The Reluctant Fashion Icon Who Defined the Swinging Sixties

Twiggy, the British supermodel who captivated the world with her elfin features, striking blue eyes, and iconic pixie cut, became a fashion legend almost against her will. Her distinctive style, which continues to inspire fashionistas today, was a product of youthful hesitation, a daring stylist, and a cultural moment that redefined beauty.

The Accidental Haircut That Changed Everything

On September 19, Twiggy (born Lesley Hornby) celebrated her 74th birthday, a milestone that invites reflection on her meteoric rise to fame in the 1960s. At just 16 years old and standing 5’6″, Twiggy was initially considered too short to make it in the competitive fashion industry. In 1966, she visited the House of Leonard in London, where renowned stylist Leonard Lewis (known as Leonard of Mayfair) offered to experiment with a bold, cropped hairstyle.

Twiggy admitted on the podcast Table Manners with Jessie Ware that she was too shy to decline Leonard’s request. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted my hair cut, but I was in this posh salon, so I just nodded,” she recalled. Leonard spent seven hours perfecting her look, cutting and coloring her hair into the now-famous golden pixie. Her transformation was captured by photographer Barry Lategan, and the photos, displayed in Leonard’s salon, caught the attention of Daily Express fashion editor Deirdre McSharry. This chance encounter led to Twiggy being dubbed “The Face of ’66,” launching her modeling career.

A Revolutionary Look

Twiggy’s doe-eyed appearance, accentuated by her innovative makeup style, became synonymous with the Swinging Sixties. Inspired by a rag doll with spiky lashes, she developed her signature look, applying mascara to her lower lashes and often drawing on additional ones for dramatic effect. Her youthful, androgynous aesthetic broke traditional beauty norms and made her the poster girl for Mary Quant’s mod fashion, including the era-defining miniskirt.

From Fashion Icon to Cultural Phenomenon

Twiggy’s impact extended beyond the pages of fashion magazines. She became the first celebrity to inspire a Barbie doll, cementing her status as a pop culture icon. Despite her whirlwind success, she retired from modeling in 1970 to focus on acting and singing. Her performance in The Boy Friend (1971) earned her two Golden Globes, and she later appeared in films like Club Paradise (1986) alongside Robin Williams.

Twiggy also ventured into fashion design, collaborating with Marks & Spencer and serving as a judge on America’s Next Top Model. In 2011, she released the album Romantically Yours, featuring duets with her daughter Carly Lawson, born in 1978.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Although Twiggy’s career has spanned decades, she prioritizes family above all. Married to actor Leigh Lawson since 1988, she raised Carly following the death of her first husband, Michael Witney. “My family is my top priority,” Twiggy said. “Even when Carly was young, I didn’t take on anything that didn’t work for her.”

Today, Twiggy continues to inspire through her podcast, Tea with Twiggy, where she interviews notable friends and reflects on her remarkable journey. Even at 74, she remains a style icon, as evidenced by her appearance at Vogue World: London 2023 in September.

A Timeless Legacy

Twiggy’s pixie cut and bold lashes remain enduring symbols of 1960s fashion. Her story is a testament to how chance, talent, and courage can redefine an era. As we celebrate her birthday, we honor not just the supermodel who changed fashion but the woman who continues to influence art, beauty, and culture.

What’s your favorite memory of Twiggy or the Swinging Sixties? Share your thoughts, and let’s toast to Twiggy’s remarkable legacy!