News Coverage:

Chambre Syndicale Steps Up Security for Paris Shows
By Jessica Michault

PARIS, Oct 2, 2001/ -- The Fédération Française de la Couture, more commonly known as the Chambre Syndicale, French fashion's governing body, is beefing up security for the ready-to-wear shows that will take place in Paris from October 5 to October 13.

The precautions being taken by the Chambre Syndicale are in accordance with the Vigipirate plan, France's anti-terrorism program that was put in place after the September 11 attack on the United States.

The Vigipirate plan was ordered for the first time in 1986, following a series of attacks in France by terrorist groups. It was reactivated in 1991 during the Gulf war, and again in 1995 when a series of terrorist bombs went off in Paris.

Since its implementation three weeks ago, it has already sent thousands of troops and police officers to guard airports, public places and national borders. Other Vigipirate safety measures include the sealing of public trashcans, random ID checks and vehicle inspections.

The following security measures will be in effect at the Carrousel du Louvre where a number of high profile shows, including Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino, Celine and Emanuel Ungaro, will take place:

Admission to the Carrousel du Louvre will be limited to three entryways: 99 rue de Rivoli, the metro stop Palais Royale-Musee du Louvre, and two entrances on the first and second levels of the Carrousel's parking garage.

The rue de Rivoli and metro station entrances will be equipped with metal detectors and X-ray machines, not unlike the pre-existing checkpoints located at the two entrances to the Louvre Museum.

The parking garage entrance will also have metal detectors, and bags will be individually opened and searched, rather than X-rayed. Any questionable items (pocketknives, etc.) will be confiscated and returned to the owner upon their departure from the Carrousel du Louvre.

All photographers and cameramen will be required to enter the Carrousel du Louvre by the southern Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel entrance, in an effort to expedite the screening process at the other three entrances. The Arc de Triomphe entrance will be outfitted with metal detectors, and all camera gear will be searched by security personnel.

As they are every season, invitations will be checked at the entrance to the hall where the shows will take place. This season, however, there will be an additional check of personal identification, to make sure that names correspond with those on invitations.

Sneaky fashionistas beware: there will be no invitation swapping or sneaking two people into a show on one ticket this season.

Denise Dubois, the director of press and public relations for the Chambre Syndicale, sees these security measures as important and necessary. "Any additional delay in the start of a show will be worth the peace of mind the extra security will give," she says.

Fashion houses whose shows will be taking place at venues other than the Carrousel will independently decide what extra security measures will be taken to insure the safety of the public. "The fashion houses have very good in-house security and it will of course be intensified for the upcoming shows," Dubois explains.