From Fashion Legend to 76: Twiggy Today
The Face of ’66: Twiggy and the Haircut That Defined an Era
The legendary pixie cut associated with Twiggy stands as one of the most enduring fashion symbols of the 1960s, yet it was a transformation she initially resisted. Before she became a global sensation, she was simply Lesley Hornby—a reserved teenager aiming to enter the modeling world in 1966. Standing at 5-foot-6, she faced early rejection, frequently being told her height was insufficient for the industry. However, during a trip to the prestigious House of Leonard in London, the renowned stylist Leonard of Mayfair proposed using her to debut a bold new, short-cropped style.
Feeling overwhelmed by the sophisticated atmosphere of the salon, the young Twiggy found herself too intimidated to decline the offer. She spent seven grueling hours the following day having her hair meticulously cut, dyed, and reshaped. The end product was a striking blonde pixie that would soon rewrite fashion history. After photographer Barry Lategan captured her new image, a fashion editor from the Daily Express caught sight of the portraits, leading to her being crowned “The Face of ’66.” Her signature aesthetic was completed by exaggerated eyelashes—a look she famously drew from the appearance of a childhood rag doll.
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Her ascent was meteoric; within weeks, she was appearing in the pages of Vogue. Twiggy became the definitive symbol of mod culture, collaborating with the likes of designer Mary Quant and even serving as the inspiration for a “Twiggy” Barbie doll. Although she chose to step away from professional modeling in 1970, she successfully transitioned into the worlds of music, cinema, and fashion design, finding acclaim in each.
Today, in her late 70s, the icon remains productive, hosting her own podcast titled Tea with Twiggy and maintaining partnerships with high-profile global brands. Reflecting on her life of fame, she identifies her deep connection with her daughter, Carly, as her proudest accomplishment. From a haircut she didn’t want to her status as a permanent cultural legend, Twiggy’s impact on style and her personal legacy remain timeless.