Twiggy Says She ‘Ate Everything’ at the Height of Her 1960s Modeling Fame. Here’s Why She Was So Skinny (Exclusive)

### Twiggy: The Iconic Model Who Changed Fashion Forever

Lesley Hornby, better known as Twiggy, remains a defining figure of the Swinging Sixties, leaving an indelible mark on the fashion landscape. A new documentary, directed by Sadie Frost, delves into her extraordinary rise to fame and the serendipitous events that shaped her iconic style, including the famous pixie haircut that would come to symbolise a generation.

Discovered at the tender age of 16 in 1966, Twiggy quickly became a household name. However, her path to stardom was not without its challenges. At the height of her popularity, she faced relentless scrutiny regarding her slender figure. Describing her natural physique, Twiggy stated, “I was just born that way.” She insisted that her weight was a reflection of her metabolism rather than an indication of disordered eating. “I can’t eat like that now,” she remarked, highlighting the changes that time has brought to her body and dietary habits.

The documentary presents an intimate portrait of Twiggy’s life, including her feelings of incredulity over her swift transformation from an ordinary teenager to a global sensation. “It was mad, really,” she reflected, acknowledging that such success was unexpected. Twiggy recounted how, had she approached a modelling agency at that age, they likely would have dismissed her due to her height and proportions. “I was too short. I was too small. I just didn’t have the measurements,” she recalled.

Reflecting on her aspirations, Twiggy revealed that she initially longed for a figure quite the opposite of what became her trademark look. She admired singers like Connie Francis, who boasted more curvaceous forms, lamenting, “If you’re bigger, you want to be thin. If you’re thin, you want to be curvier.” This desire highlights the often contradictory nature of beauty standards, even from within the industry.

A pivotal moment in Twiggy’s journey involved an impromptu visit to a hair salon, which marked the genesis of her signature pixie cut. The chance encounter with hairdresser Leonard, who persuaded her to cut her long hair, was born from her shyness, which often led her to acquiesce to the suggestions of others. “I was too shy to say no to him!” she admitted, indicating that her meekness in that posh Mayfair salon catalysed a change that would redefine her.

The haircut soon became her hallmark, and through a chain of fortunate events—including a well-timed photograph taken in the salon—Twiggy caught the eye of influential figures in the fashion world. Notably, Diana Vreeland, the then-editor-in-chief of Vogue, declared her as “the new model,” a title that encapsulated the essence of Twiggy’s unique appeal. Her distinct look set her apart from the mainstream models of the time, further securing her status as a fashion icon.

With the backing of famed photographer Richard Avedon following Vreeland’s endorsement, Twiggy’s career skyrocketed. The combination of her unconventional beauty and the cultural zeitgeist of the 1960s launched her into the limelight, becoming a muse for many designers and artists. The documentary illustrates not only her personal journey but also the profound impact of her presence in a male-dominated industry.

As the documentary is now available across various platforms, it offers audiences a chance to reflect on Twiggy’s lasting legacy in fashion and culture. Twiggy’s story is one of remarkable transformation, resilience, and the serendipity that often shapes the careers of those in the limelight. Now, at 77, she continues to be a symbol of empowerment and a reminder of how beauty standards have evolved over time.

In a world where narratives around body image and beauty are increasingly scrutinised, Twiggy’s experiences resonate more than ever. By sharing her candid reflections in the documentary, she not only celebrates her illustrious past but also encourages a conversation about acceptance and self-love in today’s society. As she puts it, “Your body changes. I have to try to eat healthily now,” speaking to the dynamics of ageing and the ever-evolving nature of identity.

Twiggy’s journey exemplifies the complexities of fame and the cultural shifts that accompany it, making her an enduring figure in the realm of fashion and beyond.