Before the Olympics, there is the fabulous French fashion flex

Models backstage at the Hermes Autumn/Winter 2024 runway show in New York. For the brand, it was the first collection show held outside of France. Photo: The New York Times

When is a fashion show not just a fashion show? When it is a vehicle for cultural diplomacy.

At least this appears to be the case with the Cruise (or Resort or Pre-Spring or whatever you want to call them) destination extravaganzas that have taken place over the last month.