Twiggy, the iconic British model and entertainer, was recently celebrated at The Daily Front Row’s 2026 Fashion Media Awards, where she was presented with the prestigious Style Icon award. The event took place on 11 September at the Rainbow Room in New York City, a fitting backdrop for a personality who has defined fashion across generations.
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At 76 years old, Twiggy, whose real name is Leslie Hornby, remains a prominent figure in the fashion world. She was catapulted into the spotlight at the tender age of 16 and has since become synonymous with the androgynous mod style that characterised the 1960s. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, she discussed her enduring fashion sense, which has seen her favour the tuxedo as a staple in her wardrobe.
“I love tuxedos since [designer] Yves Saint Laurent first brought the tuxedo in the ‘60s for women,” Twiggy remarked. She admitted that she “very rarely” wears dresses, instead advocating for every woman to have a tuxedo in her closet. “I own them in all different colours,” she added, showcasing her personal connection to this timeless style.
Saint Laurent’s groundbreaking collection that featured women’s suiting debuted in the Fall/Winter 1966 season. Although initially overlooked by high-fashion elites, it soon gained popularity among trendsetters, including Twiggy herself, who often wore this aesthetic for iconic magazine covers.
Fans of the model are familiar with some of her most remarkable moments, which include her sporting memorable shift dresses. However, it was the tailored suit that has remained a consistent presence throughout her career. In a recent interview with Defined magazine, she explained, “I’ve always worn trousers. If you look at pictures from 1966, ’67, ’68 – apart from what I wore as a model for magazines – my own clothes were trousers.” Twiggy even revealed that she had custom boys’ suits made at Tommy Nutter, a nod to her individual style.
Reflecting on her early feelings about fashion, Twiggy confessed, “I look better in trousers. When I was very young, I didn’t have a girly figure. I felt uncomfortable in frilly dresses. They just weren’t my thing.” Instead, she preferred a look that was “more funky” and distinctively her own. While she stated she wouldn’t don mini skirts today, she continues to celebrate trouser suits as a fabulous choice, pairing them with stylish tops or leather jackets.
During the award ceremony, where she donned a striking fuchsia suit, Twiggy reminisced about the monumental impact of being recognised as the “face of 1966” by the British press. “Much to my surprise, I might add, because I mean, I didn’t look like the other models of that era,” she reflected in her acceptance speech. “That article back in 1966 started me on a whirlwind tour of photo shoots and media frenzy.”
In her speech, Twiggy also paid tribute to the legendary former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, recognising the irreplaceable role she played in her career. “I love America. And as you’ll see in the Twiggy documentary, America has always been so welcoming to me,” she noted. Having starred on Broadway in 1983, she cherished the embrace she received from New York City, affectionately referring to it as her “home away from home.”
With heartfelt gratitude, Twiggy expressed her appreciation for receiving the award at such a pivotal moment in her life, coinciding with the release of her documentary. “To be named this year’s Style Icon is just an absolute honour. I cannot thank enough the team at The Daily Front Row for honouring my career in this way,” she concluded, showcasing her humility and appreciation for the recognition.
As Twiggy continues to stride confidently through the realms of fashion and entertainment, she remains an enduring symbol of style, talent, and individuality — a true icon whose legacy is as vibrant today as it was when she first captured the world’s attention over six decades ago.