Long before Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and Heidi Klum, Lesley Hornby shook up the fashion world. Better known as Twiggy, the Brit gained fame as the very first supermodel in the 1960s. Today, she celebrates her 75th birthday.
As a teenager, Hornby, who was born in 1949 near London, made herself available for new hairstyles by the star hairdresser Leonard Lewis. He cut her hair short and dyed it blonde.
“Face of ’66”
The picture caught the eye of a fashion journalist. She arranged another photo session with the 16-year-old and published an article titled “The Face of ’66.” Quickly, she rose to international star status and appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines, including “Vogue” and “Elle.”
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Symbol of Cultural Change
With her charm and appearance, she embodied a new ideal of beauty that distinguished itself from the film stars of the 1950s. She also received the nickname Twiggy because of her slim figure, which reminded some of a thin twig.
Twiggy’s influence extended far beyond fashion. She became a symbol of the cultural change of the 1960s, which was characterized by youth culture and a rebellion against traditional norms. The 1.68-meter tall icon represented not only a new look but also emancipation, a new beginning, and a generation that redefined fashion and self-presentation.
Success as an Actress
In the 1970s, Twiggy turned to acting. In 1971, she made her film debut in the musical comedy “Boyfriend,” in which she also sang. For this, she was awarded two Golden Globes. She also attempted a career as a pop star, releasing ten albums between 1971 and 2011.
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In addition, Twiggy worked as a TV presenter and appeared in theater and musical productions in London’s West End. During the pandemic, she launched the podcast series “Tea With Twiggy,” where she reminisces about old times with colleagues like Joanna Lumley. In 2019, Twiggy was honored by the then Queen Elizabeth II for her services.