getting ready with Zoe Saldana
When it comes to red-carpet style – from award ceremonies to premieres – Zoe Saldana rarely gets it wrong.
"Fashion is something that I enjoy; it's an art," she tells me ahead of the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 event in Paris, to which she wore a beautiful sequinned design by Armani Privé. The actress has a clear love and respect for fashion and the styling process – the results of which speak for themselves.
Of course, she doesn't work alone: over the past 15 years, Saldana has collaborated closely with not only her stylist Petra Flannery but also her hair and make-up team, with the aim of creating a moment that they're all proud of. "I want to be their muse," Saldana explains. "I want to feel good but also create a concept that we will all be excited about building together."
Below, we catch up with the actress to discuss dressing with confidence, the evolution of her style and learning to love herself.
Joseph Sinclair
Talk us through your look for the premiere – why does this look feel like a good fit for you?
"When I saw it, it immediately felt like the right outfit to wear for my final Guardians of the Galaxy premiere. Knowing that this is our last film, I really wanted to have a little touch of green in honour of Gamora and for me to remember what green has represented in my life for the past 10 years. The Armani Privé dress has these sequins – green and pale pink – it feels beautiful and very fresh."
How do you decide which brands you want to work with?
"It's a collaboration with my stylist Petra Flannery – I really trust her eye and sense of style. She knows me so well, as we've worked together for over 15 years, and she recognises that sometimes I'm into the narrative, sometimes there's a desire to just be comfortable, or [she'll introduce me to] a designer who might be creating for an old house, or a new designer who has a fresh take on something that I like. We have fun; fashion is something that I enjoy – it's an art. It's not a form that I use or exploit, I've grown to always respect it – from backstage to the stage."
Joseph Sinclair
How involved do you tend to be with the styling process?
"It depends how busy I am. This time, I've been jumping from a show to a movie and I've been living in Europe since January, so I really trust that Petra is going to show up with the most amazing looks. It's not just about what looks good, it's about what feels good. The older I get, comfort has become quite a fashionable statement in my life and I think it's good to feel safe and comfortable in what you're wearing. When I do have the time to be more involved, I have the passion and we are in constant conversation via text or phone or having pre-emptive fittings that I really enjoy."
What kind of fashion makes you feel your most confident?
"I like to listen to my body. There are times in which I don't want to be contrived, so I will wear things that are loose or fabrics that are really gentle. Then there are other times when I'm really in the mood to create some structure with fabrics and design. As I age, I'm developing confidence in myself and a self-acceptance that I just didn't have in my twenties – that I wish I had more of at that time. So, I'm just getting started when it comes to pushing myself to try and wear different things and also love myself in all ways. I hope that is something that inspires women to do the same for themselves."
Joseph Sinclair
How has your style evolved over the years?
"In my twenties, [my style] was always a combination of what I wanted to wear and what I thought others wanted me to. Now, it's about what I want and, when I collaborate with my team who I have been with forever, it's about how they would feel most represented. I want to be their muse as well; I want to feel good but also create a concept we will all be excited about building together. That process is the best because I get to collaborate with my girl."
What has been your most memorable fashion moment?
"Oh wow – in recent years there have been so many. There was a Schiaparelli outfit I wore for the Los Angeles premiere of Avatar Way of Water that I really loved. I wore an Issey Miyake outfit to one of our screenings that felt like architecture. Also, an Alexander McQueen look at the London premiere which felt beautiful – it had a touch of blue that I wanted to wear in honour of Neytiri. I also loved this black layered outfit by Victoria Beckham that I wore to one of our photocalls. I had a great time wearing brands during the tour of Avatar Way of Water, including Armani Privé as well as Michael Kors, Bottega Veneta and some Ferragamo. We are having fun for sure and I just really love fashion."
Joseph Sinclair
Whose style have you always admired?
"Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton – she's the ultimate icon because of the androgynous way she carries herself. I really like the choices that Tessa Thomspon makes; she's so fresh and likes to wear designers that she wants to highlight and support. I think that's such a nice characteristic to have."
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