Having attended Chic University of Cosmetology and GRCC, Rebecca Gohl has about 30 seconds to decide what to do with a face before “I’m standing and staring like a crazy person.” She works in the corporate, print, fashion, weddings, television and film arenas, specializing in pinup, ’60s style and film noir. She collects vintage hair nets and tikis and is a brow pencil junkie, “because no one told me at 14 if you plucked them too much, they wouldn’t come back.”
What have you worked on in the past that you’re proud of?
I put myself into every project, but some of my favorites are My Grandmother’s Ravioli with Mo Rocca for the Food Network and a 15-year anniversary 9/11 special with Dick Cheney on The History Channel. It’s peeking into someone’s life — that’s why I enjoy it so much.
Break down your personal style…
Modern 1950s casual. I wear things that make me happy. I have tattoos. I would rather wear a dress than pants any day. I love wearing vintage dresses. My most comfy shoes are my black low-top Converse. I’m not a huge fan of real jewelry, but I do have some great vintage kitty necklaces and pins I wear. I like to monogram my coats with Rs. And I have a collection of Lucite purses.
Products you can’t live without?
The face cream, eye cream and face wash from KPS Essentials. They’re made locally in Grand Rapids. Also, witch hazel, hot rollers, MAC Lady Danger lipstick, LUSH bath bombs, Burt’s Bees face wipes, and lip scrub that I make from olive oil and sugar.
You’re inspired by old movies and quirky people. Want to name-drop any?
Marie Antoinette (Queen of France), although her story is amazing, her hair is beyond anything. Her coiffeur, Léonard Autié, started the pouf in 1774, but Marie Antoinette made it popular. The actual ship in her hair is the most notable — I also have this tattooed on my forearm. Also, Lux Interior and Poison Ivy from the band The Cramps. Once you see them, it will burn into your soul forever with their visually-erotic psychobilly style and amazing music.
Bare-bones style advice?
My grandmother told me to find one thing you love about yourself and build around that. There is only one you. Love yourself.
This girl is worth getting to know at rebeccagohl.com.
