Twiggy: The Icon Who Redefined Beauty and Style in the 1960s and Beyond
In the ever-shifting world of fashion, few figures have managed to leave an indelible mark quite like 60’s model Twiggy. With her doll-like eyes, boyish frame, and androgynous charm, she rose to fame in the 1960s and forever changed the face of beauty and style. More than just a model, Twiggy became the face of a cultural revolution—one that challenged traditional norms and introduced a daring, youth-driven aesthetic to the mainstream.
At a time when fashion was experiencing seismic shifts, Twiggy in the 60s fashion emerged not just as a trendsetter but as a symbol of new ideals. Her image was instantly recognizable: wide eyes framed with thick lashes, cropped Twiggy haircut, and a slender figure wrapped in bold, geometric prints and mini skirts. She wasn’t just wearing the Mod look—she embodied it.
Today, over half a century later, her influence still pulses through the fashion world. From runway collections to Instagram aesthetics, Twiggy’s iconic styles continue to inspire designers, stylists, and tastemakers. Her name is more than a nostalgic nod to the '60s—it's shorthand for a style movement that continues to resonate.
Twiggy’s Signature Look: A Revolution in Beauty Standards
The Birth of the ‘Twiggy’ Look
Born Lesley Hornby in 1949 in the suburb of Neasden, London, 60's model Twiggy got her nickname thanks to her twig-like frame. It was a name that would soon be recognized across the globe.
Her big break came in 1966, when she was just 16 years old. A trip to a Mayfair salon resulted in the now-iconic Twiggy haircut—a short, gamine crop by hairstylist Leonard. Photographer Barry Lategan captured the look, and soon her image was featured in the Daily Express, which declared her "The Face of '66."
With her waifish frame, wide-set eyes, and androgynous style, Twiggy represented a stark departure from the voluptuous ideal of the previous decade. Her exaggerated lashes and painted-on lower lashes became instantly recognizable as Twiggy makeup, sparking global beauty trends.
She became the muse for a new aesthetic—quirky, edgy, and unforgettable. Her earliest Twiggy model photos not only captured a new look but introduced a shift in how beauty was perceived.
The Departure from Traditional Beauty Standards
When was Twiggy famous? The answer is: just as the world was ready to reject outdated beauty standards. In the mid-1960s, traditional ideals were being challenged in every arena, from music to fashion to gender roles—and Twiggy was at the center of it all.
Where past models had celebrated curves and sultry glamour, 60’s model Twiggy brought a boyish silhouette and childlike innocence to the forefront. Her petite frame and Twiggy makeup turned heads not for their sex appeal but for their bold defiance of convention.
She allowed young women to see beauty in a new light—one that didn’t conform to the traditional mold. And as youth culture rose in power, Twiggy became its emblem. The shift she represented marked the beginning of a broader, lasting appreciation for diverse and unconventional beauty.
(You can read more about this shift in our post, A Shift in History, which explores how fashion ideals evolved during this era.)
How Twiggy Became the Face of the Mod Fashion Movement
Twiggy’s wardrobe was the blueprint for Twiggy 60s fashion. She was often seen in mini skirts, bright prints, and geometric cuts—all trademarks of the Mod aesthetic. In her go-go boots and A-line dresses, she wasn’t just dressed in the style—she defined it.
As the fashion world shifted to embrace younger consumers, Twiggy was at the forefront, often collaborating with designers like Mary Quant. Her signature look—paired with her unique poses and energetic personality—helped transform how clothes were photographed and marketed.
Twiggy style was playful yet deliberate. From pop art prints to swinging capes, everything she wore became part of the cultural dialogue. Even her Twiggy haircut was symbolic of the bold, fashion-forward attitude she projected. She wasn’t just modeling the Mod movement—she was the reason it went mainstream.
Twiggy’s Influence on the Modeling Industry and Pop Culture
Twiggy was among the first models to transcend the pages of fashion magazines and enter the world of pop culture. Her reach went far beyond clothing—she began recording music, acting in film, and even producing television.
Many are surprised to discover just how rich her creative output was. There are numerous Twiggy movies, most notably The Boy Friend (1971), where she earned two Golden Globes. This film, with its musical theater charm and high fashion visuals, showcased a more complex side of Twiggy: not just a model, but a performer with charisma and talent.
As her career grew, she used her platform to explore everything from music to mentoring, later appearing as a judge on America’s Next Top Model. Through it all, she remained relevant, helping to shape the path for future models and celebrities.
Her early Twiggy model photos still serve as creative inspiration today, reflecting a period when fashion collided with rebellion, experimentation, and individuality.
The Legacy of Twiggy’s Style
Today’s fashion world continues to echo Twiggy style. Her aesthetic influence can be found in current runway shows, editorial spreads, and the Instagram feeds of countless fashion influencers.
The bold eye makeup, mini skirts, and Twiggy iconic styles she helped popularize are all recurring themes in contemporary design. Her cropped hair is now a statement of confidence and coolness, often replicated by celebrities and stylists looking to channel a vintage-modern blend.
At Classic Six, Twiggy's lasting legacy inspired the creation of our Twiggy Dress—a timeless nod to the model who brought style into a new era. It’s a dress that speaks to her spirited edge and effortlessly cool energy.
👉 Explore the full Twiggy Dress collection
Twiggy’s impact wasn’t just aesthetic—it was philosophical. She helped usher in a mindset that fashion could be expressive, imperfect, and fearless. In this way, her influence is far more than visual—it's emotional.
She also reminds us that a great wardrobe isn’t about trends, but timelessness—a belief at the core of the Classic Six capsule wardrobe philosophy.
From Supermodel to Cultural Icon: Twiggy’s Evolving Career
Twiggy in the 70s was just as dynamic as the girl who ruled the '60s. Though she stepped back from modeling, she stepped fully into acting, singing, and TV hosting.
Her role in The Boy Friend proved her theatrical range and marked a transition into a multifaceted career. Throughout the 1970s and beyond, she released music, toured as a performer, and appeared on both sides of the Atlantic as a media personality.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, she remained a style icon, appearing in campaigns for Marks & Spencer and becoming a household name once again. Whether serving as a TV host or a mentor on modeling shows, Twiggy has always carried herself with a sense of authenticity and timelessness.
Even in Twiggy movies, her personal style shines through—whether it’s retro glamour or understated elegance, she effortlessly balances fashion with depth.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Twiggy’s story is not just about Twiggy 60s fashion or viral makeup trends. It’s about a young woman who radically reshaped global beauty ideals by simply being herself. From her earliest Twiggy model photos to her bold choices in film and television, her impact has been both cultural and deeply personal.
Today, 60’s model Twiggy is remembered not only for her revolutionary looks but also for the confidence she gave others to break molds and express themselves freely. Her story proves that style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about what you stand for.
In every pixie cut, every pair of exaggerated lashes, every Mod-inspired mini dress, Twiggy lives on—not just as a fashion icon, but as a symbol of fearless individuality.