Twiggy, born Lesley Hornby, is a name that is synonymous with 1960s fashion and style. With her iconic pixie haircut, doe eyes and waif-like figure, she quickly rose to fame as a model and fashion icon, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and pop culture.
Twiggy burst onto the fashion scene in the mid-1960s at the tender age of 16. Discovered by a fashion journalist on the streets of London, she made her first appearance in a photo shoot for British Vogue in 1965. Her unconventional look and unique style immediately caught the attention of the fashion world, and within a year she had become an international sensation and household name.
One of Twiggy’s most prominent features, and the one that set her apart from other models of the time, was her big, expressive eyes. These were enhanced by her signature makeup look, featuring long, thick eyelashes and bold, dark eyeliner. This look, known as the “Twiggy eye”, was widely copied by women all over the world, cementing Twiggy’s status as an fashion icon.
Twiggy was also known for her incredibly slender figure, which became the idealized body type during the 1960s. Her androgynous look challenged the traditional notion of femininity and sparked a shift in the fashion industry towards a more youthful and boyish aesthetic. She became the face of “Swinging London” and the embodiment of the mod subculture, influencing the fashion and beauty choices of an entire generation.
In addition to her successful modeling career, Twiggy also ventured into other areas of the entertainment industry. She released her own music album, “Twiggy”, in 1976 and also starred in numerous films, including “The Boy Friend” and “My One and Only”. She became a fashion editor for British Vogue in the 1980s, proving that she was not just a pretty face, but also a talented businesswoman.
Over the years, Twiggy’s influence and impact on the world of fashion has not waned. In 1970, she became the first model to have her own clothing range, bringing her unique style directly to her fans. In the decades that followed, she collaborated with numerous fashion brands and designers, creating her own lines of clothing, makeup, and even furniture.
In 2019, at the age of 69, Twiggy made a triumphant return to the fashion world as the face of L’Oreal, proving that she is still as relevant and stylish as ever. Throughout her career, she has remained true to her signature style, and her timeless charm and grace have continued to inspire generations of women.
Twiggy’s impact on 1960s fashion and beyond cannot be overstated. Her influence can still be seen in the world of fashion today, with many designers and celebrities drawing inspiration from her iconic looks. She remains a beloved figure in popular culture, and her status as a style icon is firmly cemented in history.
In conclusion, Twiggy’s life and career is a fascinating and inspiring story of a young woman who broke the mold and became a trailblazer in the world of fashion. Her unique style and unmistakable presence have left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and have made her a timeless icon for generations to come. She will forever be remembered as the original 1960s style icon, and her legacy continues to influence and inspire the world of fashion.