About Yiannis

Originally from the island of Lesvos, Greece, “Yiannis” Karimalis grew up dreaming of building a life in the United States. When he was 19 years old, Yiannis studied under famous hair stylist, Alexandre de Paris and within one year, he opened his own salon in Athens. In 1970, he met and married his wife, American-born Patricia Lambrou, and they moved to her hometown of Lincoln Park, Michigan to begin their life together. Suave, soft-spoken and immensely skilled, the sought-after stylist became widely-known as “hairdresser to the stars,” sought out by such classic Hollywood actresses as Zsa Zsa Gabor, Sophia Loren and Ursula Andress, as well as international royalty including Princess Grace, Prince Albert and Queen Noor of Jordan.

While Yiannis’ successful career as a hair stylist hasn’t slowed down, his artistic endeavors emanate far beyond his illustrious salon chair. He is a consummate chef who loves to entertain, hosting intimate dinner parties for a few friends to charitable fundraisers for hundreds of patrons at his home. One of Yiannis’ specialties is his homemade chocolate bark with nuts, fruit and secret ingredients that he proudly packages and gives as gifts. He is also an accomplished gardener, designing and tending to a sprawling outdoor oasis he has created with a fountain, pond, glorious plantings and perennials, and even a chicken coop where he collects fresh eggs each morning to enjoy for breakfast.

A veritable Renaissance man (as he is often described by those who know him) whose artistic talents are many and varied, Yiannis’ painting remains his primary passion. Self-taught and always open to new sources of inspiration, Yiannis revels in painting abstract designs, natural settings, and faceless subjects whose emotions are clear even in the absence of features. Bold colors are a constant in all of his pieces which immediately attract and have a powerful impact on those who enjoy and possess his original works of art.

Yiannis and Pat have one son, Thano, and reside in Novi, Michigan.