Twiggy challenges the conventions of aging
Before the likes of Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, or Heidi Klum graced fashion magazines, a certain Lesley Hornby was causing a stir. Known as Twiggy, her androgynous appearance made her the world's first supermodel in the 1960s, setting new trends and challenging traditional beauty standards. At 75, Twiggy remains unfazed by the passage of time.
When one thinks of the "Swinging Sixties" in London, they picture the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Carnaby Street, miniskirts, and free love - and Twiggy. Her androgynous look, big doe eyes, long lashes, and short pixie cut left a lasting impact on the fashion world. This September 19th, Twiggy turns 75.
The British public's interest in the former Lesley Lawson (née Hornby) remains high. In October, a documentary about her by director Sadie Frost will premiere at the London Film Festival. "I'm so excited," Twiggy announced on Instagram. "It was an absolute pleasure working with Sadie."
Twiggy was born on September 19, 1949, in Neasden, north London, to a working-class couple. Discovered at 16, she dreamt of studying fashion at an art academy. "Because I was obsessed with clothes," she explained. "I learned to sew very young and wanted to be a designer."
The Face of 1966
Her model career began due to a series of fortunate encounters. As a teenager, she volunteered as a model for new hairstyles by celebrity hairdresser Leonard Lewis. "Her hair was long, unkempt, and matted," Lewis recalled. "We talked for a long time about what we should do with her." He cut her hair short and dyed it blonde.
After the radical makeover, photos were taken. "Leonard put one up in the lobby of his salon, and I went back to school," Twiggy told the "Daily Mail." The picture caught the eye of a fashion journalist, who arranged another photoshoot with the 16-year-old and published an article titled: "The Face of '66."
The young Lesley quickly gained international fame, gracing the covers of major fashion magazines like "Vogue" and "Elle." With her innocent charm and unconventional looks, she embodied a new beauty ideal, distinguishing herself from the curvy film stars of the 1950s. She also earned her nickname, Twiggy, due to her slender figure.
Fashion collection and acting
Twiggy's influence extended beyond fashion. She became a symbol of the cultural shift of the 1960s, representing youth culture and rebellion against traditional norms. The 5-foot 6-inch icon represented not only a new look but also emancipation, progress, and a generation that redefined fashion and self-expression.
Modeling wasn't enough for her. Twiggy, inspired by her mother, who taught her to sew as a child, designed her own fashion line called "Twiggy Dresses." The collection proved to be a commercial success.
In the 1970s, she retired from modeling and ventured into acting. In 1971, she made her film debut in the colorful musical comedy "The Boyfriend," where she also sang. She was nominated for two Golden Globes - for best actress and most promising newcomer.
Unsuccessful as a singer
Twiggy's foray into pop music didn't meet the same success. In 1976, she released her first album "Twiggy" filled with pop and country songs, showcasing her vocal talent. However, the album received minimal recognition. Despite this, she continued to release albums. Her most recent, "Romantically Yours," was released in 2011.
Aside from her music career, the versatile Twiggy worked as a TV presenter and appeared in theater and musical productions in London's West End. During the pandemic, she launched the podcast series "Tea With Twiggy," where she converses with colleagues like Joanna Lumley about the past. In 2019, Twiggy received a commendation from Queen Elizabeth II for her services. On Instagram, she goes by Dame Twiggy Lawson.
In interviews, Twiggy often laments that her modeling career is often the only aspect people remember, although it was just a brief portion of her life. However, her successful modeling comeback in the 90s may also be why most people associate her primarily with that period.
Unfazed by Aging
To this day, Twiggy is a beloved figure in her homeland, not just for her looks, but also for her charm and wit. After a musical about her life was staged in London's West End, a documentary film "Twiggy" is now set to hit cinemas. During her downtime, she enjoys her private life at home, cooking, and reading.
Aging doesn't deter the twice-grandmother, who is against cosmetic surgery. "I haven't had anything done, mainly because I'm too scared," she told the magazine "Yours." "You can't stop getting older. So why worry about it? I don't understand."
In the documentary by director Sadie Frost, Twiggy expresses her excitement about the upcoming film, stating, "I'm so excited, it was an absolute pleasure working with Sadie." As she turns 75 on September 19th, Twiggy remains a powerful presence in the fashion world, continuing to embody the androgynous beauty that made her the "Face of '66."
