At 73, Twiggy remains an iconic figure whose groundbreaking style revolutionized the fashion industry. Known for her unique pixie haircut, striking blue eyes, and elfin charm, Twiggy became a cultural phenomenon in the 1960s. Her look, combining youthful energy with bold fashion choices, has inspired generations. Even now, she continues to captivate audiences with her elegance and timeless appeal.
Twiggy, born Lesley Hornby, was thrust into the spotlight in 1966 when she was just a teenager looking to launch her modeling career. At 5-foot-6, she was told repeatedly that she was too short to succeed in the highly competitive fashion world. However, her determination and distinctive style proved her critics wrong. It all began when Twiggy visited London’s House of Leonard, a prestigious salon run by Leonard Lewis, also known as Leonard of Mayfair. She initially went for a routine hair wash and styling but left with a look that would change her life forever.
Leonard spotted Twiggy and asked if he could try a new short haircut on her. Though hesitant at first, Twiggy agreed, feeling too shy to decline in such a fancy setting. She returned the next day, spending seven hours in the chair as Leonard meticulously crafted her now-famous golden blonde pixie cut. After perfecting the style, Leonard had British photographer Barry Lategan capture Twiggy’s new look. The photos were displayed in the salon, where they caught the eye of Deirdre McSharry, the fashion editor for the Daily Express. McSharry’s excitement about Twiggy’s bold haircut led to a feature in the newspaper with the headline, “Twiggy—The Face of ’66.”
This moment catapulted Twiggy into stardom. Her large blue eyes, enhanced by her innovative use of mascara and false eyelashes, became her signature look. Twiggy later revealed that her eye makeup inspiration came from a rag doll she had as a child, which featured spiky lashes. Experimenting with makeup as a teenager, Twiggy developed a style that emphasized her eyes, setting a trend that defined the Swinging Sixties.
Twiggy’s rise to fame coincided with the emergence of mod fashion, and she quickly became its poster girl. Her youthful energy, combined with her androgynous appearance, challenged traditional beauty standards and redefined femininity. She also became closely associated with Mary Quant, the British designer famous for popularizing miniskirts. Together, they shaped the bold, leg-baring aesthetic that dominated the decade.
By the late 1960s, Twiggy’s influence extended beyond modeling. In 1967, Mattel released the Twiggy Barbie doll, making her the first celebrity to inspire the iconic toy. Despite her rapid success, Twiggy decided to retire from modeling in 1970 at the age of 20. She transitioned to acting and singing, starring in films such as The Boy Friend (1971), for which she won two Golden Globe Awards. Her other notable work includes Club Paradise (1986), where she acted alongside Robin Williams. Twiggy also pursued music, releasing albums such as Romantically Yours in 2011, which featured classic covers and duets with her daughter, Carly Lawson.
In addition to her entertainment career, Twiggy explored fashion design. She collaborated with Marks & Spencer to create a clothing line and appeared in their advertising campaigns. Her involvement with L’Oréal as an ambassador further cemented her status as a style icon. Even today, Twiggy remains a force in fashion, working with brands and hosting her own podcast, Tea with Twiggy, where she interviews celebrity friends.
Twiggy credits her close relationship with her daughter, Carly, as her greatest achievement. After the death of Carly’s father, actor Michael Witney, during Carly’s fifth birthday party, Twiggy raised her alongside her second husband, Leigh Lawson, whom she married in 1988. Twiggy has always prioritized family, often bringing Carly along on her travels to maintain their bond. Now a proud grandmother, Twiggy cherishes her role as a mother and grandmother above all else.
Reflecting on her legacy, Twiggy remains an inspiration for embracing individuality and breaking boundaries. Her pixie cut, bold makeup, and fearless fashion choices continue to resonate, proving that true style is timeless. As she celebrates her 74th birthday on September 19, fans worldwide are reminded of her enduring impact on fashion and culture.
Let’s celebrate Twiggy’s extraordinary life by revisiting her iconic moments and sharing her story. Her journey from a shy teenager to an international superstar is a testament to the power of self-expression and perseverance. Happy Birthday, Twiggy—your legacy shines as brightly as ever!
