French luxury house Hermés is injecting new (and young) blood into its pool of directors with the addition of 35-year-old make-up artist Gregoris Pyrpylis, who joins as a creative director under Hermés Beauty to manage its make-up collection which was launched in March 2020.
Following the success of the line composed of colourfully-packaged lipsticks, blushes and nail colours, there has never been a more opportune time to bring on-board someone new from the outside with fresh ideas and modern ways of thinking to help propel the 185-year-old brand into the future.
Succeeding Jérôme Touron in the role, Pyrpylis will report to Agnès de Villers, president of Hermès’s Perfumes and Beauty division. He will also work under the supervision of creative director Pierre-Alexis Dumas, in collaboration with Pierre Hardy, the design director for packaging. Christine Nagel, director of olfactory creation, will be in charge of bringing each product to life with fragrance. “As an expert in the colours, textures and gestures that express and elevate beauty, Gregoris’ talent will be a driving force for Hermès Beauty,” says de Villers in a press statement.
While his name does not immediately ring any bells, Greek native Pyrpylis has built quite a following on social media with over 30,000 Instagram followers thanks to his helpful video make-up tutorials.
Known for his organic approach to make-up, down to earth personality and cool-under-pressure demeanour, Pyrpylis counts the likes of model-cum-fashion designer Alexa Chung, supermodel Laetitia Casta and French actress Leila Bekhti as his closest celebrity friends.
He first started his career in 2006 working for MAC in Greece but then shot to fame in 2012 when he moved to Paris to become first assistant to veteran make-up artist Tom Pecheux.
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He very soon stood out for his talent in enhancing skin and joined Bioderma in 2015, where he became the world’s first make-up artist to represent a skincare brand. In 2018, Pyrpylis was appointed the European ambassador for Japanese cosmetics brand Shiseido.
Pyrpylis did not originally plan to work in the beauty industry despite being brought up in a family of pharmacists. He was actually on this way to becoming an English major studying Literature at the University of Athens. But after one serendipitous evening whilst giving his best friend a makeover, something urged him to pursue make-up professionally. By the end of the week, he enrolled in make-up school.
Beyond his technical skills, Pyrpylis is also committed to the belief that make-up should be subtle, elegant and a means to gracefully enhance the features — not conceal them. “I have always viewed makeup and skincare as a means and not an end. Beauty objects are marvellous tools that go beyond appearance to benefit well-being. It is a great joy to be able to create, spread and share this common vision of beauty as creative director for Hermès Beauty,” he says.
In his new role at Hermès Beauty, Pyrpylis will drive the creation of new collections as well the continued development of existing lines: Rouge Hermès lipsticks, Rose Hermès blush and Les Mains Hermès hand and nail products.
The arrival of Pyrpylis comes at a time when revenues for Hermès International more than doubled to 40% above its pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Led by its leather goods and ready-to-wear offerings, the French public-listed company attributes the spike to a healthy luxury appetite from shoppers who have been saving up during the lockdowns of the past two years. According to its most recent financial report, revenues at the end of last year stood EUR 2.37 billion ($3.64 billion).
Objects of Beauty
Poudre d’Orfèvre Face and Eyes Illuminating Powder
This limited-edition highlighter contains a high concentration of golden mother-of-pearl to elevate the face and eyes with a transparent veil of intense light.
Rouge Hermès Spring Summer 2022 Lipsticks
The Parisian brand adds three new seasonal shades inspired by the elements boasting soft lightweight textures, shimmery shades and a glossy finish. From left: Rose Nymphéa takes inspiration from a pink sunset; Orange Capucine represents the joy of the sun; Beige d’Eau reminds us of the nude shimmer of pressed almond blossoms.
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Les Mains Hermès Nail Files (12 per box)
Made from poplar wood sourced from sustainably-managed forests, these nail files come beautifully boxed in Hermès signature orange hue. One side gives you the desired shape, while the smoother side is used to buff the nails to achieve a polished sheen.
Les Mains Hermès Nail Polish
Currently available in 24 shades (because Hermès’ headquarters is 24 Faubourg Saint- Honoré), the nail lacquers contain a high concentration of ultra-fine pigments made with 71% natural ingredients to give a dense colour with just one coat.
Les Mains Hermès Complete Hand Care
The first skincare product by Hermès, this lightweight absorbent, non-greasy balm is Cosmos Natural certified by Ecocert for its composition of 98% natural ingredients. It nourishes, hydrates and fortifies the nails and surrounding skin through the combined action of five regenerative oils in addition to mastic resin (Pistacia lentiscus L.), white mulberry extract (Morus alba L.) and vitamin E. With regular use, skin is softer and more revitalised with a reduction in dark spots.
