GWEN STEFANI - STEFANI GETS LOPEZ'S PRIME SPOT ON NEW YORK FASHION STAGE

GWEN STEFANI has been given the coveted spot which helped JENNIFER LOPEZ wow with her Sweetface Collection at next month's (SEP05) New York Fashion Week.

The rocker-turned-designer will unveil the floral designs for her spring 2006 L.A.M.B. collection on the catwalk as part of her first major fashion show.

Stefani's is the same "lucky" slot that Jennifer Lopez's Sweetface collection filled in February (05) - and wowed the critics.

Stefani admits she's a little apprehensive about what the critics will say about her new designs, but she's ready for their worst.

She says, "I don't expect to fit in right away but I do sense that the fashion world is rooting for me, too. I'm not being treated like a celebrity wannabe fashion designer."

The pop star's pals LUCY LIU, ROSANNA ARQUETTE and JANUARY JONES have already had a sneak preview of the collection at a 'trunk show' Stefani staged for family and friends at her Los Angeles home.