Gwen: The Making of V
Gwen: When I was first asked to do V magazine, I was quite naive when it came to the fashion world. Just learning about the different kinds of photographers that you could work with was so interesting. I remember being really nervous about working with Mario Testino because he was a legend. The way that they styled me and did my hair and makeup, I was amazed because I had never really been in a position where I was just kind of told what to do. I had to trust what Mario’s overall creative vision was for the shoot. I think that the photos are iconic and very fashion-forward for that time. It was the first time I really let go and let other artists take the wheel and it was scary, but fun and such an honor. Every time you work with someone like Mario, you are in the presence of greatness and it’s an opportunity to learn something—to try something new and different.
The second time I worked with V was with Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. They were photographers that I had heard of and were on the brink of becoming legends. They made people look really interesting, beautiful and artistic. I really wanted to work with them, and I was honored to be back on the cover of the magazine. Working with them was an incredible experience. They are super artistic, and the creative post-work they do is unique. I was basically a model; they just came in and did what they do best, and it was really fun to watch them work. It was wonderfully inspiring. I loved it and I hope I get to do it again someday.
[The 20th anniversary of V also coincides with the 15th anniversary of Love. Angel. Music. Baby.] I’m very proud of that era. It was a very creative time in my life, defined by a lot of output and creative energy. I was so inspired by global culture and all of the travels that I’d done. Combining all the influences from traveling the world and sharing that through my music was a magical thing to be able to do. Now that I’m revisiting past moments in my career through my Las Vegas residency, I’m able to relive the songs [on Love. Angel. Music. Baby and the various memories that come with them,] every night in the show. It still amazes me how I was able to put my love for culture into those songs.