Twiggy Today: 5 Surprising Ways The 60s Icon Still Rules Fashion In 2025

Dame Lesley Lawson, widely known by her iconic nickname Twiggy, remains one of the most powerful and enduring figures in global fashion and culture today, in December 2025. The original supermodel, whose waiflike frame and striking gamine look defined the revolutionary 1960s "Mod" era, has successfully navigated a six-decade career that spans runway, film, music, and television. Far from being a relic of the past, Twiggy continues to shape modern style, with her recent activities—including a major documentary release and high-profile fashion appearances—proving her status as a timeless icon.

Her story is a masterclass in career evolution, moving from a teenage sensation discovered in a London hair salon to a respected actress, singer, and Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). This article delves into the freshest updates on Twiggy’s life, exploring the lasting impact of her revolutionary aesthetic and her surprising current projects that keep her firmly in the spotlight.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Dame Lesley Lawson

• Full Name: Dame Lesley Lawson (née Hornby)
• Known As: Twiggy
• Date of Birth: 19 September 1949
• Place of Birth: Neasden, London, England
• Age (as of December 2025): 76
• Nickname Origin: Derived from her slim, "twig-like" figure, given to her by her then-boyfriend and manager, Justin de Villeneuve.
• Spouse(s): Michael Whitney (m. 1977; d. 1983), Leigh Lawson (m. 1988–present)
• Children: Carly (Daughter, from first marriage), Ace (Stepson, from second marriage)
• Career Highlights: Global modeling sensation (1966–1970), Golden Globe Award winner for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy and Most Promising Newcomer for The Boy Friend (1971), successful recording artist, stage actress (co-starred in the Broadway musical My One and Only), television personality (*America's Next Top Model* judge).
• Honors: Appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2019 New Year Honours for services to fashion, the arts, and charity.

The Modern Renaissance: Twiggy's Latest Projects and Appearances

While the 1960s will always be synonymous with her name, Twiggy has skillfully maintained her relevance through strategic, high-profile projects. Her current endeavors demonstrate a continued commitment to the arts and her status as a cultural commentator.

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1. The Must-Watch Documentary: 'Twiggy: A Life in Photographs'

One of the most significant recent projects is the feature-length documentary about her life, simply titled Twiggy or sometimes referred to as Twiggy: A Life in Photographs. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sadie Frost, the film offers an intimate and comprehensive look at the model’s journey from working-class London girl Lesley Hornby to a global fashion phenomenon. The documentary, which wrapped production in 2024, was released theatrically in the UK and Ireland in March 2024 and was a major highlight at the London Film Festival in September 2024. This film serves as a fresh reintroduction of her legacy to a new generation, solidifying her place alongside other fashion revolutionaries like Mary Quant, whose life was also documented by Frost.

2. The End of Her Popular Podcast: 'Tea With Twiggy'

For several years, Twiggy connected directly with fans and fellow celebrities through her highly successful podcast, “Tea With Twiggy.” The podcast featured candid and charming interviews with a diverse array of guests, from fashion insiders to actors and musicians. Although the show concluded its run in 2024, it provided a modern platform for Twiggy to showcase her warm, engaging personality and her deep knowledge of the creative industries, proving her adaptability to new media formats.

3. High-Profile Fashion Week and Brand Collaborations

Twiggy is not just a historical reference; she is a contemporary presence in the fashion world. In recent years, she has been a fixture at major events, including London Fashion Week, where she was seen looking youthful and chic at the Burberry show. Furthermore, she has maintained a strong relationship with major beauty brands, notably being a key figure in the launch of Charlotte Tilbury’s new flagship Beauty Wonderland store in Covent Garden in January 2025. These appearances show that she continues to be a muse and an ambassador for timeless style, effortlessly transitioning from the Mod era to the modern red carpet.

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The Enduring Power of the Twiggy Aesthetic

Twiggy’s impact goes far beyond her own career; she fundamentally changed the global ideal of beauty. Her look—the androgynous figure, the iconic pixie haircut, and the dramatically painted "spider" eyelashes—was a radical departure from the curvy, sophisticated glamour of 1950s screen stars.

Her look was a direct reflection of the youthquake culture of the 1960s, symbolizing freedom, modernity, and a playful, unconventional spirit. Today, her influence is still palpable in several key areas:

• Minimalist Fashion: Twiggy’s preference for simple A-line shift dresses, mini skirts, and tailored suits laid the groundwork for modern minimalist fashion trends. Her style emphasized clean lines and bold shapes, a look that cycles back onto runways every few seasons.
• The Pixie Cut: The short, close-cropped hairstyle that became her trademark remains a powerful statement of independence and chicness. It is arguably the most famous haircut of the 20th century and continues to be a popular choice for women seeking a bold, low-maintenance look.
• Instagram Aesthetics: The exaggerated, doll-like eye makeup—featuring heavy eyeliner and meticulously drawn-on lower lashes—is frequently referenced in modern beauty trends, especially on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where the "doe-eyed" or "doll-face" look is perennially popular.
• Body Image and Diversity: While her thin frame sparked controversy, her rise shattered the singular ideal of beauty, paving the way for a greater, though still evolving, diversity of body types and looks in the modeling world. She proved that unconventional beauty could be celebrated on a global scale.

Twiggy’s Legacy Beyond the Runway: Film and Stage Success

Many fans who only know her as a model are often surprised by the depth of her career in the performing arts. Twiggy successfully transitioned to acting in 1970, a move that quickly established her as a serious performer.

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Her film debut in Ken Russell’s lavish 1971 musical, The Boy Friend, was a critical triumph. Twiggy’s performance as the leading lady, Polly Browne, earned her two prestigious Golden Globe Awards—one for Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy and another for Most Promising Newcomer. This unexpected success cemented her as a versatile talent, not just a passing fashion fad.

She continued to work on stage, co-starring in the successful Broadway production of My One and Only, which earned her a Tony Award nomination. Later, she co-produced and starred in the critically acclaimed New York show, If Love Were All, alongside her husband, Leigh Lawson. Her autobiography, Twiggy In Black and White, further detailed her life and career, showcasing her journey from her humble beginnings to becoming Dame Lesley Lawson, a true British institution. Her enduring career is a testament to her bravery in constantly reinventing herself, a quality she attributes to her success: "I was scared but you've got to be brave," she once said.