out. The most hotly anticipated event is being organized by 7th on Sixth, the same outfit that stages New York’s Fashion Week at Bryant Park. “Mercedes-Benz Shows L.A.” will take place April 1 through 4 at the Downtown Standard Hotel, with three runways that will cost designers $750 to $3,500 to rent (compared to $20,000 at Bryant Park).

But with just weeks to go before 7th on Sixth’s first foray to the West Coast, so far only a few shows have been announced. Richard Tyler and the label Ghost will have runway presentations. Designers Michelle Mason, Cornell Collins, Magda Berliner and Grant Krajecki of Grey Ant will also participate, with their shows underwritten by Mercedes-Benz and other corporate sponsors.

Meanwhile, the brothers Davis and Dean Factor have organized an alternative fashion week at their Smashbox Studios in Culver City. Those committed to showing at the photography studios March 31 through April 3 include Eduardo Lucero, Rami Kashou, Corey Lynn Calter and Cynthia Vincent.

The nonprofit Gen Art will also continue its tradition of staging a show, the only one during the week that is open to the public. (Details are available at www.genart.org). Jared Gold and Alicia Lawhon will show at this event, slated for April 4 at the Shrine Auditorium. Mason will debut her lower-price line, and there will also be a swimwear presentation.

So much for 7th on Sixth’s mission to increase L.A.’s fashion world stature by creating a central location for the shows.