Organized Chaos:
Making Gwen Stefani

“If I could escape and re-create a place that’s my own world.” -Gwen Stefani

When I was younger and still dotting my “I’s” with hearts, I went on my usual summer trip to see my Grandmum. I got chilly one night so she pulled out an antique quilt she made, and rather than bundle up in it to keep warm, I started interrogating her with my newly inspired questions. The next day, I was in the process of making my own quilt. It amazed me how with a mere needle and thread, I could visually express my personality into that material. In spite of the facetious manner my peers and sister gave me once I confessed my proud addiction; I dusted off my mum’s un-used sewing machine as soon as I got home. In analogy to Ms. Gwen Stefani’s well thought words, I escaped the satire and re-created a small section of my house that was my own fashion world.

I am an avid fashionclub-er, so when I was aware of this contest, I was sketching ideas before the full page had loaded. First were the shoes. I knew I had the definition of Gwen when it came to the black laced heels I had. Several replays of a classic No Doubt album later, I had sewn together a one-piece that I felt truly matched Gwen’s façade. Stripes and black were definitely the pop-icon’s style, but I knew I needed more, so off to google images I went to get some Vogue inspiration. A quick phone call to my mum’s beauty supplies store and I had a blond wig, babydoll eyelashes, large gold accessories and dark leggings. Still, I felt my outfit needed more.

I started to dig through my own closet to find what would remind me of Gwen, and I found a sexy cheetah bra and a not-so-sexy white training bra that I knew was perfect. But with all those dark colors and a bright outcast, I needed more “umph,” and my closet was not providing well. I changed my name to James Bond and carefully entered my sister's wardrobe. With her preppy style, I was skeptical, until a red-plaid scarf called my name, and I knew this would be my belt. I draped my design onto my body-form and presented it with a smile.

My sister, with no hesitation, agreed to model for me, but would not admit that her shopping splurge was more important at that time. So while impatiently watching my beloved Sex and the City, I decided to keep my hands busy by sewing striped bows. They were prefect so I added them to the rest of my project-in-making. When I finally heard my sister’s keys jingling at the door, I slid some furniture around and we started snapping away at her transformation into Gwen Stefani.

I hope the photo-album I have presented to you properly exudes my hard work and dedication, as well as (of course) my perception of Mrs. Gwen Stefani. The words in the album are all cut-and-pasted lyrics I found by Gwen that I thought would mesh well with my project. I hope you enjoy “Organized Chaos: Making Gwen Stefani” as much as I did, and I know there is a little Gwen in all of us, so that additional bow is for you, or someone dear to your heart, who needs to escape into their own world too.