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Gwen Stefani Then and Now: Grammy Award winner's transformation through the years

Gwen Stefani became famous not only because of her signature breathy voice and punk rock vibes but also for her daring and edgy fashion choices

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: Gwen Stefani boasts a remarkable career spanning several decades in the music industry. At 53 years of age, she continues to defy time and expectations, demonstrating the same vibrant spirit she's always been known for.

Her journey through the music world commenced as a punk princess within the rock band 'No Doubt', and she has since evolved into an influential figure celebrated not only for her music but also as an icon in the realms of makeup and pop culture.

Over the years, Gwen Stefani's look and style have undergone dramatic transformations. Here’s a collection of pictures that trace her evolution from her early days to the present.

1995

In 1995, Gwen Stefani was a mere 17 years old when she became known as the lead vocalist for the band No Doubt, a position she had held since 1986.

The group experienced its breakthrough moment in 1995, propelling Gwen into the realm of superstardom as the charismatic frontwoman.

1996

In 1996, Gwen Stefani graced the stage in Las Vegas during a performance with No Doubt.

Her signature style featured a bob haircut with flipped-up ends, and she confidently displayed her midriff in a crop top paired with low-rise jeans.

Gwen Stefani became known not only for her exceptional and distinctive breathy voice and punk rock attitude but also for her daring and edgy fashion choices.

Her fearlessness in embracing bold fashion statements has remained a defining characteristic throughout her entire career.

1997-1999

In 1997, Gwen Stefani took the stage at the Race to Erase MS event, dazzling in a strapless red top and an attention-grabbing white skirt. Her hair was elegantly styled in buns encircling her head.

At the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards in California, Gwen Stefani made a bold fashion statement, sporting a blue bra top, a voluminous black skirt, and black pants underneath. Her hair was dyed blue to match her top.

During 1999, while performing with No Doubt, Gwen Stefani sported pink hair and braces, displaying her unique fashion flair.

Gwen Stefani’s early 2000s

In the early 2000s, Gwen ventured into solo music after her time with No Doubt. With four successful albums, including the hit 'Hollaback Girl', which reached number one on the charts, Gwen's style evolved. 

She shed the face jewels but embraced heavy jewelry, donning funky outfits with distinctive designs, often featuring belly shirts, plaid skinny jeans, fishnets, and statement belts. 

This period also marked the beginning of her signature bleached blonde hair, along with thicker eyebrows and her iconic red lipstick.

At the 2001 VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards, Gwen Stefani graced the red carpet in a mesh top layered with a bikini top, complemented by baggy knee-length pants and fishnet stockings.

Gwen Stefani’s first marriage in 2002

In 2002, Stefani got married to musician Gavin Rossdale and had three children together. 

The two musicians had first crossed paths in 1995 when Gwen's band, No Doubt, opened for Gavin's band, Bush. 

Their connection deepened over time, leading to their marriage on September 14, 2002, at a historic 17th-century Catholic church in London. But the couple broke up in 2015. 

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale welcomed their first child, Kingston James McGregor Rossdale, into the world on May 26, 2006, in Los Angeles. 

2004–2006: Solo debut and other ventures

During a break from her band, Gwen Stefani ventured into a solo pop career in 2004 with the release of her debut studio album titled 'Love. Angel. Music. Baby'. 

Gwen Stefani's third single, 'Hollaback Girl', from the album 'What You Waiting For?' marked a significant milestone in her career and surpassed one million copies in sales throughout the year 2005.

In 2006, she followed up with her second studio album, 'The Sweet Escape'. 

The album featured hit singles, achieving significant success by reaching the number three spot on the Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart for 2007.

2007–2013: The Sweet Escape and return to No Doubt

To promote her album 'The Sweet Escape', Gwen Stefani took on the role of a mentor on the sixth season of American Idol In 2007 alongside Akon.

In a post dated March 28, 2008, Stefani shared that she had started the songwriting process but it was somewhat hindered due to her pregnancy with her second child at that time.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly on June 6, 2011, Gwen Stefani made it clear that she had no intentions of pursuing further work as a solo artist.

During May 2009, No Doubt headlined the Bamboozle 2009 festival, sharing the stage with Fall Out Boy. The band also embarked on a national tour in the middle of that year.

However, on November 3, 2012, the band faced controversy and subsequently removed their music video for 'Looking Hot' from the internet due to complaints about its insensitivity towards Native Americans.

In January 2013, No Doubt made a cameo appearance in a hot air balloon for the third season of the show Portlandia.

Reality TV beckoned in 2014 

Gwen Stefani became a judge on The Voice in 2014. Following her team member Carter Rubin's victory in season 19, she took a brief hiatus from the popular competition show.

After the conclusion of season 19 of 'The Voice', Gwen Stefani made her return to the music scene with her first solo single in years, titled 'Let Me Reintroduce Myself'.

It was during their tenure as judges on 'The Voice' in 2014 that Gwen Stefani and country music star Blake Shelton first crossed paths, ultimately leading to their romantic relationship.

Between 2015 and 2017, Gwen Stefani embarked on a concert tour as part of her MasterCard Priceless Surprises tour.

During this time, she also released her second single, 'Make Me Like You', on February 12, 2016. 

In addition to her music endeavors, Gwen Stefani was interviewed for the documentary series titled 'The Defiant Ones', which premiered in July 2017.

2018- present 

Gwen Stefani embarked on her first concert residency, titled 'Just a Girl: Las Vegas', commencing on June 27, 2018.

On June 22, 2019, Stefani graced the stage at the Machaca Fest in Fundidora Park. Concurrently, she made her return to 'The Voice', once again alongside her partner, Blake Shelton.

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Stefani and Shelton released another single titled 'Happy Anywhere' on July 24, 2020.

In a heartwarming turn of events, Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton announced their engagement on October 27, 2020. 

In the following year, 2021, the couple exchanged their vows at the country singer's Tishomingo ranch during the Fourth of July weekend, marking a special milestone in their relationship.

Currently, as of August 18, 2023, Shelton and Stefani collaborated on a cover of Wynonna and Naomi Judd's 'Love Is Alive', which they released in anticipation of the album 'A Tribute to The Judds'.