When Napoleon Perdis bought a home in the area, he kept driving past the old Woollahra Post Office, which was then was up for lease. “I loved the old Australian feel to it and it is an iconic building, a landmark everyone knows.” He decided it was the perfect location for his latest venture, the Napoloen Life.Style store. “I wanted to restore it to its former glory. Woollahra is a great destination for shopping and dining and I wanted my new concept to be a part of that. It just felt right,” he said.
It’s been six months and Napoleon says the response has been amazing, alhtough people’s reactions have been curious! “I think it may have been considered an unexpected move, as I am so well known for my make up, but when people visit the store and experience the complete Life.Style concept, they see my signature style and get it.
“All of the brands we stock have personal stories for myself and my wife; the dinnerware is IONIA from Athens that we use at home for family dinners and we’ve made our very own cushions out of vintage designer silk scarves as I love collecting these. I found an incredible handmade bag range, Cecile et Jeanne, on a trip to Paris and use them personally. The story behind products is really important to me and I think this personal connection to the merchandise in the store is what has made it so successful.”
Although customers expect to find his make up, he’s not sure they necessarily expect everything else on offer; everything from a $27 lip gloss to a $3,000 evening bag. Life.Style includes antique furniture, art, jewellry and objects from all over the world as well as the latest trends in home furnishings, luxe leather goods and accessories.