In a digital world where trends change almost every day, model Likuna Sturua’s Instagram stands out with a visual language of its own. Her profile feels like a personal journal, where fashion, travel, books, and art naturally exist together. In an era shaped by fast-moving trends, what makes Likuna different is her ability to stay true to herself while building a clear and recognizable personal aesthetic.
In her conversation with N13, Likuna talks about her personal and visual transformation, the challenge of staying authentic on social media, the journey of finding her own style, and the values that shape both her everyday life and creative vision.
Your Instagram feels like a visual diary where fashion, travel, and art come together beautifully. Who or what has the biggest influence on your personal aesthetic?
There are many people whose style I admire. I follow them on social media and often find inspiration in what they create, but that’s only one part of it. Inspiration comes from everything around me. I see style as something alive and constantly changing. It needs to be fed all the time. That’s why I’m always looking for things that truly speak to me, influence me, and make me want to bring them into my own life.
People often say that style reflects a person’s inner world. Has there ever been a time when a personal transformation completely changed the way you dress or express yourself visually?
Absolutely, and sometimes in a very dramatic way. I’m a very emotional and expressive person. My feelings are always visible, and naturally they show in my style too. When I was sixteen, for example, my wardrobe was almost entirely filled with men’s clothes because I didn’t want to attract attention. My emotional state has always been reflected in the way I dress and present myself.
On social media, where everything often looks perfect, how important is authenticity to you? How do you make your content feel both beautiful and real?
No matter how simple it sounds, authenticity is the most important thing to me. If I’m not honest with myself or don’t believe in what I’m doing, everything loses its meaning. I don’t want success if it requires me to be dishonest with myself. Even if it’s something as small as an accessory I’m wearing or an object I’m holding, I never want to compromise my authenticity.
Many young women look to your style for inspiration. What helps someone avoid getting lost in trends and stay true to their individuality?
I think the answer is curiosity. First, you need to ask yourself a lot of questions, and then ask questions about the world around you. Right now, there’s a popular idea that everything should look effortless, as if self-expression is only valuable when it happens naturally. I actually disagree with that. I believe that by asking yourself honest questions- What really matters to me? Why do I choose this piece? Why am I always drawn to the same aesthetic? Why do I buy something only to leave it in my wardrobe?- you slowly discover your own visual language. Over the years, it becomes more natural and more personal.
Today, trends change almost every day. What does timeless style mean to you, and what never loses its relevance?
For me, authenticity is always timeless. A forever piece could simply be a basket bag or an oversized pair of sunglasses that people have laughed at me for wearing. One of my friends believes the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer is timeless, while another would say it’s a perfectly fitted pair of jeans. I think everyone has their own formula. Pieces become timeless because they mean something different to every person. People naturally find the things that express who they really are.
Your summer looks often feature relaxed silhouettes and an interesting colour palette. What is your personal formula for great summer style?
For me, it’s a light and simple base- whether that’s a summer dress or a linen set- combined with bold accessories that stand out through their shape, colour, or character.
Summer is often linked to bright colours, yet your wardrobe is mostly made up of monochrome and earthy tones. What advice would you give to readers who want to wear neutral colours without looking boring?
I would love to be someone who feels completely comfortable wearing bright colours, but at this stage of my life, I naturally prefer a minimalist neutral base with bold, maximalist accessories. That combination makes me feel like I don’t belong to just one category, and I enjoy that feeling. I would encourage everyone to try it and see what makes them feel most balanced and comfortable.
When people talk about your style, accessories always come up- oversized vintage sunglasses, woven straw bags, scarves. Do you think accessories are the key to transforming a simple outfit?
Definitely. That’s probably why I own so many bags and sunglasses.
Sunglasses seem to have a special place in your wardrobe. Recently, you’ve often been wearing Celine’s new bestseller. What are your favourite eyewear brands, and how do you choose the right shape?
I don’t really like classic sunglasses. What looks elegant and timeless on someone else often feels a bit boring on me. I think sunglasses should stand out through their shape, colour, or even the material they’re made from. The brands that represent this idea best for me are Port Tanger, Phoebe Philo, and Lexxola. I follow all of them closely, and I already own several of their designs.
Unlike sunglasses, which change your facial expression, a bag affects your whole silhouette. We often see you carrying oversized bags as well as woven summer styles. How do you balance aesthetics and practicality?
To be honest, I don’t have a perfect answer because my bags are either extremely large or extremely small. Those two extremes simply work best with my proportions. I choose a bag based on what feels right for a specific outfit. If I carry a large bag, I somehow always manage to fill it. If I choose a tiny one that only fits lipstick and my keys, I feel just as comfortable.
Travel introduces us to new cultures, architecture, and art. How much do different places influence your personal style? Is there one destination that had a lasting impact on you?
Travel, curiosity, and openness to different cultures are incredibly important to me. I lived in Japan for a while, and that experience completely changed my inner world. Naturally, it also changed the way I looked and dressed. I was deeply inspired by the Japanese approach to clothing and to life in general. I remember coming back to Tbilisi and giving away half of my wardrobe. Some forms of inspiration only become real when you see them with your own eyes and realise that way of thinking truly exists. My time in Japan was definitely a turning point.
Beyond travelling and photoshoots, your social media also reflects a love for books and art. How important is spending time alone, and what hobbies give you the most energy?
I really protect my time alone. I believe that taste- even when it seems to show itself through something as simple as clothing- actually comes from much deeper roots. It starts with truly knowing yourself, and that isn’t possible without spending time alone and reflecting. As for hobbies, I always say I have many, and they constantly change depending on the stage of my life, so it’s difficult to choose just one. Right now, long walks, listening to audiobooks, and interesting interviews help me switch off and recharge. Since I’ve also been travelling more recently, photography has once again become one of my biggest passions.
Interview: Mariam Bekauri
