Ageless rock star Gwen Stefani has had tons of transformations throughout her life, from relationships, to sense of style, and career. This icon has somehow managed to stay relevant from the 1980s days of No Doubt to her new future in reality television and relationship with a country singer.
Gwen’s beginnings
Gwen Stefani grew up in Fullerton, California. Her older brother Eric Stefani was a keyboardist, and when she was 17, he invited her to join his ska band called No Doubt in 1986. This was the very beginning of Gwen as we know her today.
Gwen always told people that her big bro was a classic overachiever, while she always followed in his lead. Even though she soon gained popularity in this band, she lived with her parents until she was 25! We get it, though — she always said her parents encouraged creativity, and made it fun.
Odd girl out
Gwen always said she felt like she didn’t belong anywhere, even within No Doubt. I mean, who else rocks braces as an optional fashion statement when they don’t need them? The female rockers that inspired her back in the day were either too angry or too folkie, and no one really inspired her until she learned about Blondie and Debbie Harry.
Becoming a pop culture icon
Her unique perspective is what brought her the fame she has today. In 1995, she released Just a Girl a track that many would argue brought her the mainstream rock success she has today. She’s influenced artists like Kesha and Kelly Clarkson, as well as coining a rebellious red lip and platinum blonde ‘do that we all swooned over.
A fashion icon
Besides her gorgeous beauty looks, fashion was always a means of expression for Gwen, and inspired an entire era of ‘90s and early ‘00s girls. She was a rule-breaking rebel — she didn’t wear a bra, wore scandalous, midriff-baring crop tops, and paired them with ultra low rise jeans and henna tats. She wasn’t afraid to switch up her hair colors (the original Katy Perry) and stand out from the crowd.
It’s no wonder her fashion line L.A.M.B launched in the mid 2000s was so groundbreaking. Stefani’s style emulated rock ’n’ roll, femininity, and tomboy fashion in a way we’ve never seen before. While her sporty yet seductive style has become more sophisticated and elevated, she’s always incorporated the theme of fusion in her looks.
A timeline of her relationships
During the 90s, Gwen Stefani was in No Doubt, dating her fellow band member Tony Kanal. Eventually, they split, and in 2002, she met her long-time soulmate Gavin Rossdale, and the lead singer of rock band Bush. She wore a custom pink and white gown by Christian Dior that spoke to her feminine rocker sensibilities perfectly.
A big year in 2004
She starred as Jean Harlow in The Aviator directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Not a bad way to start your acting career — with some of the biggest A-listers in the field ever. In the same year, we saw Gwen hit the Billboard Music Awards with her whole posse of Harajuku Girls, who also happened to be her backup dancers.
Her journey as a mother
In 2006, we saw Gavin and Ross have their first baby, named Kingston. He was impeccably dressed since infancy, which makes sense given his fashionista mom. Just two years later in 2008, she gave birth to Zuma. She was always an inspiring mom to her kids, even though she could have easily recruited nannies for the job. Then, in 2013, she revealed another baby bump!
Changing up her look
Eventually, Gwen gave up her color-swapping tendencies for a more elegant look. This signified a more grown-up era for Gwen, and during this time, she often was spotted rocking her natural blonde in the form of Hollywood glam curls. As always, effortlessly iconic. This more mainstream look allowed Gwen to get more business opportunities and ultimately star on The Voice.
Success beyond being a rock star
Gwen might be a musician, but that’s not all she is. Over the years, she’s really gained confidence and flourished, coming into her own. She’s definitely not meekly following her big brother anymore! After leaving No Doubt, she began a fabulous solo career (that snagged a Vegas residency) and launched multiple fragrances, a fashion line, and eyewear. On top of that, she also earned a chair on The Voice — while being a mother to three boys!
A divorce, followed by new love
In 2016, Gwen and Gavin got a divorce, but they make co-parenting look like a dream. Then, Gwen and Blake Shelton met while filming The Voice back in 2014. Sparks must have flown, because in 2016, Shelton and Stefani went public with their relationship and made a stunning red carpet debut at the Oscars after-party that year. Apparently, Adam Levine is responsible for setting them up!
Still going strong with Blake
Although the two come from extremely different backgrounds, it seems as though this couple is happier than ever. They let rumors swirl that they might get married, and then officially got engaged on October 27, 2020. For nearly 5 years now, Gwen and Blake have been together. Though magazines like to post rumors about their canceled wedding plans (I mean, it is a pandemic) it seems like the two are excited to spend their future together, despite their different lifestyles and public gossip.
Still on top after decades in music
It’s rare that we see a star with a career trajectory like this. When young women gain fame at such a young age, it can be understandably hard to navigate. But she’s mastered all of her talents, becoming a pivotal moment of fashion and music history, as well as a blossoming entrepreneur with smart business sensibilities. Today, her net worth is approximately valued at $100 million.