USA Today (May 17th 2005)

Designing is a snap

Gwen Stefani matches cameras with her Japanese-inspired line

Life is bananas for Gwen Stefani.

The singer, who launched her higher-end L.A.M.B. fashion collection last year, is expanding her empire with the more affordable Harajuku Lovers line. "I love designing because there's so much less pressure than writing songs. But it fulfills the same kind of passion in me," says Stefani, who released her solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby. in November. Stefani is fascinated with Japanese youth culture and street style, and harajuku ("super- cute") girls played a big part in the promotional blitz for her album.

"Everyone has a camera as an accessory," Stefani says. "I thought it might be cute to have a camera that will go with your outfit. It will match the underwear I'm making."

She's referring to the underclothes, as well as stationery, hats, baby clothes, T-shirts, cellphone charms and handbags, that are all part of Harajuku Lovers and will be sold at Urban Outfitters and Hello Kitty stores starting June 15. And then there's Stefani's line of L.A.M.B. shoes, on sale in August. And her first Fashion Week show this September in New York.

Doesn't she ever get tired? "I'm stupid," Stefani says with a laugh. "I don't know what's wrong with me."

As for another No Doubt album, Stefani hopes to be working on new material in 2006. "I'll finish this year up and am flirting with myself about possibly going on a short tour," she says.