Born to childhood sweethearts, Gwen's upbringing was as average as the next person. Her parents had enough money to be considered comfortable but not wealthy, her elder brother had a band and her ouma made clothing for her mum, who in turn, made clothing for Gwen.

Her brother's garage band, with Gwen as the lead singer, got signed by a record company. Gwen, who made her own stage costumes, wanted desperately to be seen as one of the boys but loved make-up too much to be a tomboy.

Her part time jobs included working as a make-up artist, at a retail clothing store, and once, when she was told she was going to be something "big" in the entertainment world, she replied that she just wanted to get married and have babies.

After a relationship with a band mate came to an end, Gwen discovered the creative power of a break-up and released the song Don’t Speak, which sold something ridiculous like 16 million copies.

The band, No Doubt, began getting noticed beyond its indie crowd followers and Gwen, the feminine front singer, became a regular attendee in the front row at fashion shows.

Gwen met Gavin, changed her style, launched her solo singing career, had a baby and launched her fashion label, LAMB.

Her success was swift and her transformation extraordinary and yet, with Gwen, there are no histrionics. Madonna may have invented pop transformation however each invention always seems contrived and deliberate, in your face if you will, and inconsistent with her off-stage her persona regularly seen in tracksuits. Gwen's femininity extends from stage to streets; her look is an intimate expression of her ambition.

A super-glam mommy
There is also the appeal of Gwen's "normal" family, with Madonna declaring its nannies which raise her children, Gwen is a working mum, who like any new mum, feels the guilt of being away from her baby and cherishes any free time she spends with her little King.

Speaking of babies, Gwen was the first style icon to talk about the discipline it takes to get back in shape post pregnancy, saying it was a battle everyday to eat right and exercise. Amen for honesty, we need a lot more women in the public eye like Gwen.

With Gwen, everything is more believable. She's not angry with the world and needing to make a statement – in fact, part of her appeal is her childlike amazement of how far she has come and her slight insecurity of her success ending, which masks any arrogance fame may grant her.

She quietly, diligently works hard with a baby on her hip and a husband at her side, building a burgeoning music and fashion empire, whilst looking like she has just walked off the pages of vogue magazine. That takes hard work, grit and determination – Gwen even makes a stroll in the park look like an advertisement for happy families.

It's this balance of the working woman and glamorous goddess which makes her an icon of today. Her look is unique and whilst, it may have taken Gwen time to find her style, she got it without sacrificing her femininity or displaying her feminine assets for all to see.

When you look at Gwen, you get a feeling there is a lot more to come. She's sexy, strong and she's ultimately just like us... but in much higher heels and far better outfits.

Click here to see the gallery of Gwen Stefani's transition

Bronwen Saayman is Women24's image consultant.
Click here to ask her a question.