With a bit of hesitation, Twiggy took her look to new heights, showcasing her elf-like face and large blue eyes with a pixie haircut that has been copied for years.
Even though she changed the fashion world with her youthful vibe, the iconic model recently shared that she never wanted the androgynous style that marked the Swinging Sixties. She was simply too shy to refuse a famous hairstylist at a “fancy salon.”
As she celebrates her 74th birthday on September 19, let’s rewind to the 1960s when Twiggy first sparked those well-known baby doll fashions we still see today!
In 1966, British-born Twiggy—whose real name is Lesley Hornby—was searching for a stylish new appearance to kickstart her career. At just 5-foot-6 tall, people told this young model she was too short for success in the tough fashion scene.
Now turning 74 on Sept. 19, Twiggy remembered getting her shoulder-length hair styled for some test “head shots” at London’s House of Leonard and meeting renowned stylist Leonard Lewis (known as Leonard of Mayfair).
Lewis needed models to try out his fresh crop haircut.
During a recent guest spot on Jessie Ware’s podcast “Table Manners,” Twiggy revealed that cutting her hair short wasn’t something she desired.
“I went in for it to be washed and set when Leonard noticed me and said, ‘Let me try my new cut on you,’” Twiggy explained during the podcast. “I had been growing my hair out; I hesitated because I wasn’t sure about cutting it. But being in such an upscale salon made me too shy to say no so I just nodded.”
The next day, Twiggy came back to sit in Lewis’ chair ready for what lay ahead.
“I returned the following day and spent seven hours there while he cut it then colored it before re-cutting again. It was crazy,” she laughed.
Although this look wasn’t what Twiggy aimed for initially, she soon realized why Lewis became famous as a stylist.
After perfecting her golden blonde crop hairstyle, Lewis had British photographer Barry Lategan take pictures of Twiggy.
“Leonard displayed them in his salon where a journalist spotted them,” said Twiggy about Daily Express fashion editor Deirdre McSharry who saw those daring photos while having Lewis do her hair. “That’s how everything started…When that haircut began and when that photo was taken—it changed everything.”
The pixie cut showcased her big blue eyes which were highlighted with mascara on her lower lashes.
In an interview with Vogue magazine,Twiggy talked about what inspired those doe-like eyes: “I always played around with makeup at home. I had this rag doll with spiky eyelashes so I bought false lashes myself which created my signature ‘look.’”
As a kid not bound by school rules,Twiggy rebelled by wearing makeup & miniskirts at Saturday night mod clubs with friends.
“I attended grammar school which was strict—we wore uniforms & makeup wasn’t allowed! So weekends were our time; we’d play around like most teenage girls.” She added “And that’s how my makeup style developed.”
Those eyes became part of who she was known as!
A few weeks after posing for Daily Express several now-famous black-and-white images appeared along with headline “Twigg–The Face Of ’66,” launching her modeling journey!
Next month brought along first shoot for Vogue leading into whirlwind life ahead!
Twigg became role model many women looked up too & even inspired Mattel’s first celebrity Barbie!
Over years,Twigg’s name linked closely wih trailblazing designer Mary Quant who changed fashion forever wih shorter hemlines freeing women’s legs!
After only few years modeling,Twig retired from runway scene in ’70 exploring acting & singing instead!
Her films include starring roles like ’71s The Boy Friend, earning two Golden Globes! And Club Paradise(1986) alongside late Robin Williams!
She also worked creating exclusive fashion line Marks & Spencer appearing across their billboard ads!
In ’11,she released album “Romantically Yours,” featuring covers like “Blue Moon.” Her daughter Carly Lawson (born ’78) sang guest vocals on some tracks!
Still active today,she serves as ambassador L’Oreal partnering wih brands designing collections!
Currently,this icon hosts own podcast Tea wih Twigg where each week chats intimately wih famous pals!
Despite all achievements,Twigg one most recognizable faces ever says true measure success lies within bond shared wih amazing daughter!
After father actor Michael Witney passed away age fifty-two during fifth birthday party,Carly grew up under care mom& second husband Leigh Lawson whom Twigg married back in ‘88
“My top priority has always been family—even when Carly little if things didn’t work out right then I wouldn’t do them,” said Twigg also proud grandmother now.“We did everything together making us close today!”
Twiggs remains envy among many women able pull off classic pixie cut from sixties era! She looked stunning then—and still does!
What are your memories from Swinging Sixties? What daring hairstyles have you tried?
Please share this story let’s show Twigg love celebrating birthday!
If enjoyed learning about evolution Twigg’s style check out Catherine Deneuve’s current looks who also rose fame during sixties era!
