French fashion body beefs up security ahead of runway shows

PARIS (AP) - France's fashion federation is ratcheting up security at ready-to-wear shows during next week's Paris Fashion Week in the wake of November's attacks.

In a statement, the federation said it is collaborating with authorities enforcing a national state of emergency until Feb. 26.

The move, it says, "might generate some constraints for the guests." Designer Franck Sorbier urged industry professionals to bring the bare minimum and has banned big bags, and Elie Saab warned that persons will be searched and refused entry without hefty ID.

Paris' menswear and haute couture season kicks off Wednesday. It's always a huge operation for French authorities who have to divert traffic and accommodate the world's largest traveling circus in over 70 official shows.