Twiggy didn’t just model fashion—she defined it. As the poster girl of London’s Swinging Sixties, she became the world’s first true supermodel, launching a cultural revolution with her androgynous look, doe eyes, and pixie haircut.
But Lesley Lawson (née Hornby), the woman behind the name, would go on to prove that she was far more than just a face. Twiggy became an actress, singer, television personality, and style icon whose influence has spanned generations.
From North London to Global Stardom
Born on September 19, 1949, in Neasden, a suburb of northwest London, Lesley Hornby was a working-class teenager with a natural sense of style and a love of fashion. At age 16, she was discovered by hairdresser Leonard of Mayfair, who gave her the famous short haircut that became part of her signature look.
Photographer Barry Lategan took a portrait of her shortly after, and the photo caught the attention of a fashion editor at Daily Express, which declared her “The Face of 1966.” From that moment, Twiggy became a sensation.
A New Kind of Beauty
In an era dominated by curvy glamour models, Twiggy’s thin frame, oversized eyes, and long lashes stood out—and redefined the industry’s standards. Her boyish, waif-like appearance symbolized the youthquake of the 1960s, where young people began to influence culture, music, and fashion more than ever before.
She became a regular on magazine covers, catwalks, and advertising campaigns. Her look—playful, rebellious, and modern—embodied the spirit of the decade, and she quickly became one of the most photographed women in the world.
Acting and Music Career
In 1970, Twiggy made the bold decision to step away from modeling to focus on performing. She surprised many with her range of talents. In 1971, she starred in the musical film The Boy Friend, directed by Ken Russell, for which she won two Golden Globes—for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy and Most Promising Newcomer.
She continued working on stage and screen, proving herself a capable actress and singer. Twiggy also released several music albums over the years, showcasing a light, melodic voice that earned critical praise, particularly in the UK and Japan.
Reinvention and Later Career
Unlike many models of her era, Twiggy successfully reinvented herself multiple times. In the 1980s and 90s, she worked as a fashion designer, lent her name to clothing lines, and became a popular face on British television.
In the 2000s, she enjoyed renewed fame as a judge on America’s Next Top Model, introducing her iconic presence to a younger generation. Around the same time, she became the face of Marks & Spencer in the UK, headlining a major campaign that celebrated beauty at every age.
Personal Life
Twiggy has been married to actor Leigh Lawson since 1988, and the couple lives in London. She has one daughter, Carly, from a previous relationship. Despite her massive fame, Twiggy has always maintained a grounded, unpretentious attitude about her life and career, often poking fun at how fast her rise to fame happened.
