Paris still fashionable despite November attacks

Paris dusts itself off to reclaim its place as the capital of fashion today with the start of its menswear shows amid tight security after the November terror attacks. With some of the world richest fashionistas due in the French capital for the haute couture collections which follow the 50 or so menswear shows, the organisers are taking no risks. 

Paris fahion shows begin this week REUTERS/Suzanne

Reinforced security and identity checks have many in the industry fearing long queues which could play havoc with the tightly scheduled catwalk shows.

The extra precautions come after gunmen and suicide bombers acting in the name of the Islamic State group killed 130 people in Paris in November.

Major fashion houses including Valentino and Yohji Yamamoto warned clients and guests to arrive early.

Meanwhile, Chanel said it is adding extra security at its show.

But the new head of the French Couture Federation Pascal Morand insisted yesterday that they wanted to make the autumn-winter shows as secure as possible.

Although the shows will inevitably be affected by the sombre post-attacks mood of the city, Morand said so far there had been no major drop in the numbers of those attending.

He said it was vital that Paris maintain its position as the world's fashion capital, and that it continues to attract the very best young designers.

It's important that Paris is the place where you come to be anointed, where you make your breakthrough and earn you spurs," Morand said.