One To Watch: Lianna Perdis Shines At New York Fashion Week
Napoleon and Lianna Perdis team up with Australian designer Christopher Esber for NYFW. See all the backstage pics and our exclusive Q&A...
He's long been one of Australia's most sought after makeup artists, and she's being touted as the next "Aussie It Girl to watch". Of course we are talking about Napoleon Perdis and his exotic 18-year-old model daughter, Lianna. Given the success of the father / daughter's cosmetic line Total Bae, and the recent coup of working together last week at Aussie superstar designer Christopher Esber's New York Fashion Week show - Lianna was chosen by the designer to walk in the show, while Napoleon was in charge of the official makeup for the shiny, car-themed show - it's safe to say that stardom runs in the Perdis family.
And though it may appear that everything they touch turns to gold, the cosmetic King is quick to point out that nothing comes without hard work - a trait he believes has been instilled in his daughter from a young age, and will hold her in good stead to continue to succeed.
In this exclusive chat with the power Perdis duo they reveal all about preparing for their first New York Fashion Week show together, top beauty trends and must-haves and what the future holds.
Backstage Chat With Lianna & Napoleon Perdis
Backstage Chat With: LIANNA PERDIS
How does it feel to be walking at NYFW for the first time and especially for a highly-coveted Australian designer?
To be walking at NYFW for a home-grown, Australian fashion designer is humbling (and super exciting) to say the least. When Christopher asked me to be a part of his show, my immediate answer was, yes! I adore his work and am humbled to have been chosen to showcase his designs.
How do you prepare yourself for a runway show? Fitness and diet routine?
I think it’s important to prepare both mentally and physically. Mentally, I try to enter a confident state of mind. Everyone is unique in their own way and there is no cookie-cut version of beautiful. It’s important to always remember that.
Physically, I eat clean and kiss my beloved pizza goodbye for a couple of weeks leading up to a show or shoot, and try to workout daily, if not every second day. Whether it be a run on the treadmill to my favourite tunes or a yoga, or pilates class, or even a hike with my sisters. I’m not a huge fan of exercise, but I find pilates is one of those, once you start you love type of workouts.
Your dad is the official makeup artist for the show - did you ever dream that you would get to work together this way?
Working with my Dad on this scale is so beautiful. We’ve worked together quite a bit over the past couple of months, but working alongside one another at something as major as NYFW is a dream come true. His dedication and passion to what he does is truly inspiring and he’s an incredible role model, professionally and personally.
When did you know you wanted to be a model?
I never deliberately set out to be a model, it kind of just happened. I began shooting campaigns and bits and pieces on YouTube and social media for Napoleon Perdis and not only did I really enjoy it, everyone was really pleased with the results. I feel so incredibly grateful for each opportunity which has been presented since.
You're being touted as the next "Aussie It Girl to watch" - how do you feel about this label?
It seems quite surreal to be associated with such a title, but I’m flattered.
How do you keep a thick skin is such a competitive industry?
Enjoy every moment and don’t take yourself too seriously. However, the best advice was given to me by my Dad. He taught me not to pay attention to what other people say about you. Everyone is going to have an opinion, whether good or bad. So long as you’re not hurting anyone or anything in the process, just be yourself.
You have your own beauty line Total Bae - what are your go-to beauty products?
I’m currently obsessed with Tone It! Face + Body Reflective Contour. There’s nothing as uplifting and flattering as a subtle highlight. I’m loving natural, glowing skin right now with a poppy lip and double coat of mascara. Matte It! Lip Gloss in Coral Queen is gorgeous for summer.
You've achieved quite a lot for a 17-year-old - what's next for you?
So much! I’m going to focus on my schooling first and foremost as grades are my biggest priority, address modelling opportunities as they arise, and I already have plans for new additions to the Total Bae range that are going to be super cool and major game changing!
Backstage Chat With: NAPOLEON PERDIS
How does it feel to be working with your daughter in what is quite a prestigious event on the fashion calendar?
Kind of surreal to be honest! Sometimes I look at her and can’t believe she’s almost 18. I’m so proud of her and what she has achieved, but there are times when I catch myself becoming a little nostalgic for my little girl.
What are some of the key beauty trends spotted in the Christopher Esber show?
Glossy eyelids, radiant skin and a barely there nude lips. Natural, well-hydrated and super subtle highlights.
As a father do you ever worry about the pressures of the modelling industry and how that may affect Liana?
Absolutely. In the beginning her mother and I did have our concerns, but Lianna has proved to handle herself so well throughout every project she has worked on in the past year, and she continues to mature and have her wits about her. I think growing up in LA and visiting me at work taught her professionalism and responsibility quite early on.
Lianna also has her own cosmetics line - how does it feel to see your daughters following in your footsteps?
I’m definitely one proud father, but with success so too comes hard work, dedication, and a level of sacrifice. No matter what Lianna decides to do in the future, so long as she’s humble, kind and hard-working, follows in my footsteps or not, I’ll always support her.
What advice have you always given to Lianna when it comes to career and life?
As someone who is constantly in the public eye, I have experienced my fair share of haters and negativity. I’m always reminding Lianna not to pay attention to what other people have to say about you. Everyone is going to have an opinion, whether good or bad. So long as you’re not hurting anyone or anything in the process, just be yourself.
