Queuing, tea, bulldogs, royals and Twiggy - there are few bywords for British culture that capture my fashion loving heart as firmly as the latter.
The trailblazing supermodel is woven into the fabric of Britain as firmly as Union Jack bunting fluttering at a street party. A symbol of an era, she’s more than just a fashion icon; she’s a living embodiment of the spirit of the 'Swinging Sixties', a time when London was the epicentre of style, music, and rebellion.
Her waifish figure, wide eyes, and cropped hair revolutionised beauty standards, turning Twiggy into the poster girl for a new wave of fashion. She didn’t just model clothes; she transformed them, making her a global sensation. Born Lesley Lawson, she defied the odds, carving a career in a world that initially dismissed her. Her rise to fame was meteoric—within months, she went from an unknown teen to gracing the covers of Vogue and Elle, becoming a face synonymous with the mod scene of 1960s London. "I was 5ft 6½in and a skinny little thing who had been told I could never be a model because I was too short,” she told Hello! over afternoon tea in an Interview back in 2016, “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."
Twiggy became an international fashion icon in the 1960s due to her striking, androgynous look, pixie haircut, and bold eye makeup. Discovered at 16, she quickly gained fame, becoming the face of London's "mod" scene. But her influence doesn’t stop at fashion. Twiggy’s playful yet poised demeanour, combined with her unwavering charm, solidified her as a cultural icon. She stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of The Beatles, Carnaby Street, and Mary Quant—icons that defined a generation.
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From her famous haircut, which inspired countless imitators, to her later ventures in acting, singing, and even designing, Twiggy’s impact remains as fresh as ever. Whether it’s her influence on today’s minimalist fashion trends or her continued work in the arts, Twiggy’s legacy is a testament to her enduring status as a cultural treasure, a woman who broke the mould and became an emblem of timeless British cool.
From Teen Sensation to Timeless Icon:
After retiring from modelling in 1970, she pursued acting, starring in films like The Boy Friend (1971), for which she won two Golden Globes. She also ventured into singing, theatre, and later, television, maintaining a lasting influence on fashion and pop culture.
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Swinging Style:
"I love tailored jackets and a slightly boyish style with lots of trousers… I don't find it attractive to over-expose your body,” Twiggy tells Hello!, “My all-time favourite outfit is a tuxedo trouser suit. I have had one in my wardrobe since the mid-1960s."
Love in the Spotlight:
In 1977, Twiggy married American actor Michael Whitney, and they had a daughter named Carly. Unfortunately, Whitney passed away in 1983. Twiggy later found love again with British actor and director Leigh Lawson. The two met while working together on a film and married in 1988. Lawson became a father figure to Twiggy's daughter, and the couple has been together ever since, living a relatively private life.
A Fashion Legacy:
Twiggy's daughter Carly Lawson, was born in 1978 during Twiggy’s first marriage to American actor Michael Whitney. After Whitney's passing, Carly was adopted by Twiggy’s second husband, actor Leigh, and took his last name. Carly has largely stayed out of the public eye, choosing a quieter life compared to her mother’s supermodel fame. She has pursued creative endeavours, including working in fashion and art.
Beauty Secrets of a Mod Muse:
"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," Twiggy shared with Hello!’s Nadine Baggott.