Her name isn’t making waves, more slight ripples as many people being to murmur Lianna Perdis. Of course the Perdis part we are all familiar with; Napoleon Perdis has become a household name from Australia to Palm Springs with beautiful high quality cosmetics and the quirky Greek/Aussie that is the driving force behind them.
Growing up, Napoleon Perdis was not like other boys his age. Brought up with what he described as ‘woggy-culture’, Napoleon worked at his family’s fast food bar in Paramatta, Sydney as a teenager. After work on the weekend he would wash him armpits at the salvation army down the road and then head out for a big night of Greek dancing. A far cry from the luxurious lifestyle the make up God finds himself living now. At the time he says he resented growing up in Anglo Australia and having to do ‘woggy’ things like that, but it gave him great discipline. At an age as young as 13, Napoleon found himself fascinated by cosmetic products and loved doing his mother’s makeup. Facing pressure from his father to be a doctor or scientist, Napoleon began doing makeup for bridal parties and started bringing home some money. A lot of money. Realising the success Napoleon was facing, his father gave his blessing to follow his passion, as well as a $30,000 loan to start his business.
Today his brand is stocked in over 4000 stores in Australia and NZ, as well as in prestigious US outlets including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue. Napoleon claims he wouldn’t be where he is today without his drive, determination and passion, and of course his family. Napoleon met his wife of nearly 25 years, Soula-Marie at Macquarie University where she was undertaking actuarial studies. Conservative to Napoleon’s rebellious streak and reserved to Napoleon’s flamboyant, the two admit they are polar opposites, but they balance each other out. Together they have four children, all girls! The eldest is 15-year-old Lianna, named after Napoleon’s mother (Liana) and then triplets who are 13. Soula-Marie said a big family was always important to her and Napoleon supported that wish.
The Perdis children have been out of the spotlight for quite some time, with Napoleon and Soula-Marie not wanting to get their children involved in the ‘Hollywood Scene’ since they moved to LA 8 years ago. However in the most recent Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Dolly mag caught up with eldest Perdis daughter, Lianna who was excited to be a part of the event and seeing Dad doing what he does best.
With long, shiny dark hair and dark features that are no doubt from her Greek heritage, Lianna and her younger sisters are beauties, and are set to be heart breakers in the near future. Lianna says although she left Australia when she was six, it ‘still feels like home to her.’ At only 15 Lianna is quite the fashionista, and loves getting dressed up and seeing the fashion shows. Lianna’s top favourite designers included Camilla & Marc as well as Christopher Esber, and Dad’s close friend, Alex Perry. She’s got all the in-tel too, saying ‘Dad is friends with Alex and has done the makeup for his shows for years. He does great red-carpet dresses and super glam gowns but this year was quite different. I loved his new direction, it was a bit cooler, a little more edgy than his usual glamazon look.’ She did add that the Alex Perry dresses were a bit on a short side, and probably not something Dad would let her wear yet! Napoleon has been reported as saying he won’t let the girls date til they are 18, so I wouldn’t doubt that!
I’m sure this is not the last we will hear of the stunning Grecian. With her long limbs and beautifully clear, olive complexion, and the name Perdis behind her, I have no doubt she’s one to watch. Keep an eye out for great things to come from Lianna Perdis.