Napoleon Perdis
Napoleon Perdis | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 19, 1970 Sydney, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Makeup artist, entrepreneur |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Known for | Founder of Napoleon Perdis cosmetics brand and Makeup Academy |
Napoleon Perdis (born 19 March 1970) is a prominent Australian makeup artist and entrepreneur. He began his career by opening a modest makeup studio in Sydney's Leichhardt in 1992. In 1995, he introduced a cosmetic collection initially retailed through his own boutique in Paddington, which later expanded into major department stores. By 2011, the brand had grown to encompass 65 outlets throughout Australia and New Zealand and was distributed in approximately 4,500 retail locations. The company also ventured into the U.S. market with several stores, and its products were available at Ulta as well as various independent retailers nationwide.
In 1993, Perdis established The Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy to offer professional training in makeup artistry. His business collaborators include his younger brother Emanuel Perdis and his wife Soula-Marie, both of whom co-founded the cosmetics enterprise alongside him.
Career
Starting out as a bridal makeup artist, Perdis launched his own studio in Leichhardt in 1992. Following his victory in a makeup competition in 1993, he secured the role of Australian distributor for the 'Taut' makeup brand. Subsequently, he introduced several product lines under different names before finalizing on Napoleon Perdis in 1994.
The inaugural Napoleon Perdis retail outlet opened its doors in Paddington in 1995, financed by a $30,000 loan from his father. His wife Soula-Marie took on the role of chief financial officer, while his brother Emanuel assumed the position of managing director. In 2004, Perdis made his first appearance on BRW's Young Rich List with an estimated net worth of $20 million.
The company expanded into the United States market in 2006 by opening a flagship store in Beverly Hills along with a distribution center in Los Angeles aimed at cost reduction. Their products were stocked by high-end retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and Target—Target carrying the NP Set diffusion line. However, due to shifting retail conditions and lack of profitability, the U.S. operations were shuttered in 2015.
In 2008, Napoleon Perdis introduced NP Set, an affordable diffusion line available through Target stores both in Australia and the U.S. Two years later, in 2012, he launched Life.Style—a concept store located in Woollahra that featured home décor and artwork—followed by a second branch situated in Melbourne’s South Yarra.
After an exclusive agreement with David Jones ended in 2013, Perdis redirected product distribution to competitor Myer. In 2015, he formed a partnership with Dubai-based Luxuria Trading to facilitate distribution across the Middle East region. His daughter Lianna was appointed creative director of the diffusion line Total Bae in 2017. Then, in August 2018, an exclusive supply arrangement was established with Priceline, prompting withdrawal from David Jones stores.
Facing financial challenges, Napoleon Perdis entered voluntary administration in January 2019 with 56 stores operating nationwide; administrators subsequently closed half of these locations during restructuring efforts. By April that year, KUBA Investments acquired the company for $1.6 million and commenced revitalization plans. As of June 2019, Napoleon Perdis formally ended his association with the cosmetics brand carrying his name.
As of 2024, Napoleon Perdis maintains operations through 25 stores and supports over 250 independent stockists across Australia. The company provides both traditional retail and mobile makeup services. Additionally, its product range is available via multiple online platforms and has expanded into the Chinese market.
Popular culture
Between 2005 and 2008, Perdis made guest appearances on several episodes of the reality series Australia's Next Top Model. Winners from the first four cycles served as ambassadors for Perdis cosmetics as part of their prize packages. In 2007, Australian actress Melissa George became the face of the Napoleon DeVine Goddess collection.
In 2008, Perdis starred in his own reality television program titled Get Your Face On, which chronicled his search for a protégé to assist with brand growth within the U.S. market. The series debuted on TLC in August of that year.
Personal life
Perdis was born in Sydney to Greek parents, John and Liana Perdis, who emigrated to Australia during the 1950s. He completed his education at Arthur Phillip High School and Redeemer Baptist School before obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Macquarie University, where he met his future wife, Soula-Marie. The couple wed in 1991 and are parents to four daughters, including a set of triplets. Early on, Perdis gained experience working as an assistant to a barrister while his wife pursued studies in actuarial science.
In 2015, Perdis and his family moved from Los Angeles to Athens, Greece. Prior to this, as of 2013, he maintained residences both in Los Angeles and Sydney. Additionally, he is an avid collector of owls and books and has undergone lap band surgery to assist with weight management.