Twiggy

Twiggy – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Discover the life and legacy of Twiggy (Dame Lesley Lawson) — the English model who defined 1960s fashion, transitioned into acting and music, and remains a cultural icon. Read her biography, career highlights, and memorable quotes here.

Introduction

Twiggy, born Lesley Hornby on 19 September 1949, is one of the most recognized faces in fashion and popular culture. Rising to fame in the swinging 1960s, she became a symbol of youth, change, and androgynous beauty. Over decades, she has reinvented herself as an actress, singer, television personality, and fashion entrepreneur. Her influence continues to echo in the worlds of modeling, style, and activism.

Early Life and Family

Lesley Hornby was born in Neasden, Middlesex (now part of Greater London) to Nellie Lydia (née Reeman), a factory worker, and William Norman Hornby, a carpenter and joiner.

From an early age, Lesley showed creativity and practical skills: her mother taught her sewing, and she would make her own dresses.

Her childhood was relatively ordinary, and she did not initially envision a life in modeling. Her figure and unique look would later become her signature.

Youth, Discovery & Early Modeling (1965–1966)

Twiggy’s modeling career began somewhat serendipitously. At age 16, after getting her hair washed and styled at a salon in Mayfair, her hairdresser (Leonard of Mayfair) asked to try a new haircut on her. The transformation yielded a short, pixie-style cut, which was striking and bold.

Photographer Barry Lategan took some test portraits, and fashion journalist Deirdre McSharry of the Daily Express spotted them. She arranged for further photos and published them under the headline “The Face of ’66,” introducing Twiggy to the public.

Her look was unconventional by then-standards: very thin, with large eyes, long lashes, and a boyish (gamine) frame.

Within months, she was appearing in top fashion magazines, including Vogue, and working internationally in Paris, Japan, and the U.S.

She took the professional name Twiggy, derived from a childhood nickname (“Twigs”) referring to her slenderness.

By the end of 1966, she had firmly established herself as a fashion sensation, with global recognition.

Career and Achievements

Modeling and Fashion Influence

Twiggy is often cited as one of the first true supermodels, and her image came to define the spirit of the 1960s fashion scene.

She appeared on many magazine covers (British Vogue, Tatler, Elle, etc.) and worked with top photographers of the era.

Her early modeling career spanned roughly from 1966 until about 1970, after which she began to pivot into other creative fields.

Acting, Singing & Stage

After stepping back from modeling, Twiggy pursued acting and music. Her first major film role was in The Boy Friend (1971), directed by Ken Russell, playing Polly Browne—a role that garnered her two Golden Globe Awards.

She made her Broadway debut in the musical My One and Only (1983) and earned a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.

Twiggy also released albums and singles: her self-titled album Twiggy (1976) charted in the UK, and she followed up with Please Get My Name Right.

On television, she presented her own interview series (Twiggy’s People), appeared as a judge on America’s Next Top Model (seasons 5–9), and guest-starred in various drama and talk shows.

Twiggy also engaged in theatre productions in the UK, West End, and tours.

Honors & Later Work

In recognition of her contributions to fashion, the arts, and charity, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours.

In later years, she returned to modeling in selected campaigns (notably for Marks & Spencer) and became involved in fashion design, partnerships, and branding efforts.

She has also been open about her perspective on body image, aging, and authenticity, using her platform to comment on how beauty ideals evolve.

As recently as 2025, a musical based on her life—Twiggy The Musical—had its premiere, and a documentary about her journey was released, reaffirming her enduring cultural relevance.

Historical & Cultural Context

Twiggy’s rise came during a transformative era in Britain: the Swinging Sixties, a period of youth-led cultural change in London, with fashion, music, and art converging in innovative ways.

Her look symbolized a move away from the curvaceous ideals of the 1950s to a leaner, more youthful aesthetic. She represented modernity, minimalism, and a break from tradition in women’s fashion.

Twiggy’s influence extended beyond modeling into pop culture: she appeared on David Bowie’s Pin Ups album cover, and her image became intertwined with the era’s stylistic and social shifts.

Her career also paralleled increasing conversations around youth culture, mass media, and the burgeoning global reach of fashion imagery.

Legacy and Influence

Twiggy’s impact is multifaceted:

• Iconic figure of 1960s fashion: She remains one of the most enduring images of that decade’s style revolution.

• Body image and modeling norms: Her stature and look pushed the industry to re-evaluate what was considered beautiful; she later spoke critically of overly rigid ideals.

• Cross-disciplinary artist: Her transition into acting, music, television, and design shows that iconic models can evolve beyond the runway.

• Cultural symbol of change: Twiggy is emblematic of youth empowerment, gender fluid aesthetics, and shifting societal norms.

• Ongoing relevance: Her life is still being explored artistically (musicals, documentaries), and she continues to influence designers, photographers, and creatives.

Personality & Talents

Twiggy has often been described as having a gentle, introspective, yet resilient personality. Though her fame was instantaneous, she has openly acknowledged her insecurities and ambivalence about her image.

Her talents span multiple media: she can act, sing, perform on stage, present on television, and design. She embraces reinvention rather than being confined to a single role.

She also exhibits a grounded sense of self, often reflecting on the pressures of fame and aging in public life. Her willingness to speak about vulnerability and authenticity has differentiated her from many who remain silent on such struggles.

Notable Quotes by Twiggy

Here are several meaningful quotes attributed to Twiggy (or from interviews) that offer insight into her thoughts, philosophy, and perspective:

1. “I had a fun childhood. I walked to school in the rain, I rode my bike.”

2. “I hated what I looked like, so I thought everyone had gone stark raving mad.”

3. “I was very skinny, but that was just my natural build. I always ate sensibly — being thin was in my genes.”

4. “You can’t be a clothes hanger for your entire life.” (on retiring from modeling)

5. “I’m proud of my wrinkles.” (reflecting on aging)

6. “I don’t think high fashion will ever move completely away from slimness.”

These quotations underscore themes of self-awareness, evolving identity, and the ever-changing standards of beauty.

Lessons from Twiggy

From the life and legacy of Twiggy, several lessons emerge:

• Reinvention is possible: Even icons can evolve; Twiggy moved from modeling to acting, singing, and design.

• Authenticity matters: She often frankly addressed insecurities and the pressures of fame, cultivating a more human public image.

• Beauty is not static: Her success challenged existing norms while also urging ongoing conversation about how we define beauty across ages.

• Embrace growth: Rather than cling to youth alone, she embraced her later years and used her experience as part of her narrative.

• Be more than the image: Twiggy’s life shows that behind the photograph is a full person with ambitions, challenges, and depth.

Conclusion

Twiggy remains more than a fashion legend — she is a cultural touchstone whose life mirrors changing ideals, the pursuit of artistic growth, and the courage to defy narrow definitions. From being declared “The Face of ’66” to becoming Dame Lesley Lawson, her journey is one of transformation and impact.

If you’d like, I can also prepare a full timeline, or dig into her influence on specific fashion movements, or compile more quotes. Would you like me to expand on any aspect?