Always Scrolling: MyLifeAsEva (AKA Marisol)

Eva Gutowski got her start on YouTube as "MyLifeAsEva" in 2012. The channel has become sort of a public journal documenting her life through lifestyle, fashion, photography and music content. "I didn’t have the easiest childhood, so the colorful world of 'MyLifeAsEva' became a safe space for me to escape to for a while," she tells PAPER. "But I credit everything I am today and basically all my creativity to who I was during the harder times in my life. It’s really cool to come full circle and still find so much inspiration from my childhood. It’s really cool to see it evolve in different ways as I get older."

Now, Gutwoski has more than 11.1 million followers on YouTube, 8.5 million on Instagram and 7 million on TikTok. Honoring the scene kid she once was, who downloaded electronic music on FrostWire and went to raves, Gutowski is embarking on a new journey in producing and DJing under the name "Marisol" with some advice from her friend Skrillex to develop a sound of her own. With all of this under her belt, she's on the right track to becoming a household name sooner rather than later.

PAPER chatted with Gutowski about growing up in the public eye of social media, the fashion trend she thinks we're about to see everywhere and the tracks she has on repeat this summer.

What do you love about what you do?

I love that I get to be a visual representation of a mixed, pansexual girl who is truly living her best fucking life. I’ve always had this mentality that’s like, I literally survived hell and back before the internet even knew me. Not only did I survive, but I also came out grateful! Because of that, I feel like people judging me really doesn’t matter. I have a strong sense of self, and as a result, I’m able to be 100% authentic in my online presence. I take my viewers with me in everything I do, and it really feels like we’re all winning together because they know me.

When people come up to me and say, “I grew up with you,” my first response is always, “I grew up with you, too!” I think people forget that they’re as much a part of this journey as I am. We’re both just living life somewhat alongside each other and growing from our experiences. I feel like if I can post my life unapologetically (even all my embarrassing moments, flop eras, relationships, successes), it just makes it more normal for everyone else to live their lives unapologetically and grow in a good way, too.

Who is another TikToker that you love right now?

I just love Alex Consani. I feel like she’s who I was before I gave up trying to find friends that could match my freak. She always has me cracking up. I ran into her during fashion week last year after the Area show, and in my head, I was like, Eva, you have to say something…you’re such a fan. I went up to her and said, “Excuse me, are you Alex?” And she goes, “MyLifeAsEva? Can I get a picture with you?” I was dead. She took a selfie, and I took a film photo on my Contax. We run into each other every once in a while, and I love seeing her win.

Craziest comment you’ve received on a post?

My comments are pretty chill. There have been a few times when people in the comments have tried to convince others that they’re my cousins.

What’s one of your favorite looks you’ve posted?

What’s a trend that you love right now?

I’m obsessed with bag charms. I love Jane Birkin-esque messy bags with stickers and jewelry all over them. I bought my first Birkin a few years ago and never wore it because it just felt too formal. Then I thought, let me try to "Jane Birkin" it and see how I feel. It fixed everything. But you really have to be creative to participate in the trend and use necklaces, ribbon, Tamagotchis. I can’t believe more brands aren't selling cool bag charms. I feel like that’s going to be everywhere very soon.

One that you hate?

Don’t come for me, but Adidas Sambas. It’s not like I don’t like them. I own two pairs, and they’re so cute. Last year, you couldn't leave the house without seeing a hundred of them a day. Now, whenever I wear mine, I feel like they just make my outfit look so 2023. I still wear mine, obviously, but they just don’t excite me right now when I’m getting dressed. I need to stop buying trendy sneakers because they can be such a timestamp on an era. It’s probably better to buy sneakers no one knows about so they can be a bit more timeless.

What would you never wear?

I know 2010s fashion is trying to come back, but you won’t catch me in skater skirts, galaxy print or peplum. I learned my lesson, and I’m not going back.

Favorite fashion and beauty brands right now?

I’m a big Courrèges fan. To me, they’ve always been sexy, timeless and a bit tomboy and sporty, which is my favorite way to dress. I also love Roberto Cavalli for summer. My current favorite beauty brand is Charlotte Tilbury. I take the mini eyeshadow palettes with me on every trip!

Who’s your celebrity crush?

Adam freaking Driver. You know what? My childhood crush was Josh Hutcherson, then Justin Long and then Miles Teller. So I feel like Adam Driver is the next step up in the hierarchy. They all give off the same sort of aura.

What’s a good book you’ve read recently?

It sounds silly, but I’ve been learning German, so literally the last few books I’ve read have been German children's books. I asked for suggestions and got so many good ones. My favorite was Die Kleine Raupe Nimmersatt, and it’s about a caterpillar that eats too much.

Favorite restaurant in NYC?

There’s this spot called Taco Mahal in the West Village that turns fun, casual Indian food into tacos made with naan and roti. I swear when I eat there, sauce is dripping down the side of my face. It's that good. It’s not fancy or anything, but if you love Indian food, it’s a must-try.

Favorite club in NYC?

Paragon is a sick spot in Brooklyn where I’ve seen some really fun techno sets. The bartenders are also super nice, and there’s a basement area. Last time I was there, I danced like two feet away from the smoke machine blowing in my face and woke up sick, sneezing smog dust for days. It was worth it.

What are five songs you have on repeat right now?

"TTG (Go)" by Sexxy Red, "What Once Was" by Her’s, "Han Jan" by Peggy Gou, "The Beach" by Miss Kittin, "Blow Out" by Overmono and "BREAK A NECK" Odetari and Ayesha Erotica.

Photography: Olav Stubberud