Gwen Stefani, 55, marked the release of her fifth solo studio album, Bouquet, with a lavish Japanese dinner at Fushimi, a high-end restaurant in Times Square. The celebration, attended by her band and crew, reportedly cost the pop icon $3,000.
A Tribute to Blake Shelton
In a move that surprised many, Stefani chose to take the subway to the venue. Despite the extravagant dinner, the singer showed her down-to-earth side by mingling with other diners, posing for photos, and maintaining a radiant smile throughout the four-hour meal. The restaurant even played Stefani’s new album for the entire crowd.
Stefani hinted that her celebration had a personal touch, saying,
“This is like a tribute to the love of my life, because he’s such a country boy.”
Her husband, Blake Shelton, known for his country roots, seemed to inspire the heartfelt vibe of the evening.
Collaboration with Ellen von Unwerth
The visuals for Bouquet were crafted by celebrated photographer Ellen von Unwerth, whose portfolio includes work with Janet Jackson, Hole, and Rihanna. Stefani described her return to the studio as a surreal experience:
“I wanted to make new music, and I wanted to work with Ellen von Unwerth,” she said, reflecting on the creative journey.
She also expressed deep gratitude toward her fans, noting:
“Thank you for making me feel worthy of still writing music. It’s such a blessing to share this with you… you have no idea how much it means.”
A Bouquet of Music
Stefani kicked off the week with the release of her music video for “Somebody Else”, the lead single from Bouquet, and a live performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
She described the album as a collection of her personal and artistic evolution:
“‘Bouquet’ is a mix of everything I’ve ever been and who I’ve grown to be. Each song was chosen like individual flowers to create a bouquet of the past, present, and seeds of hope for the future.”
The celebration was not only a nod to her new album but also a testament to Stefani’s enduring connection with her music and her fans.
