A’marie girl: Sonja Kvesić

I remember my first encounter with Sonja Kvesić like it was yesterday, and how amazed I was by her energy and professionalism. I also remember almost every one of her wonderful reactions to some creation I brought to our joint shoot. Sonja is one of A’MARIE’s long-term collaborators, a makeup artist in whom I have one hundred percent trust, and a woman who truly loves A’MARIE. She is the ultimate A’MARIE girl – unpretentious, simple, and full of good energy that wins you over in an instant. Makeup is her great love, which is evident from her rich portfolio, and along with her love for makeup, she also nurtures a huge passion for fashion. Few makeup artists have such a refined taste for fashion, especially for accessories, which she has a particular weakness for. Recently, she strolled through Zagreb in her favorite pieces from our current collection and styled them brilliantly with her chic accessories.

Besides having a great time at the shoot where Sonja wore the statement Mon overcoat, Kasi, Suri i Ria dresses, we finally managed to chat a bit about the beginnings of her career, motherhood, her favorite addresses in Zagreb, and don’t worry – we touched on makeup topics, of course.

A lawyer who ended up in the makeup industry. How did that happen? When did the love for makeup start?

I never planned a career as a makeup artist, but when I look back, I noticed women who stood out with their style from a young age, bought every magazine on the market, studied and flipped through them, absorbing visuals… Female beauty in all its forms has always fascinated me, and what we gravitate towards is never a coincidence.

It’s interesting that I almost never (except for evening editions or important events) see you wearing makeup. Why is that?

Haha, that’s very true. The simplest answer would be the old adage ‘the shoemaker’s children go barefoot,’ and in my case, it is indeed true… I enjoy doing makeup for others more. During the pandemic, wearing masks every day, I completely lost the habit, I liked the freedom, but I’m trying to get back to at least a 5-minute makeup routine every morning. However, I must admit that I immensely enjoy doing makeup for others, and the satisfied and fulfilled look of my clients remains the greatest reminder of how much I love this job.

As one of our top makeup artists, you surely have products you love and always recommend. What are they?

Rhode glazing milk, Makeup Forever Anywhere Caffeine lip liner, Kosas concealer, Rare Beauty liquid highlighter, and Westman Atelier blush sticks.

Besides being a genius at makeup, you are a big fashion enthusiast, and this brings us to your love for A’marie clothing. When did it happen? Do you remember your first encounter with my brand?

I remember just moving to Zagreb and seeing a beautiful woman in the city center wearing the most interesting oversized gray coat I had ever seen… I think it was Slavica Josipović, a well-known street style photographer, and I approached her, complimented her, and asked about the brand of the coat. A’marie, of course… 🙂 I went to the store immediately, but unfortunately, the model was sold out. I still dream about that coat!

In the current collection, you found some great pieces that fit you perfectly. How do you plan to style them this season?

All the models speak for themselves, and that’s why I love the A’marie brand. My days are extremely dynamic, so I love simple and airy clothes that don’t restrict me. Favorite sunglasses, a watch, and comfortable sandals.

From the selection, which piece would you highlight as your favorite?

I felt perfect in the black flowy Suri dress and the short Mon cape trench coat!

How would you best describe your fashion style? I see you as a classicist with an incredibly stylish eye for accessories that I would wear myself…

Well, thank you! I don’t see myself as a stylish person, I dress very simply, wear things that suit my body and personality, and most often have nothing to do with trends! Over the years, I’ve managed to develop a habit of buying less but better quality, and I’ll always be won over by a good blazer, a perfectly tailored white T-shirt, high-waisted pants, and interesting shoes. From accessories, I love earrings, sunglasses, headbands, and scarves.

What is your ‘on-the-go’ outfit when you need to be quick?

Good jeans, an oversized shirt, and my favorite leather loafers!

What is the concept of beauty for you?

Can we even define it? In other words, I don’t know if I want to. I think the answer for me lies in that ‘feeling.’ What touches me may not touch someone else, but for me, beauty is in the little things, the way we look at the world around us, the feeling we leave with others…

Being a mom and a makeup artist. How do you balance work and little Toma?

Being a single mom and a freelance makeup artist without a set working schedule – I won’t lie, it’s not easy at all, but I accepted the challenge with immense strength, and we have our little world that works. Toma is a wonderful child and my only priority, and the key to functioning is good organization.