Cleo (January 2008)

Gwen Rules The World

Gwen is inspired and in love

Thus far, Gwen Stefani's CV reads: rock chick, pop star, actress, yummy mummy, wife, fashion icon and designer. Now, with the addition of a killer fragrance, L, her empire is burgeoning, and we're gagging to know just how she does it.

Avoid pushing yourself too hard

"When I was pregnant I went through a period where I wasn't writing much. I tried to, but I realised I was already creating too much; I was on creative overload. So I just watched TV and ate instead."

Plan carefully

"I would've never done a fragrance just for the sake of it. Basically, you have an inspiration of a perfume that you like, whether it's a flower or a certain direction. I've been working on this scent for over two years and wanted it to be light, fresh and clean. I want people to say, "I want to smell like that!'"

Embrace your hormones

"As a new mum, you have this crazy amount of energy because of all the hormones. I think breastfeeding gives you superhuman powers, I'm actually scared of what will happen when it all stops; what it'll feel like going back to the regular me."

Down with diet

"I try not to be but I'm superneurotic about diet. I'm like every other girl. I have to try really hard my whole life to be fit. And I'm super-vain, too. Plus I want to wear cute clothes. You know, I was chubby when I was a little girl; I have all those issues everyone else has, but I try not to. I've learnt over the years that it's such a waste of time."

Be humble

"I think everyone has gifts and/or talents. If you're successful at it, it feels really good but it never actually penetrates completely. There are moments where I think that we made an amazing record and I'm so proud of it, but I don't wake up and go, 'Wow, I'm amazing'."