Twiggy: From Fashion Icon to Timeless Beauty

See iconic model Twiggy now at 73

Twiggy, the iconic model known for her elfin-like face and big blue eyes, has always been a trendsetter. Back in the 1960s, she transformed the fashion industry with her youthful style, inspiring the famous baby doll look that still resonates today. As Twiggy celebrates her 74th birthday on September 19, let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore her incredible journey.

The Transformation that Started it All

In 1966, a young Twiggy, whose birth name is Lesley Hornby, was trying to break into the fashion industry. Standing at only 5-foot-6, many believed she was too short to succeed. But fate had something else in store for her.

At London’s House of Leonard, Twiggy met the renowned British stylist, Leonard Lewis, professionally known as Leonard of Mayfair. Lewis was searching for models to try out his new crop haircut. Reluctantly, Twiggy agreed to have her shoulder-length hair styled for some test headshots.

Little did she know that this decision would change her life forever.

Embracing the Pixie Cut

During a recent guest appearance on Jessie Ware’s podcast, “Table Manners,” Twiggy shared the story behind her iconic pixie cut. She revealed that she never wanted to cut her hair short, but she found herself in a posh salon in Mayfair, too shy to decline Lewis’ offer.

So, she nodded, and the next day, she found herself spending seven hours in the salon, getting her hair cut, colored, and recut. Despite not initially pursuing the androgynous look, Twiggy quickly realized why Leonard Lewis was legendary in the hairstyling world.

The Birth of a Legend

After perfecting her golden blonde crop, Twiggy’s pictures were taken by British photographer Barry Lategan. Leonard displayed these images in his salon, catching the attention of Daily Express fashion editor Deirdre McSharry. And that’s when everything changed.

Twiggy became the face of 1966, and her career skyrocketed. Her large blue eyes, emphasized with mascara on her lower lashes, became her trademark. Everyone wanted to imitate her “look,” and Twiggy became a role model for young women everywhere.

Life Beyond the Runway

Twiggy’s influence extended beyond the fashion world. She starred in movies like The Boy Friend, which earned her two Golden Globes, and Club Paradise, alongside the late Robin Williams. She even had a Twiggy Barbie created in her likeness, becoming the first celebrity to be turned into a doll by Mattel.

Even after stepping away from modeling in 1970, Twiggy continued to make a mark in the entertainment industry. She ventured into stage and screen acting and released her own music album, “Romantically Yours,” in 2011. Today, she remains an ambassador for L’Oreal and collaborates with various brands as a designer.

A Remarkable Journey with Family at the Core

Despite her many accomplishments, Twiggy believes that her true measure of success lies in her bond with her daughter, Carly Lawson. After the death of her first husband, Carly’s father, at a young age, Twiggy raised her with her second husband, Leigh Lawson. They formed a close-knit family and traveled together wherever Twiggy’s career took her.

Twiggy cherishes these moments and recognizes that her family has always been her number one priority. As she celebrates her birthday, let’s send her our love and appreciation for inspiring generations of women with her timeless beauty and trailblazing style.

Twiggy at 73

Twiggy is the envy of many women for being able to pull off that pixie cut from the 1960s! She looked, and still looks, gorgeous! What are your memories of the Swinging Sixties? What is the most daring hairstyle you’ve tried? Share your thoughts and join us in celebrating Twiggy on her birthday!

If you enjoyed reading about the evolution of Twiggy’s style, you might also be interested in seeing how Catherine Deneuve, another icon of the 1960s, looks today.