Who is Twiggy?

Twiggy, also known as Twiggy Lawson and since 2019, Dame Twiggy Lawson, was born Lesley Hornby on September 19, 1949. She is a British model, actress, and singer, renowned as a symbol of the 1960s and one of the most famous models of that era. Twiggy appeared in numerous films, musicals, and plays, and served as a judge on America's Next Top Model from 2005 to 2007.

Discovered by Nigel Daves in 1966 while working at a hair salon, Twiggy was very young, weighing only 41 kg at sixteen. Following Daves' advice, she adopted her childhood nickname, Twiggy, meaning 'twig'. A series of fortunate events led to her being noticed by a fashion journalist from the Daily Express and photographed by Barry Lategan. She arrived in New York in March 1967 and graced the cover of Vogue France in May, captured by Henry Clarke.

Often associated with Mary Quant's designs, Twiggy quickly became a prominent figure in the fashion world, embodying the Youthquake and Swinging London movements alongside Jean Shrimpton. She posed for Elle and did a photo series for Diana Vreeland in Vogue US. At a time when the trend favored curvier models with classic feminine hairstyles, Twiggy's androgynous look set her apart.