Twiggy, the English fashion icon who revolutionized the modeling world in the 1960s, remains a symbol of timeless elegance well into her 70s. Known for her androgynous look, slim figure, and wide-eyed charm, Twiggy became a defining face of the “mod” era. Decades later, fans continue to be captivated by her undeniable grace and style as she continues to thrive in both her personal and professional life. Far from slowing down, Twiggy proves that true fashion and beauty never fade with age.
Born Lesley Hornby on September 19, 1949, Twiggy’s career skyrocketed during the ’60s, and she has since maintained an enduring presence in the fashion world. Despite the years that have passed, her influence remains significant, and her ability to adapt to the evolving trends in fashion is nothing short of extraordinary. Now in her 70s, Twiggy continues to embody elegance, charm, and a zest for life that has cemented her as one of the most iconic supermodels of all time.
The 1960s: Twiggy’s Meteoric Rise to Fame
Twiggy burst onto the fashion scene in the mid-1960s, revolutionizing the industry with her unique look. Discovered at the age of 16, she quickly became the face of the decade, characterized by her slender frame, boyish figure, large eyes, and striking pixie haircut. Her appearance defied traditional beauty standards, which had favored more curvaceous models, and she introduced a new wave of style that was youthful, modern, and fresh.
Twiggy’s signature look, complete with dramatic false lashes and bold eyeliner, became synonymous with the “mod” movement, a cultural shift that embraced youth culture, freedom, and self-expression. At a time when women’s fashion was transitioning away from formality and moving toward playful, bold aesthetics, Twiggy became the poster child for this new era. Her boyish charm and androgynous appeal made her an international sensation, and she graced the covers of fashion magazines, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, becoming a household name almost overnight.
The 1970s: A New Chapter in Style and Versatility
As the 1970s rolled in, Twiggy began to expand her horizons beyond modeling. She embraced new opportunities in acting and singing, showing her versatility as a performer. During this decade, her style evolved as well, reflecting the more relaxed, earthy trends that defined the era. Gone were the heavy makeup and mod hairstyles—instead, Twiggy adopted a softer, more natural look, trading in her pixie cut for longer, flowing hair and more understated makeup.
Twiggy’s foray into acting was met with success, most notably in 1971 when she starred in the film The Boy Friend, directed by Ken Russell. Her performance earned her two Golden Globe Awards, including one for Best New Actress. Her ability to effortlessly transition from modeling to acting further solidified her status as a multi-talented icon.
The ’70s also marked a time of personal growth for Twiggy. She married American actor Michael Whitney in 1977, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Carly, soon after. Though her career flourished, Twiggy remained grounded, balancing her life as a wife, mother, and style icon.
The 1980s: Personal Loss and Professional Maturity
The 1980s were a time of both personal tragedy and professional evolution for Twiggy. In 1983, her husband Michael Whitney passed away unexpectedly, leaving her to navigate life as a single mother. Despite this loss, Twiggy continued to evolve, adopting a more mature and classic style that reflected the sophisticated trends of the decade.
Twiggy’s fashion choices during this time became more tailored and polished, with a preference for timeless pieces such as blazers, pencil skirts, and elegant accessories. While the excesses of the ’80s saw many embracing bold, flashy trends, Twiggy maintained her signature sense of understated elegance, proving once again that her style transcended fleeting fashion fads.
The 1990s: Embracing Minimalism and Grunge
In the 1990s, Twiggy’s style adapted to the minimalist and grunge trends that dominated the fashion scene. She embraced the simplicity of the decade, often seen in chic yet casual outfits, such as high-waisted jeans, oversized blazers, and slip dresses. Her ability to effortlessly blend classic pieces with modern trends demonstrated her fashion versatility.
The ’90s also saw Twiggy take on a new role in the fashion industry: that of a mentor and judge. She appeared on America’s Next Top Model, where she shared her expertise and experience with aspiring models. Her presence on the show allowed a new generation of fashion lovers to appreciate her contributions to the industry, further solidifying her status as a timeless icon.
The 2000s: Reinvention and Fashion Longevity
The early 2000s brought a sense of reinvention for Twiggy, as she continued to evolve with the changing fashion landscape. Though well into her 50s, she maintained a youthful spirit and embraced contemporary fashion trends while staying true to her iconic image. Her fashion choices during this time were bold yet refined, often featuring tailored silhouettes, vibrant patterns, and statement accessories.
In addition to her continued work in fashion, Twiggy also ventured into new projects, including launching her own fashion lines and collaborating with various brands. Her keen sense of style and ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry made her a sought-after figure in the fashion world. She balanced modern styles with a nod to her iconic past, ensuring that her presence remained as influential as ever.
The 2010s: Graceful Aging and Timeless Elegance
As Twiggy entered her 60s, she embraced aging with grace and style. Her wardrobe became a reflection of her confident and sophisticated approach to fashion. Known for her preference for tailored suits, chic blazers, and elegant dresses, Twiggy’s style remained classic yet playful, always maintaining her signature flair.
In 2019, Twiggy was honored with the prestigious Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire award for her contributions to fashion, the arts, and charity. This recognition was a testament to her enduring influence and lasting legacy in the fashion world.
Throughout the decade, Twiggy continued to inspire, proving that style is ageless. She became an advocate for embracing natural beauty and aging gracefully, shunning cosmetic procedures in favor of a more authentic approach. “I haven’t had plastic surgery, but if I ever felt the need, I would find a very, very good surgeon. I would never use Botox because, in my mind, it’s poison,” she stated in a 2016 interview.
The 2020s: Aging with Confidence and Poise
Now in her 70s, Twiggy remains an icon of style, confidence, and elegance. She has gracefully embraced her age, continuing to showcase her love for fashion and living a vibrant, fulfilling life. Her wardrobe reflects her understanding of comfort and practicality, often seen in stylish blazers, tailored trousers, and neutral tones that highlight her natural beauty.
Twiggy’s decision to age naturally has earned her widespread admiration. Rather than succumbing to the pressure of looking youthful, she embraces her age with confidence and self-assurance. “I think we should be proud of our age. We’ve earned it,” she said in a recent interview.
In September 2023, Twiggy collaborated with Vogue to recreate one of her most iconic shoots from 1967, photographed by Bert Stern. The stunning images, shot over five decades after the original, showcased Twiggy’s enduring beauty and fashion prowess. She remarked, “Everything came full circle for me in that moment,” acknowledging the deep connection between her past and present selves.
Twiggy’s Enduring Legacy in Fashion
Twiggy’s legacy extends far beyond her impact on the 1960s. She has redefined what it means to be a model, an actress, and a public figure, influencing not only the fashion industry but also societal standards of beauty. Her career has spanned over five decades, and her ability to adapt to changing trends while staying true to her personal style has made her a timeless figure in fashion.
What makes Twiggy truly special is her unwavering authenticity. In a world obsessed with youth and perfection, she stands as a beacon of self-confidence, showing that beauty comes from within and that aging is something to be celebrated, not feared. Her dedication to remaining true to herself, combined with her continued contributions to the fashion industry, ensures that Twiggy’s influence will be felt for generations to come.
Twiggy’s journey from a teenage sensation in the 1960s to a graceful icon in her 70s is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and enduring influence. She has not only shaped the fashion world but has also inspired countless individuals to embrace their uniqueness and age with grace and confidence.
Through every stage of her life, Twiggy has remained true to herself, proving that style is not about following trends but about expressing one’s authentic self. As she continues to evolve, both personally and professionally, Twiggy’s legacy as the “most iconic of all supermodels” remains unshaken, reminding us all that true beauty is timeless.
