dailytelegraph– This time last year things couldn’t have looked more different for Nadia Bartel.
The Melbourne-based influencer was visibly wounded after her very public split from husband, former AFL star Jimmy Bartel.
During a tearful TV appearance Nadia admitted that it had been a “tough time” that was “so painful” for her.
The former Geelong Cats captain and Nadia had abruptly announced the end of their marriage in August 2019.
The couple had been together since meeting at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in 2008 and got engaged in 2012.
The end of their marriage came amid speculation about a trip Jimmy had made to London earlier that year – where his now girlfriend Lauren Mand had been living at the time.
But fast forward 12 months and Nadia has emerged triumphant from the split, with a successful business and sponsorship deals under her belt as well as a rumoured new love.
FASHION LABEL THAT’S AN INSTAGRAM FAVE
Nadia may have launched her fashion label Henne in 2019 but it was in 2020 that the brand really took off.
Even if you don’t know it, chance are you’ve either seen someone famous or someone you know wear Henne, with celebrities from Bec Judd to Georgia Fowler all wearing the brand.
The range of ribbed basics and knitwear, which come in muted colours and neutrals, turned out to be the perfect WFH wardrobe when the pandemic struck.
Henne’s most popular item, a ribbed long-sleeved top with buttons down the middle, soon became a cult fashion item thanks to its ability to be comfy enough to wear with trackies, while also able to be dressed up for that important Zoom call with your boss.
Her latest collection is a range of blazer and short sets and a ribbed crop top that come in shades of lemon, blush purple and a stone off-white – expect to see it on influencers everywhere this summer.
‘EVERY DAY IS TOUGH’
But despite moving forward in leaps and bounds in business, Nadia admitted to Stellar in April that she was still struggling with her marriage breakdown and the cruel comments that came from trolls as a result.
“Every day is tough” thanks to the trolls that would send her comments claiming Jimmy had “upgraded” with his new girlfriend.
“Being from Melbourne, football is so big here,” Nadia explained. ”I was used to the negative attention I get in my situation. I do put things on social media, so I‘ve put myself out there …
“(But) I was at the hardest point in my life and then to have articles written that weren‘t true, and to have hundreds of hate (comments) on Instagram and the continual pounding … it was difficult.
“Just because (you) date or are married to a sportsperson, people think you‘re fair game; you can say whatever you want. If you look at any other industry, do you critique their partner like that?”
GIRL GANG PRAISES ‘RESILIENT’ NADIA
Despite her marriage to one of AFL’s most high profile stars ending Nadia’s firm friendships with footy wives and Melbourne socialites have only gotten stronger.
She counts Jessie Murphy, Kylie Brown and celebrity stylist Lana Wilkinson among her friends, while Bec has praised Nadia’s strength.
Bec and Nadia are also co-owners of tanning company SprayAus, which in December launched a new shade.
“I think over time she‘s learnt to block and delete the trolls and focus her energy on the people who matter in her life,” Bec told Stellar in April. “She‘s resilient and does a great job of getting on with it.”
LUCRATIVE AMBASSADOR ROLES
In a year when many influencers saw work dry up and contracts disappear, Nadia scored lucrative sponsorship deals with big names like skincare brands La Roche-Posay, Ole Henriksen and makeup label Marc Jacobs Beauty.
In October she was also named the ambassador for Melbourne Cup Carnival and didn’t put a foot wrong in her race day outfits.
RUMOURED NEW LOVE
After a year of triumph at work Nadia’s 2020 seems to be ending on a high note, with speculation of a new romance for the mum of two with Nathan Brodie.
The two were first linked together in September when they were spotted going for a jog together during Melbourne’s lockdown, however, reports at the time suggested they were just friends.
But earlier this month Nathan shared a photo of Nadia on his Instagram on his story in a move that many took to be a nod to their romance.
He posted a photo of Nadia sunbaking on the beach in a bikini with the caption: “Weekend vibes.”
Neither Nadia or Nathan are yet to speak publicly about their relationship but we hope there will be more good news ahead for the 35-year-old in 2021.
