Beauty Editor Nadine Baggott sits down with model icon Twiggy to talk about her new venture with high street giant Marks & Spencer. Find the full interview in HELLO! out now.
The term supermodel seems overused now, but when Twiggy was discovered at just 16 she revolutionised the fashion industry and became the world’s first supermodel. "I was 5ft 6½in and a skinny little thing who had been told I could never be a model because I was too short. Then I had my hair cut and the next thing you know I was catapulted into worldwide fame. I still get fan mail from teenagers all over the world," she tells me over afternoon tea and biscuits to celebrate the launch of her first beauty range and fragrance for Marks and Spencer.
You have been the face of M&S fashion and have created collections for them for years now. Tell me why you chose them to work with?
"I've always loved M&S, but they chose me. In 2007 their artistic director saw me in a pub in Suffolk after I'd been for a walk on the beach. I had my hair in pigtails, no make-up on, a woolly hat pulled down and a huge anorak. His wife said, 'Oh look, there's Twiggy,' and he decided there and then that he would feature me in that now iconic ad campaign. Everything I wore flew out of the shops for five years and so it led to me creating my own line and we are now on our 16th collection."
Tell me about your new fragrance and beauty line for M&S…
"I gave the perfumers a list of fragrances I love and those I hate and they created six scents. I tested each one and every time I wore this one my husband Lee would say, 'Oh, you smell nice,' so I knew it was right. And once we got it just right, then we could create a line of body creams and lotions. There’s even a candle."
How would you describe your ageless style?
"I love tailored jackets and a slightly boyish style with lots of trousers. I do wear dresses occasionally, but I'm 67 now so I know what works for a woman my age. I don't find it attractive to over-expose your body. My all-time favourite outfit is a tuxedo trouser suit. I have had one in my wardrobe since the mid-1960s."
Tell me about the range and what skincare products you use?
"I have very dry skin so I asked for a body butter as that is what I would use. And the bath foam is lovely, but I wanted subtle scents. I add almond or vitamin E oil to my bath and I am a fan of Himalayan salts."
What is the best bit of beauty advice you have ever been given?
"Look after your skin and moisturise. My skin is very dry and I have been using the same moisturiser for years. The good news is that we are going to develop one for me."
Read the full interview in HELLO! out now.