See Iconic Supermodel Twiggy Now at 74 – A Look Back at the Face of the Swinging Sixties

Twiggy, born Lesley Hornby, first captured the world’s attention in the 1960s with her doll-like features, oversized blue eyes, and the now-iconic pixie haircut that defined an era.

Though she stood at just 5’6″—considered too short for traditional models—her bold look and undeniable charm helped her rise to global fame.

At 17, Twiggy stepped into the House of Leonard salon in London simply hoping to refresh her long hair.

But a chance meeting with renowned stylist Leonard Lewis changed her life. Though hesitant, she agreed to try his new pixie haircut.

That dramatic transformation caught the eye of fashion editor Deirdre McSharry and led to Twiggy being featured in the Daily Express with the headline: “Twiggy—The Face of ’66.”

In a recent episode of Jessie Ware’s podcast Table Manners, Twiggy revealed that she was too shy to refuse the haircut at the time.

“I just nodded,” she recalled with a laugh, not knowing that moment would launch a legendary career.

Twiggy’s signature look—complete with heavy mascara on her lower lashes, inspired by a rag doll she had as a child—became the essence of mod fashion.

Her image quickly graced the covers of major fashion magazines like Vogue, and she even inspired the very first Twiggy Barbie doll by Mattel.

 

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A post shared by Twiggy (@twiggylawson)

Despite her meteoric rise, Twiggy stepped away from modeling in 1970 to explore acting and music.

She went on to win two Golden Globes for her role in the 1971 musical The Boy Friend and later starred in Club Paradise alongside Robin Williams.

She also released music, including her 2011 album Romantically Yours, which features her daughter Carly Lawson on several tracks.

Throughout the years, Twiggy continued to influence the fashion world, designing collections for Marks & Spencer, working with L’Oréal, and hosting the podcast Tea with Twiggy, where she chats with celebrity friends.

Now 74, Twiggy remains a symbol of timeless style and resilience. While she still enjoys fashion and beauty, she says her greatest joy is her family.

She raised her daughter Carly after the passing of her first husband, actor Michael Witney, and has built a close-knit bond with her family ever since.

Twiggy’s story reminds us that true beauty and success come from authenticity and staying true to oneself. She may have helped define a generation, but she continues to inspire across every decade.

 

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💫 Do you remember Twiggy’s look from the Swinging Sixties? Ever tried a bold hairstyle of your own?

Let’s celebrate her legacy—share this story to show some love for a true fashion icon!

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