A’marie girl: Nina Vidušin

Every A’marie girl carries something special – an elusive ease of style, that quiet elegance that never demands attention yet is always present. She chooses with care, wears with feeling, and lives in harmony with herself. That’s precisely why Nina Vidušin perfectly embodies the spirit of the A’marie woman – self- aware, warm, and truly inspiring.

In this conversation, I got a glimpse into her daily life, uncovered the little fashion rituals that brighten her day, and found out which A’marie pieces are her favorites. Because style isn’t just about clothing. Style is a way of life.

Who is Nina, and how would you briefly describe yourself to someone who knows nothing about you?

I was born in Zagreb. My mother is from Zagreb, my father is half Parisian and half from Novalja. I grew up and studied in France. For the last ten years, I’ve been working in marketing within the luxury goods and fashion industry. I started at Bulgari in Rome, then moved to La Prairie in Paris. After that, I returned to Milan (where I lived for the first time on an Erasmus exchange) and worked at Emilio Pucci as a Marketing & Event Manager, specializing in event, fashion show, and shoot production. I moved to Zagreb for quality-of-life reasons, but continued freelancing for various brands, mostly in Paris – which gives me the opportunity to see friends and family when I travel for events. I often work in-house for Kenzo, a lot last

year for Burberry, and through agencies I’ve worked with – for Mugler, Rabanne, Lexus, Belvedere – I’ve had the chance to revisit Milan or discover Barcelona. When I have time after fashion shows, I also do show calling.

I truly love my job, especially because I often get to work with friends. Over time, my professional and personal lives have intertwined – which suits me, as family and friends have always been a priority.

Your life unfolds between Paris, Milan, Rome, and Zagreb – what does each city bring to your personality and aesthetic sensibility?

First and foremost, it brings a kind of complexity because I can’t share everything with everyone in each country – how would you, for example, explain to a French person the memories evoked by a Ledo parasol?

Paris: grandeur, terrible Toni&Guy haircuts, Longchamp school bags, Repetto ballet flats, Champs- Élysées and Rue de Rivoli in the early morning with cigarette smoke in your hair, Haussmannian apartments, gray sweaters, second-hand finds, Jean d’Ormesson, school, PE outfits in the 90s, university, an awkward first job interview outfit, ballet, discipline, Rue Saint-Honoré, late night rides along the Seine (now pedestrian zones), Frédéric Beigbeder, Hotel Costes (once upon a time), Sophie Fontanel, decadence, metro, croissant croissant croissant, Castel, a bottle of wine and cheese platter after work, terrasse, deep conversations, Mamie in a green suit, Jacques Chirac, Céline Dion, Saturdays at Colette and their unique perfume, cultural mix, countryside cottages, gastronomy, bangs, Chablis…

Zagreb: southern wind aesthetics, Austro-Hungarian history and architecture, the scent of laundry, stews, and cold concrete from basement streets, Mala kavana with grandma, Žuži Jelinek, Dolac market, Christmas, Šalata rink/pool, high ceilings, wallpaper, Tkalča up and down, fur, snow, Krvavi most, Opatovina at the end of August, ćevapi from Rubelj, velvet sofas, Pleso Airport, Baltazar family lunches, Refan shops, Školska knjiga on the main square, trams, craftsmen…

Novalja: the Adriatic, plastic chairs, stone stone stone – bare stone, ladies with orange lipstick in summer scenes, I stepped on a sea urchin, ferry queues – can we get out of the car, hiding in the blue Zastava listening to grandpa’s tapes, trailers, ice creams, “whose are you?”, everything for 12 kuna, lasers at the waterfront stalls, beach peaches and breadsticks, “hey French girl, want a ride?”, fried calamari with mayo, selling seashells on the road, little stone walls, Cedevita, Zrće in the early 2000s, the scent of immortelle and sage in the morning, lamb roasts, flip-flops, fishing with grandpa and dad, 70s summer cottages, pedal boats…

Rome: Bulgari, Fendi, salty and sandy Sunday night returns from Fregene, Piazza Navona by night, Ponte Sant’Angelo at night, San Pietro at night, palazzi, spaghetti alle vongole, carbonara, San Felice Circeo, beach clubs, cornetto at the bar before work, gelato, Roman indie music – Calcutta & TheGiornalisti, aperitivo, history and beauty on every corner, Campo de’ Fiori, love, unique light, Vespa and Smart rides, joie de vivre, cobblestones, gastronomy, slow life, frescoes in every apartment…

Milan: case di ringhiera, bikes, 40s–50s architecture, aperitivo, dynamism, design, 80s songs at Patusci, weekend homes by the lakes, trips to Liguria, Università Cattolica, Sant’Ambrogio…

Your first job in Rome, with the luxury jewelry house Bulgari, sounds like a dream! Do you remember that moment when you stepped into the world of luxury from the inside?

To be honest, my first experience came a few years before that when, during my studies, I worked as a sales advisor for Chanel on Avenue Montaigne. I remember walking into the office of a recruiter specialized in luxury retail, and she said: “You’re perfect for Chanel.” I said – sure! Before that, I was a big fan of fashion and the industry, but that experience confirmed that this was the path I wanted. It taught me the fundamentals of the “unspoken rules” of the fashion world and showed me what happens …

What’s the craziest or most memorable moment you’ve had at a fashion event or shoot?

There’s always a memorable episode in every production – an unexpected moment that tests our resourcefulness. I have plenty of anecdotes that still make me laugh. One time, the night before a morning fashion show, the creative director decided he wanted all 400 guest gifts – T-shirts – vacuum- sealed. We came up with the idea to take them to a local delicatessen near the office, which usually vacuum-packs ham and cheese – and they did it for us overnight. It shows how important it is to have partners an…

You’ve worked with many brands, from Bulgari to Pucci, Mugler, Kenzo, and Burberry – what have you learned about the power of branding and the emotion that fashion conveys?

I’ve realized how the founder’s energy radiates through every part of the brand – shaping relationships, the organization, internal processes, the atmosphere – as if they’re still there whispering how to carry on. That’s why it’s important that brands stay close to their heritage – it’s their core strength.

Fashion is both emotion and message – how do you try to convey that in every event or campaign you do?

I always remember that changes in direction mid-process are part of the job – not problems or surprises. You have to know when to create or support a certain “madness” to bring the vibrancy needed for creativity – so everyone stays excited about what we’re doing. But not to create unnecessary, unproductive stress.

How would you describe your personal style? What kind of clothing makes you happiest? What do you feel best in?

I think my style is quite timeless – I still wear pieces that are 15–20 years old. For example, my Pepe Jeans leather jacket from high school (now practically vintage), or my first pair of Jimmy Choo heels bought in 2012 for my master’s oral entrance exam – which I recently wore again on a night out. I don’t buy much clothing – each year I add a few pieces that I then style with my “old treasures.” I’m also obsessed with cashmere – I get cold easily – under 24°C, I need a sweater, so I’ve got a collectio…

The off-shoulder dress caught my attention precisely because of that detail – that kind of design usually draws me to your pieces, as you know how to strike the perfect balance of elegance, femininity, and sexiness in a single garment.

The outfit pairing a black bodysuit and jeans has been my signature look for the past 15 years – I’ve worn countless versions, all worn out – so it was time for a new one. And again, with your piece, that “something” just made everything fit and fall perfectly.

I know you’ve fallen in love with a few current A’marie pieces. How would you style them yourself, and what exactly drew you to those pieces?

I’ve fallen for several current (and past!) pieces because A’marie clothing, thanks to the quality of the fabrics and cuts, has that certain something – you simply put it on, it fits perfectly, drapes just right, and instantly gives a sense of presence and attitude. I chose the star of the collection – the long pink sequin dress – because I couldn’t possibly pass by such an exclusive and unique piece. I styled it in a monochrome look with a pink A’marie trench coat and my friulane (velvet Venetian slippers). Even though sequins are usually reserved for evening occasions, this dress is quite hybrid – it works just as well on a red carpet as it does in a daytime outfit. That’s exactly the A’marie signature – most pieces can be either formal or playful depending on how you style them, from morning to night. That’s your little magic.

I chose the off-the-shoulder dress precisely because of that detail – that type of design often draws me to your pieces, because you know how to combine just the right dose of elegance, femininity, and sexiness in a single garment.

The outfit where I pair a black bodysuit and jeans has been my signature look for the past 15 years – I’ve owned countless versions, all well-worn – so it was time for a new one. And once again, with your piece, that something special happened that makes everything fall perfectly into place.

What does a beautiful woman mean to you?

I don’t have a fixed definition – every woman is unique, and I can usually quickly spot what’s beautiful about each woman when I see her, rather than look for criteria.

What’s your “switch” like between calm Zagreb and the fast-paced fashion capitals? Do you have any personal travel rituals?

That transition comes naturally to me. For a while, constant travel was exhausting – work in one city, family in another, vacation in a third… I thought it would be easier to have everything in one place, but I’ve accepted that that just wouldn’t be me – I feel at home everywhere. I keep living in each city as if I never left. I embrace travel with joy and look forward to every return. For instance, now I enjoy Paris much more as a visitor – I see it with fresh eyes, marvel again at things that once …

No special ritual, I just always say: “As long as I have my documents and plane ticket – everything else can be bought if needed.”

Your apartment in Zagreb blends pieces from different countries and eras – what’s the process of creating such a personal space like?

It’s a lifelong process born from my passion for antiques and vintage furniture. For years I’ve been collecting and storing pieces – even when I didn’t know where they’d end up. I’ve kept a low marble table for over 20 years – I fell in love with it at 12. I still have stored pieces that might be for this or a future apartment. Furniture and decorations come from all sorts of places – flea markets, streets, people emptying homes, like a Ginori tea set, props warehouses, auctions…

Some key pieces are originals from the 1920s, from when the apartment was built, and all the armchairs and the sofa came from France, restored by my mom who does it as a hobby. I’ve currently banned myself from going to Hrelić – so I don’t find something again – but my dream is to take a van and tour the most famous flea markets in France and Italy, like Arezzo and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue… and do some wine tasting along the way!

What’s your favorite piece of furniture or decoration and what’s its story?

The headboard was the only piece that didn’t originally serve its current function when I found it. The bed was already installed, but I couldn’t find anything that felt right. Then, by chance, I came across some old wardrobe doors in my grandmother’s basement — and that was it! I loved their height and the way the proportions played with the ceiling, and the fact that they were exactly the width of the bed was pure luck.

What does your workday in Zagreb look like? What are your go-to spots?

If I’m on a project and don’t have much personal time, I choose between pilates or Dolac in the morning. If it’s quieter, I manage both! Then I work from home all day, and in the evening I meet up with friends. You’ll usually find me at Kaptol Center – there’s always something missing, and all the essential stores are there. I also go there for Reformer Pilates at Revive and coffee with neighborhood friends or those who want easy parking. Of course, Dolac during the day – and now even at night.

For nights out I prefer dinners – classics like Mali Bar, Karijola, Bota Šare, Šestinski Lagvić, Burgeraj, and of the more modern places, I love all of Mate Janković’s concepts and Gola, run by my friend Ivan Salopek.

How do you relax and recharge?

Whenever I can and if the weather’s good – I go to the coast, to my place in Novalja where I spend the day biking and swimming, or to my best friends’ places in Aix-en-Provence and Marseille (many of us have left Paris). The same goes for Rome – always a good idea!

You’re living the dream of many young women who love fashion – working for global luxury brands while living in Zagreb. What advice would you give to younger generations on how to achieve this?

To do what they love with passion, be patient – and learn French. It wasn’t a dream of mine – I started my career formally, in corporations, with a predictable development path. In the early years, I never imagined I’d start something of my own. But life unfolded – I already carried Zagreb, Paris, and Novalja within me – then came Rome and Milan, and it became necessary to find a way to connect it all. Birthday in Paris, wedding in Bari, christening in Zagreb, party in Rome, a friend’s event in Milan. Corporate life was no longer in line with my need for physical flexibility.

I’m not sure this lifestyle would suit everyone – it comes with its own set of challenges that I’m willing to accept because of the balance it gives me. But I don’t think everyone would be thrilled not knowing where they’ll be in two months – or whether they’ll have to “hop over” to Paris next week.

5 Quick Questions:

First association with A’marie? Femininity and a distinctive identity.
Life abroad or in Croatia? Tough one – depends on life phase and personal goals.
Favorite vacation spot? A boat! (sadly, I don’t own one)
A moment in life you’re most proud of? First flight with my brother as the pilot.
A woman who inspires you most? Every woman I know – each for her own reason.