Makeup mogul Napoleon Perdis’s shock departure from beauty empire revealed

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics was saved from the brink of collapse just two months ago — but its co-founder has stood down.

He’s Australia’s makeup king — but Napoleon Perdis has stood down from his own cosmetics empire.

Beauty lovers were shocked earlier this year when it was revealed that Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics had appointed administrators after racking up debts of $22.8 million.

A stocktake sale was immediately announced, followed by the closure of dozens of stores across the country — but two months ago, the chain finally had some good news after it was rescued by “daigou queen” Livia Wang and ex-Witchery boss Henry Lee.

Ms Wang and Mr Lee’s Kuba Investments took over the company and saved it from liquidation, and also agreed keep Mr Perdis and his wife Soula-Marie Perdis on as creative consultants.

Napoleon Perdis — pictured with daughter Lianna — has allegedly stepped down from his own makeup empire. Picture: James Croucher

Creditors approved the deal, with administrator Simon Cathro saying in a statement at the time that “the restructured company now sets a solid foundation for a profitable and sustainable business going forward”.

But now, that deal seems to have already turned sour.

According to the Australian Financial Review, Kuba employees were informed late last week that the relationship with the couple had since been “severed”.

The publication cited “sources” who claimed “the consultancy agreement ended because Mr and Mrs Perdis now live in Athens and the relationship had proved unwieldy”.

But other sources allegedly claimed the business relationship was cut after “Mr Perdis attempted to regain a seat on the board and tried to establish a new brand and products for his daughter Lianna”.

The Australian Financial Review also claimed Mr Perdis had complained about the “pathetic” situation on Instagram, and vowed to “never give up”.

News.com.au contacted Mr Lee for comment.

Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics’ shock potential closure came hot on the heels of the collapse of menswear retailer Ed Harry, which went into voluntary administration in early January.

Businesswoman Livia Wang saved Napolean Perdis Cosmetics two months ago. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian

It followed a horror year for Aussie retailers in 2018, which saw the closure of many big names such as Maggie T, Shoes of Prey, Max Brenner and Roger David.

NAPOLEON’S EMPIRE

The company began when Sydney makeup artist and businessman Napoleon Perdis started his own studio in the city’s inner west in 1992, before launching his own range which was sold through his Paddington store in 1995.

That range expanded into department stores and ended up expanding internationally, including into the US, where it has enjoyed success for over a decade.

Napoleon Perdis launched in over 200 Priceline stores in August 2018, and when administrators were appointed, it had 56 stand-alone stores in Australia with hundreds of employees on the books.

Over the years, Napoleon Perdis has risen to become a household name, appearing on TV shows such as Australia’s Next Top Model, securing superstar Melissa George as the face of a 2007 cosmetics line and even starring in his own reality show, Get Your Face On, in 2008.

Dozens of Napoleon Perdis makeup stores closed after administrators were appointed. Picture: Richard Waugh/AAP Image

He amassed a multimillion-dollar fortune, splurging on luxury properties including a plush harbourside pad in Sydney’s Double Bay as well as an opulent, $6 million home in the Hollywood Hills and a $4 million, five-bedroom weekender in Palm Springs — although the family eventually swapped America for Greece.

Perdis never strayed far from the society pages, regularly appearing at fashion shows and other high-profile events with his four glamorous daughters, Angelene, Athina, Alexia and Lianna, often in tow.

He spent his days mingling with A-listers, and was often spotted with the likes of Jennifer Hawkins, Miranda Kerr and Kelly Osbourne.

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