Interview with Bettina Looney

Bettina Looney is a fashion influencer, stylist and personal shopper based in London, with more than 120k followers on Instagram. We absolutely love Bettina's style, inspired by the 80s and with a bit of glam. Get to know Bettina more in the interview below, and discover her favourite brands at Seezona.

How did your interest in fashion start? Has it always been a passion?

To be completely honest, fashion has not always been an interest of mine. From the beginning, it was not even on my radar! It all happened quite spontaneously, just because I happened to be in the right place at the right time. I was out for dinner with my now-husband one evening, and at this time I was looking for a new job. During the evening we met one of his friends who offered me an interview for an internship at his newly founded personal shopping company. The interview went well, I was offered the internship and started working for the company. I quickly moved up to a personal shopper role, and that was when my career in fashion began. The best part of working as a personal shopper is that I get to work with other women, making sure that they feel happy and confident with what they are wearing!

What is your favourite fashion-related memory that you still carry with you?

Actually, my favourite fashion memory is from quite recently. It was just a couple of years ago when I was at my first Khyeli (an emirate designer) presentation. The pieces that he had created and presented was truly some of the most beautiful pieces that I've ever seen. Usually, I don't get emotional over things like that, but his collection really brought tears to my eyes. I just adore his attention to detail and the gorgeous materials he uses - you can really tell that he is passionate about his work. I actually ended up asking him to work with me on my wedding dress - how could I not after being so moved by his work?!

How would you describe your personal style in three words?

I would describe my style as a bit glam, definitely vintage-inspired, bold, as well as 80s inspired!

What’s your advice for someone who wants to find their own style, but has no idea where to start?

My advice would be to start with finding people whose style you admire, and then finding out how you can add elements from their looks into your own wardrobe. Whether it’s a certain accessory or colour pallet that you love - slowly try to add it to your day-to-day looks. However, it’s always important to stay true to yourself and not trying to become someone else.

Has your own style changed through the years? Has the pandemic changed your style in any way?

My style has definitely changed over the years. Today I would describe my style as a bit glam and very 80s! Expressing myself through clothes is something I really enjoy. I have realised that I am most confident in more feminine silhouettes, and that is something I am fully embracing now. I wouldn’t say the pandemic has changed my style too much, as getting dressed up has been a way for me to feel like myself during the pandemic.

We always get so much inspiration from you and the content you create! Where do you get your inspiration from?

Thank you so much. I am always inspired by the women around me. I love seeing how different people are drawn to different things and style these in their own special ways. Fashion weeks are also a major source of inspiration for me. I am so excited to finally be able to attend events in real life again and to be able to discover talented emerging designers that you might have missed otherwise.

What three brands at seezona.com are your favourites and why?

I love the brands on Seezona.com; it’s a trove of exciting designers - many of which you won’t find on other sites.

One of my favourites is NUÉ, as they really embrace a glamorous aesthetic while still looking effortless. I love their embellished pieces - you feel amazing whenever you put them on!

Dalood is another favourite. I love their vintage-inspired pieces and structured silhouettes.

It’s hard to only pick three, but I also adore Sara Tamimi for their timeless designs and beautiful prints!