Something caught my attention while looking through the photos from the latest fashion shows in Paris. I recognized Nicole Kidman, Zendaya and Emma Stone immediately, but I had to look twice to remember which collections they were attending. It made me smile, because I follow fashion closely, and yet the celebrities had caught my attention before the clothes.

Here in Los Angeles, we’re used to seeing movie stars associated with major fashion houses. What feels different now is the sheer number of them. They’re sitting front row in Paris, Milan, London and New York, appearing in campaigns and attending events that sometimes seem designed around their presence.

A few years ago, everyone wanted influencers. A large Instagram following could open almost any door in fashion. They’re still part of the picture, but I feel the excitement around them has faded a little. Movie stars have something different to offer. Nicole Kidman has a career that spans decades, Emma Stone has earned enormous respect for her performances, and Zendaya has developed a fashion identity that people genuinely enjoy following.

I can see why designers want them at their shows. What I find more interesting is why the luxury houses seem to need this kind of attention so much.

I’ve loved fashion for years, and I still enjoy walking into a beautiful boutique to see the clothes up close. But lately, some prices have genuinely surprised me. I can appreciate the cut of a jacket, the fabric and the work involved in making it, while still wondering whether I would ever pay that much for it. And I suspect quite a few women feel the same way.

Luxury brands know their customers are thinking more carefully about purchases. When an actress wears one of their designs, the conversation moves away from the price and toward the person wearing it. Suddenly we’re talking about Zendaya’s appearance or Nicole Kidman’s style. The clothes become part of a much bigger story.

There’s nothing wrong with that. Fashion and cinema have shared a close relationship for generations, and some of my favorite red carpet moments have come from it. I just hope we don’t reach a point where the guest list matters more than the collection.

I would rather remember a beautiful dress because of its design than because someone famous happened to wear it.

Looking at all those front-row photographs from Los Angeles, I keep coming back to one thought. We know what Hollywood gets from fashion. I’m beginning to think fashion might be getting even more from Hollywood.