Twiggy is a model, stylist, actress and singer who left her mark in the world of fashion, being considered the first top model in the world.
For those who like and are interested in fashion, it is impossible not to know it. And even those who are not up to date with the fashion world have certainly seen your face somewhere, whether in an advertisement, a film, or on the cover of a classic album. Popularly known as Twiggy, Lesley Lawson is a British model, actress and singer, considered the first top model in the world.
She emerged into the fashion world in the early 1960s and became a timeless fashion icon. At the time, Twiggy was given the title of “the face of 66” and dictated the fashion of that time. This is due to her unique style, consisting of long eyelashes, short haircut, and extravagant clothes. Furthermore, her skinny silhouette was responsible for establishing the thin beauty standard seen on the catwalks to this day.
There is no doubt that Twiggy revolutionized the concept of fashion at the time. And even today, away from the catwalk as a model, Lesley Lawson continues to be a striking reference of style and elegance for young models.
Therefore, today we will learn a little more about the history of this top model and how she became a fashion icon.
Biography
Lesley Hornby, her birth name, was born on September 19, 1949, in London, England. Coming from a British middle-class family, her father was a carpenter and her mother was a shop assistant.
As a teenager, young Lesley had an extremely thin appearance, short blonde hair, and large, mascara-lined eyes. At that time, the standard of beauty was completely opposite, with women being more voluptuous. Therefore, her thinness caught the attention of photographer Justin Villeneuve, who discovered her when she was just 16 years old.
The photographer, known as Nigel John Davies, then decided to invest in the girl’s modeling career. What completely changed the life of Lesley Hornby, who became the “face of 66”.
The name Twiggy is actually a nickname given to her when she rose to stardom due to her extremely thin appearance. At the time, the model was called “Twig”, an English word that literally means twig. So, she decided to use this nickname to make her mark in the world of fashion.
So, it didn’t take long until Twiggy became an international success, very popular in Europe and the United States. This is explained by the fact that the model contrasted everything that existed in women’s fashion at the time. In this case, women with more curves and fans of the pin up style of the 1950s, like Marilyn Monroe, for example.
In fact, Twiggy was responsible for helping to shape the authentic London style, seen on the catwalks to this day.
Influence on fashion
His androgynous style was a novelty that won over women at the time. Thus, slender legs, large, defined eyes, the use of multiple false eyelashes and eyeliner, short hair, and a sweet, childlike appearance became the new trend. Which resulted in a wave of regimes and diets to achieve her skinny style.
When looking at today’s catwalks, the influence that the model had on beauty standards is noticeable. Twiggy became a fashion icon of her time, not only because she was the first top model, but mainly because she changed the fashion standard.
Going against the tide of women with more generous curves, Twiggy has emerged as a new reference for feminine shapes. In other words, she transformed these patterns, and brought the straight silhouette into focus. Furthermore, she helped establish the minimalist concept of fashion, where less is more.
The top model left a great legacy in fashion, and it has been propagated by a new generation of models. Names like Cara Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn and Karlie Kloss display a freer, casual and minimalist style, reminiscent of Twiggy.
Style
As for style, Twiggy opted for short clothes, low-heeled shoes and lots of colors. In fact, she expanded the concept of the miniskirt, which beyond being a simple piece of clothing, began to be used as a way of expressing rebellion and femininity.
And more than that, in addition to his outfit choices, his androgynous appearance opened the door to unisex tailoring. Especially because at the time, clothes for both genders were not very common. But the model managed to launch a new style of dressing, something that combined boyish and girlie looks and a lot of boldness.
In fact, this was a timeless trend, as this unisex, minimalist style, uniting several different styles, remains in fashion to this day.
Far beyond fashion
So, from this, there is no doubt about her legacy in fashion, however she went beyond the catwalks. With the success and visibility achieved in the fashion world, she decided to go further and also ventured into the world of music and cinema.
Therefore, as a singer, she released the single Beautiful Dreams, recorded by Ember Records in 2008. And then, the following year, she released a full album, called Gotta Sing Gotta Dance. In this way, she took advantage of the attention from the album, and also launched a style guide, based on her experience as a model and woman. Twiggy – A Guide to Looking and Feeling Fabulous Over Forty is a fashion guide aimed at women over 40 years of age.
In cinema, she had a longer-lasting and much more important career. As an actress she started in the musical The Boyfriend. After that, she participated in some films, such as Club Paradise, from 1986, and Madame Sousatzka, from 1988.
During this time, she divided herself between cinema and fashion. On the catwalks and behind them, also working as a stylist.
Twiggy these days
Currently, the former model maintains the same blonde hair and elegance. However, time passed. but her face remains the same, but now with some signs of age, which is totally normal. Today, Twiggy is dedicated to her career as a fashion designer.
Her most important works include a clothing collection for the Littlewoods chain, with a classic and formal feel for women over 40. But she doesn’t limit herself, in addition, she also launched cooler collections for a younger audience.
Just like her brand, Twiggy London, which sells basic fashion and more daring clothing. In addition, of course, to accessories of all kinds.
But her greatest merit, certainly, is uniting the style she became famous for with the changes that frequently occur in this universe. In this way, she manages to combine the classic with the modern in a memorable way.
Fun facts about Twiggy
And then, to finish, let’s check out some interesting facts about the former model’s life and career.
She graced the cover of singer David Bowie’s seventh album in 1973.
As an actress, she won a Golden Globe award for her performance in the musical The Boyfriend.
Twiggy gained such popularity in the United States that there was even a collection of Barbie dolls in her honor.
She signed several collections as a stylist.
Anyway, what did you think of this article? In fact, take the opportunity to also meet the 15-year-old model considered a lookalike of Gisele Bündchen.
Sources: Letras Lofficiel R7 Vila Mulher Farfetch Harper’s Bazar
Featured image: RG
Imagens: The World of Wonder Report Vogue IMDB Hull Live Pinterest Pinterest Daily Maill
