Zoe Saldana covers the September 2012 issue of Gotham Magazine.

Here’s what the Latina actress, who was recently cast to play iconic singer Nina Simone had to share with the publication.

On her first memory of fashion: “My grandmother and great grandmother were seamstresses their whole lives, so when my grandmother moved to New York in the ’60s, she worked for design houses throughout the city. She really loved fabrics and textiles, so it was natural to my family. Fashion wasn’t like a religion to us, but it is in my ancestry. It was never about luxury; it was about art.”

On the favorite piece of clothing she owns: “There’s this Azzedine Alaia dress I have that makes me feel like I am collecting art. Collecting from certain designers is like collecting art and will always remain as memorable as the very first Chanel bag that I bought myself.”

On her contemporaries sense of style: “Sienna Miller, Julianne Moore, these kind of effortless beauties. Diane Kruger. I just love looking at their styles and feeling inspired by their choices.”

On the future: “Honestly, to continue growing in every aspect of my life because it’s been a long time since I’ve been this happy. I really want that to motivate me moving forward on every level.”