Get to Know Shay's BTS Team: Hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos and Stylist Shalev Lavàn

This time around, we’re introducing you to hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos and stylist Shalev Lavàn (the first stylist we’ve highlighted as part of our B Side feature!). This shoot felt like a fateful marriage of creative, awe-inspiring hair and equally mesmerizing clothing, so we’d be remiss not to dig in deeper on both the beauty and the fashion side of things. Without further ado, meet the masterminds behind the hair and fashion looks for Byrdie’s 14th issue—The Holiday Issue—featuring Shay Mitchell. Below, join us in taking a peek behind the curtain, as their words are empowering, inspiring, and, frankly, a bit tear-jerking.

Hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos

On the inspiration for the hair looks…

“Because it’s The Holiday Issue, we aimed to craft three [celebratory] looks for Shay. First, an iconic updo with extra volume and numerous bows. The second look featured edgy, short, choppy bangs, which offered a contrast between [the] edginess and the romance [of the first look]. Lastly, we embraced a Red Fever blowout, transforming Shay’s hair color to a vibrant red reminiscent of the Charlie’s Angels movie. This bold choice perfectly complemented Shay and made her sparkle.”

On working with Shay…

“Working with Shay is a dream come true. Her love for glam makes the entire process truly amazing. We are collaborative, and it’s a seamless team effort when discussing the look we’re going for. Shay is like a beauty guru—she stays updated on current trends and is always eager to experiment with new styles and ideas. Her enthusiasm and openness make the process amazing!”

On his early years and starting his career in beauty…

“Even in my earliest memories, I’ve always been obsessed with hair. When I was 7 years old, I remember playing with my mom’s and sisters’ hair. However, expressing my desire to become a hairstylist was challenging as a young boy. I grew up in a small conservative village in Greece, and the early years of my career were incredibly challenging. I told my family I wanted to be a barber so I could attend beauty school. At barber school, I discovered an overwhelming love for working with hair.

“Hairstyling, to me, is inspirational, but lacking resources in the industry made the journey even harder. What helped me was my fearlessness. I was never afraid to take risks, a trait that has stayed with me to this day. My advice to young individuals aspiring for success is simple: Work hard, be passionate, take risks, and—most importantly—never give up.

“Frankly, I can’t imagine doing anything else in my life. The aha moment was deciding to leave my life and career in Greece to start from scratch in America, all while not knowing a word of English. Hair isn’t just my passion; it’s my entire existence.”

On his career highlights…

“A significant highlight in my career was having the privilege to be a part of Guido Palau’s team. Guido, a true hair guru for our generation, allowed me the opportunity to work as his assistant in numerous fashion shows across iconic cities like Paris, Milan, London, and New York. Working with him was transformative. He imparted invaluable knowledge about hairstyling and also provided insight into the world of fashion. Guido’s mentorship altered my perspective on hair and beauty. His guidance helped me comprehend the relationship between hairstyling and the fashion industry, reshaping my understanding of these interconnected realms. Being a part of his team was not just a professional experience but a life-changing opportunity.”

On what beauty means to him and how it’s empowered him throughout his life…

“Beauty is my entire life; it’s the essence that makes every human being feel confident. It's that moment when you gaze at yourself in the mirror and a genuine smile appears.

“Beauty became my source of confidence. As a kid, I battled constant insecurity and bullying. However, stepping into the beauty industry changed my narrative. Through the art of making others feel beautiful, I found my own confidence. I discovered my purpose. It wasn’t merely a job; it was a special way to empower people and boost their self-esteem. The beauty industry became a place where I could not only redefine beauty for others but also find my own strength and confidence in the process.”

On his mentors and icons…

“My two mentors in the industry are Maria Menounos and Charly Shahin. I met Maria in Greece, and after that, she introduced me to Hollywood. She not only opened doors but also provided guidance into the heart of the entertainment industry. My second mentor, Charly Shahin from Opus Beauty, was my first agent in the United States. He was the first person in this industry to believe in my talent. Charly saw potential in me even before I was known, choosing to sign me based solely on my work from Greece. It’s to him that I owe my entire career. I often find myself wishing he could see the impact of his support, and even though he’s no longer with us, his influence and encouragement continue to inspire me every day. I miss you, Charly.

“I have quite a few beauty icons who have influenced me and my style. From the elegance of Amal Clooney to the modern allure of Gigi Hadid, the timeless beauty of Sophia Loren, and the iconic charm of Brigitte Bardot—each of these women embodies a captivating essence. Cindy Crawford’s classic beauty, Jennifer Lopez’s radiant energy, and the effortlessly chic appeal of Kate Moss have also influenced my overall aesthetics. Additionally, the bold charisma of Megan Fox and the trendsetting influence of Kim Kardashian inspire me in various ways. Each of these icons represents different beauty, reminding me of the endless possibilities and expressions within the realm of aesthetics.”

Stylist: Shalev Lavan

On the inspiration for the fashion looks…

“Our holiday cover story is a striking blend of unconventional style and festive elegance. We deliberately opted for a monochromatic palette of black and white, punctuated by the vibrancy of 3D flowers and dazzling sequins. Shay’s first look in the Jacquemus puff-shouldered dress, a nod to vintage holiday ads, injects a playful contrast. The second look, featuring the Balmain beaded dress and matching shoes, effortlessly combines festivity, sensuality, and empowerment. The Christian Siriano corset dress, for her third look, boasts an extravagant and breathtaking silhouette. And the grand finale, the iconic Versace black dress, promises to be timeless and unforgettable. Our vision for this cover story is a bold and artistic departure from traditional holiday aesthetics.”

On working with Shay…

“Working with Shay has truly been a dream come true for any fashion stylist. She’s not only open to embracing new and unconventional styles but also willing to explore looks that might not be her usual choice. During fittings, we blend exciting creations from emerging designers with couture pieces from top names in the industry. Shay’s unwavering trust in her team makes the entire process effortless and allows for unexpected and thrilling moments to unfold. Personally, it’s a gift to be part of this collaborative relationship. It not only challenges me as a stylist but also empowers me to push the boundaries further, creating surprises for all of us. Shay’s charm, charisma, and kindness make her an absolute pleasure to work with. In every sense, she’s the best!”

On his early years and starting his career in fashion…

“Fashion has held my fascination since my early years, intriguing and captivating me. Back then, the idea of becoming a fashion stylist wasn’t a common path, and I wasn’t certain if it was the right choice for me. Nevertheless, I found myself experimenting with shapes and silhouettes from the clothes I had at my disposal, deepening my curiosity.

“I hustled my way through numerous odd jobs as I pursued my passion for fashion. Those initial days were defined by relentless 20-hour workdays and months with little sleep, but each moment was undeniably worth it. They instilled in me the importance of having a clear sense of purpose and being a committed team player. This experience served as a powerful reminder that hard work and dedication do indeed yield rewarding results. I soon had a brief stint as a stylist assistant and quickly revealed that it wasn’t the right fit for me. Instead, I decided to reach out to fashion designers, photographers, actors, and friends, seizing any opportunity to immerse myself in the field. It took some time, but exactly 17 years ago, when I first set foot on a professional photo set, I experienced that unmistakable aha moment. Surprisingly, I felt no nervousness; it was as if I had found my true calling, a place where I felt entirely at home. 

“I consider myself fortunate to have built my own career with a distinct visual and styling signature. It’s a testament to the idea that hard work and determination can lead to remarkable success.”

On his career highlights…

“Seven years ago, I made a life-altering decision to leave behind everything I had, including a highly successful career, my home country, and the embrace of friends and family. I embarked on a journey to build a brand-new career in the United States. Looking back, I couldn’t be happier with that choice. It was a bold step that pushed me to continuously strive to become the best version of myself.”

On what fashion means to him and how it’s empowered him throughout his life…

“It may sound like a cliché, but my passion truly means the world to me. I have a constant drive [to learn, educate myself, and delve] into the history and diverse cultures that enrich our world. I tend to explore these realms through the lens of fashion and customs, believing that the fashion of a particular era can be a profound teacher, offering insights that never fail to captivate me.

“Fashion today is a whirlwind of change, with new trends and developments happening all the time. It’s crucial to stay nimble and agile to keep the ideas flowing. But at the same time, you can’t lose touch with the fundamentals. Our work demands that we stay on our toes, and that’s what keeps us living and exploring in this ever-evolving world of fashion. It’s a fast-paced journey that’s both invigorating and full of discovery.”

On his mentors and icons…

“Inspiration can come from so many various sources. For me, my mom has always been my guiding light. Her unwavering work ethic ensured we had everything we needed, even when things were tough. I never felt like we were lacking anything. In the world of fashion, iconic photographers like Peter Lindbergh, Patrick Demarchelier, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Annie Leibovitz, Steven Meisel, and Tim Walker have been significant influences for me. Their work has shaped my vision. Yet, from a young age, I’ve been captivated by the vibrancy, creativity, and visual language of Andy Warhol. Through his art, I discovered how fashion can truly enhance the visual narrative. These varied inspirations have all played a vital role in shaping my career and my creative outlook.

“My fashion icons? That’s easy. Tilda Swinton and Pina Bausch.”