Twiggy, the iconic model and fashion legend, turns 74 on September 19. As we celebrate her birthday, let’s take a trip down memory lane to the Swinging Sixties, when Twiggy first captivated the world with her unique style that continues to inspire us today.
In 1966, Twiggy, whose birth name is Lesley Hornby, was a young British model looking to make a splash in the fashion industry. Despite being told she was too short to succeed, she was determined to prove them wrong. Little did she know that a chance encounter with renowned stylist Leonard Lewis would change her life forever.
Reluctantly, Twiggy agreed to Lewis’ request to try out his new crop haircut. Shy and unsure, she found herself in a posh salon in Mayfair, nodding her approval as her shoulder-length hair was snipped away. Little did she know that this haircut would become the defining moment of her career.
The pixie cut perfectly framed Twiggy’s elfin-like face and emphasized her big blue eyes, which she accentuated with bold mascara on her lower lashes. British photographer Barry Lategan captured her stunning transformation, and when the photos were seen by fashion editor Deirdre McSharry, Twiggy’s fame skyrocketed. The rest, as they say, is history.
Though the androgynous look wasn’t what Twiggy had in mind, she quickly embraced her new image and became a trailblazer for mod fashion. Her doe eyes, inspired by a rag doll she owned as a child, added to her signature look. Twiggy also rebelled against the strict dress code of her grammar school by experimenting with makeup and miniskirts when she wasn’t confined by its rules.
Twiggy’s meteoric rise to fame continued with her appearances in Vogue and being the first celebrity to inspire a Twiggy Barbie doll. She became the embodiment of Mary Quant’s revolutionary fashion and the face of mod style. After a few years of dominating the fashion world, Twiggy transitioned into acting and singing, showcasing her versatility and talent on stage and screen.
Today, at 74 years old, Twiggy remains a timeless beauty and a fashion icon. She continues to work in the fashion industry as an ambassador for L’Oréal and partners with various brands as a designer. Her podcast, “Tea with Twiggy,” allows fans to have intimate conversations with her famous friends. However, Twiggy’s greatest achievement is the bond she shares with her daughter Carly, whom she raised single-handedly after her father’s untimely death.
Twiggy’s pixie cut from the 1960s continues to be admired by women of all ages. It is a testament to her timeless style and the lasting impact she has made on the fashion industry. As we celebrate her birthday, let’s show Twiggy some love and share our favorite memories of the Swinging Sixties and daring hairstyles we’ve tried.
What are your memories of the Swinging Sixties? What is the most daring hairstyle you’ve experimented with? Join us in celebrating Twiggy’s birthday and share this story with others who appreciate her iconic style!
