When it comes to fashion shows, there's New York, Paris, Milan... and Culver City? Yep, it's that time of year when L.A. looks to bring in designers, buyers, fashion press and assorted hangers on for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. While organizers keep trying to enhance the event's prestige, it's still considered pretty second-tier stuff, with more attention paid to celebrities and partying than transacting much business. And they've had some bad luck with rainy weather and a power outage. Early on, the focus had been on areas that Socal fashion is known for - denim, swimwear and most anything casual. Then came a shift to higher fashion. From a Business Journal story last year:

Still, many designers who haven’t yet made a name for themselves were clamoring to spotlight their collections in the hopes that, with the press watching, their clothes will gain an audience. “It definitely helps up-and-comers a lot because people will see who they are,” said designer Pegah Anvarian. “It helps create a buzz.”

Fashion Week, which gets started on Sunday and runs through Thursday, will be at smashbox Studios in Culver City.