Twiggy, born Lesley Hornby, was not only a fashion icon of the 1960s but a trailblazer who transformed the modeling world. With her strikingly slim figure, pixie haircut, and large, expressive eyes, she became the face of an era. Decades later, Twiggy remains just as captivating, now in her 70s, exuding the same elegance and charm that made her a global sensation.
From her rise to stardom to her graceful embrace of aging, Twiggy’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. She continues to be celebrated not only for her contributions to fashion but for maintaining her timeless beauty and style, showing that true fashion never fades.
Twiggy’s Iconic Beginnings in the 1960s
When Twiggy burst onto the scene in the 1960s, she revolutionized the world of fashion. Discovered as a teenager, she quickly rose to fame with her slim figure, short blonde hair, and androgynous style—qualities that set her apart from the more traditionally curvy models of the time. Twiggy’s look perfectly embodied the youthful and rebellious spirit of the “mod” movement, and she became a global sensation almost overnight.
With her distinct pixie cut, dramatic eye makeup, and boyish frame, Twiggy wasn’t just modeling clothes—she was setting trends and redefining beauty standards. In a time when fashion was changing rapidly, Twiggy stood at the forefront, influencing not just the clothes people wore but how they viewed beauty.
From Supermodel to Cultural Icon
Twiggy didn’t stop at modeling. As the 1970s rolled in, she expanded her horizons, showcasing her talents in acting and singing. Her style evolved during this time as well, becoming softer and more reflective of the natural, laid-back vibe of the decade. Yet, she never lost the edge that had made her famous.
In the 1970s, Twiggy married actor Michael Whitney, and her personal life flourished. She even gained recognition as a Broadway actress, adding yet another dimension to her multifaceted career. Despite personal tragedy—losing her husband in 1983—Twiggy remained a symbol of resilience, both in her career and in her fashion sense.
The Evolution of Twiggy’s Style Over the Decades
One of the most fascinating aspects of Twiggy’s journey is how her style has evolved while remaining true to her essence. Each decade brought its own trends, and Twiggy effortlessly adapted while maintaining her signature look.
- 1980s: As fashion trends shifted toward power suits and bold colors, Twiggy’s style matured into something more classic and sophisticated. Her wardrobe reflected the elegance of the time, embracing clean lines and timeless pieces.
- 1990s: During the grunge era, Twiggy once again adapted, this time leaning into minimalist and edgy trends. She balanced the decade’s love for plaid and distressed jeans with her inherent sense of sophistication. Despite the shift in trends, Twiggy remained effortlessly chic, proving her ability to stay relevant.
- 2000s: The new millennium saw Twiggy reinvent herself once again. She embraced sleek silhouettes, statement accessories, and bold prints, blending modern styles with a nod to her iconic past. As a judge on shows like America’s Next Top Model, she continued to inspire a new generation of models while staying true to her roots.
Aging Gracefully: Twiggy in the 2010s and Beyond
In the 2010s, Twiggy’s style became synonymous with timeless elegance. Now in her 60s, she embraced tailored outfits, refined accessories, and a more understated, yet sophisticated, aesthetic. Always practical, Twiggy admitted that she often planned her outfits starting from the feet up, choosing shoes based on how much walking she’d be doing that day.
Even as she entered her 70s, Twiggy showed no signs of slowing down. She has continued to remain active in the fashion world, participating in campaigns and collaborations, including a memorable recreation of her iconic 1967 Vogue shoot in 2023. Twiggy’s love for fashion and her passion for life remain as strong as ever.
The Natural Approach to Aging
One of the most refreshing aspects of Twiggy’s journey is her authentic approach to aging. Unlike many celebrities, she has chosen to forgo plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures like Botox. Instead, Twiggy embraces her natural beauty, valuing authenticity over societal pressures.
In a 2016 interview, Twiggy candidly spoke about her decision: “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.” This natural approach has endeared Twiggy to fans even more, as she exemplifies the beauty of aging gracefully.
Her philosophy extends to her lifestyle as well. Twiggy swears by Pilates, which she credits for helping her maintain her health and fitness. After suffering from back pain, she started Pilates on her osteopath’s recommendation and has stuck with it ever since. In addition, Twiggy enjoys a simple, mindful approach to food and health, stating that while she doesn’t follow strict diets, she is careful about what she eats and drinks plenty of water.
Twiggy Today: Style and Confidence in Her 70s
Now in her 70s, Twiggy continues to turn heads with her elegant, comfortable, and confident style. She gravitates towards classic pieces like chic blazers, clean silhouettes, and timeless colors, always maintaining a balance between sophistication and practicality. While she still sports her signature short hair, her makeup is softer, highlighting her natural beauty.
Her wardrobe reflects her life experience and personal growth, favoring cobalt blue, purple, and orange—colors she finds most flattering for her skin tone. Twiggy has also developed a love for comfortable yet stylish pieces, proving that fashion and comfort can go hand in hand, no matter your age.
From the bold, youthful looks of the 1960s to her more refined choices today, Twiggy’s style journey has been a masterclass in adaptability and confidence. Through it all, her essence has remained unchanged—she continues to inspire with her elegance, authenticity, and timeless beauty.
Conclusion: Twiggy’s Enduring Legacy
Twiggy’s journey through the decades has been nothing short of iconic. From revolutionizing fashion in the 1960s to her natural approach to aging today, Twiggy remains a symbol of authenticity, confidence, and timeless style. Her influence on fashion is undeniable, and her ability to evolve while staying true to herself is what sets her apart.
Twiggy’s story is a reminder that style is not about following trends—it’s about embracing who you are at every stage of life. Even in her 70s, Twiggy continues to inspire generations with her grace, elegance, and ageless beauty.