THE INSIDER: ZOE SALDANA

We may have spotted Zoe Saldana in the Calvin Klein ads and sitting front row at Michael Kors earlier this week, but it's not just for show- turns out, this New York actress really knows her fashion stuff. Along with her fiance Keith Britton, she's one of the co-founders of MyFBD, the recently relaunched online database of photographers, editors, models and more (think of it as an IMDB for the fashion industry). We chatted with Zoe recently about her latest project, her favorite pieces, and taking style advice from an 8-year-old.

Whether you're in the industry or not, why do you think it's important to have a site like this? I think it was built up out of a frustration, that I would see an ad or an editorial and wonder, "Who is this model? This photographer? Who was involved? I was curious about this when I would be asked to do something, but I wouldn't really know know who was involved. And then just in daily life, trying to find a stylist or makeup artist, it was actually very hard for me. Fashion is a successful empire, but we wanted it to be for people who are inside the industry but also people who are just interested.

Who is it for? Can anyone use it?

Yes, anyone! We wanted to make it for ourselves; we wanted to fill this void that we were looking for, but we didn't want it to be just about trends. We're not bloggers per se, but we do respect bloggers. The site is for anyone who wants to track their favorite model, their favorite artist, whoever. You can get verified information from an authority.

What's your favorite item in your closet?

I have this coat obsession; it's probably the New Yorker in me. Lauren Hutton coats, Kim Basinger-inspired styles, I feel like those types of coats will live forever and I can pass them onto my kids... or just keep them for myself!

Where do you like to shop?

Well, I really like to go to Barneys, Bergdorfs, those stores and pick out everything I need there. But I'm also a fan of going other places, just random boutiques, and finding different places.

Who are you favorite designers?

Let me tell you, i love Isabel Marant, Calvin Klein of course, Alexander Wang- it's just so wearable- Diane von Furstenburg, and that's just for clothing! For accessories, there's a whole other list!

Do you have a uniform when you're not working?

I love black. Maybe it's because I'm a New Yorker, but I feel like there's ironically a weird lightness to it. I love Alexander McQueen and Riccardo Tisci because because they are so lighthearted, and whimsical about their own gothiness. I have that approach. Dark can be fun, too, you know!

What's the best piece of style advice you've ever received? Wear what you want to wear. If you don't feel it , it won't look good. I surround myself with people who I trust to tell me the truth, like my stylist..and my niece. Yeah, I take style advice from my niece.

How old is your niece?

She's eight [laughing]. I ask her, "What do you think about this?" She'll be like, 'I don't like that' or 'Love it.' She's honest.

Visit MyFDB here.