It’s impossible to check just one box when describing Gwen Stefani. She’s a rock star, mother, wife and respected designer. The gorgeous, platinum-blonde frontwoman of No Doubt is also one of the new coaches on The Voice (premiering this Monday) and a true fashion icon. She is a woman who does it all, and looks impeccable at every turn (don’t even get us started on those famous abs). Her latest endeavor is the recently launched DWP (Design With Purpose) line—a collaboration with 7 For All Mankind founder Michael Glasser—that aims at replacing jeans in women’s wardrobes with casual non-denim basics. All of this in addition to her other clothing line, L.A.M.B., an affordably priced collection with ShoeDazzle and two albums in the works. Get to know this incredibly talented multihyphenate in our latest Living in Style interview.
Get to Know The Rock Star & Fashion Icon
On Her Signature Style
Photo: BFA NYC
"I’ve been most influenced by Old Hollywood glamour. I’ve always been fascinated with the style and fashion in classic films. Basically I love anything glamorous that came from the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s, ’60s and even ’70s movies."
On the Inspiration For DWP
Gwen trying on a DWP style at their offices. Photo: Courtesy of Gwen Stefani
"DWP is about those cool and effortless pieces every girl wants in her closet. The idea behind the line was to make something modern, stylish and comfortable you could wear instead of your 5-pocket jeans."
On Her Favorite DWP Style
DWP's Coated Brody Pant. Photo: Courtesy of DWP
"I love the Coated Brody pant. You can just throw on heels and a muscle tee and take the look from day to night."
On How DWP Differs From Other Projects
Rocking the DWP Cameron paper-bag pant in snake print. Photo: Getty Images
"It's different because I’m collaborating with Michael [Glasser] who is an expert in the jeans world so he knows a lot about technical things I don't know. DWP is defined by a cool lived-in and washed look. L.A.M.B. is more structured and tailored and covers the rest of my closet."
On The Best Career Advice She's Ever Received
Photo: @gwenstefani
"When my dad said to me, 'Just be yourself. Keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t try to change it and be something you’re not.'"
On Role Models
Baby Gwen with her mom. Photo: @gwenstefani
"It probably started with my Great Grandma Hamilton who was an incredible, creative person—as was her daughter, my Grandma Anne. And then my mom of course."
On The Voice
Gwen backstage at The Voice. Photo: @gwenstefani
"It is so inspiring to be on the show—to be around the other coaches, working with really talented singers and be around music all day long. I feel like I’m in a whole new chapter of my life. I'm so grateful to be part of such a fun experience and great show."
On Her Upcoming Projects
(Clockwise) No Doubt's 2012 album, Push and Shove; a Harajuku Lovers fragrance; a shoe from the GX collection.
"I'm working on music right now for both a solo album and No Doubt. I have a new set of fragrances coming out for Harajuku Lovers later this Fall, and GX by Gwen Stefani, my accessibly priced accessories line, is expanding. It’s all exciting and overwhelming."
On Feeling Glamorous
Photo: @gwenstefani
"I want to feel glamorous most days so usually I wear red lipstick and that seems to help."
On How Her Music and Fashion Influence Each Other
Gwen doing what she does best—performing. Photo: Getty Images
"I think music is the fuel for everything I do. The fashion is just an extension of my personality, and my personality is in my music so they intertwine. They are both creative art projects."
"If nobody was looking I would still dress the exact same way. It’s who I am and what I love."
On Balancing Work And Personal Life
Photo: Courtesy of WireImage
"I think there is no way to really get it right—someone is always going to suffer. It’s about thinking ahead and trying to strategize how you can spread yourself among lots of different people and activities. I also think having a great team around helps."
The Best Part of the Fashion Industry
Photo: @gwenstefani
"I love being creative. I love the process and all of the potential when you’re coming up with a new collection. But I also love clothes at the end of the day—and wearing them."
Her Off-Duty Style Secret
Gwen in a GX by Gwen Stefani bag and heels. Photo: Getty Images
"I don’t have a secret. I love getting dressed. If nobody was looking I would still dress the exact same way. I’ve always dressed up and made clothes since I was a little girl. It’s who I am and what I love."
