12 Things You Didn't Know About '60s Icon Twiggy

Get to know Mod model Twiggy better with these fun facts.

Twiggy's inimitable presence will never go unnoticed. The British model revolutionized women's fashion with her gamine look, which embodied Mod femininity. She was the first model that was truly celebrated for an androgynous appearance and quickly inspired a collective movement towards fluidity within the fashion world. She continues to be remembered for her affinity for '60s Mod clothing, vibrant color blocking, and glamorous makeup.

Her career consists of too many highlights to count. From stellar magazine covers to launching her own clothing line with Mark & Spencers, Twiggy has truly done it all. Even at the age of 71, the model is continually cherished as fashion (and British) royalty. Get to know Twiggy better with some surprising facts about the star's bustling life.

1 / 12

Twiggy’s real name is Lesley Lawson. She was given the iconic nickname by friends and family who mocked her for her “twig-like” frame. What was once “Twigs” evolved into “Twiggy” by her then-boyfriend and hairdresser, Nigel Davies.

As a young girl, Twiggy attended Kilburn High School for Girls in London. It was during this that she found a love for creating her own clothing. Twiggy went on to drop out of school at 15 in order to pursue modeling.

Twiggy’s career started accidentally when she agreed to model a new hairstyle at a salon London. After being photographed with the fresh cut, fashion editor Deirdre McSharry discovered the image and jumpstarted the young model’s career.

Twiggy is known for her dramatic eye makeup looks. Her statement lashes were a personal creation which she referred to as “twiggies.” In order to achieve the bold look she would layer three pairs of false eyelashes on top of one another and then paint extra lashes on the skin beneath her eyes.

As a young model, Twiggy was an advocate for animal rights. She supported organizations like PETA, and appeared in many of anti-fur ad campaigns.

In 1967, Twiggy was given her own Barbie doll. It was the first Barbie that Mattel produced that resembled a real person, and was a true indicator of her international popularity.

It’s no secret that Twiggy socialized among the stars. She was even on the cover of David Bowie’s “Pin Ups” album in 1973.

Since retiring from fashion, the famous model was awarded two Golden Globe Awards for her role in Ken Russell’s film “The Boy Friend.”

As someone who spent many years in the limelight, Twiggy is unafraid to be outspoken about the pressures of the modeling industry. She has openly addressed the problematic culture of disordered eating and obsessive plastic surgery. The model constantly advocates for natural beauty, which she most definitely possesses.

Twiggy married twice later in her life. First she married actor Michael Witney, whom she had her daughter, Carly, with. However, Witney tragically died of a heart attack a few years later. In 1988, Twiggy went on to marry Leigh Lawson, and the couple has been together ever since.

In 2010, a rose was officially named after Twiggy at the renowned Chelsea Flower Show. The apricot-pink rose, which blooms in summer and fall, embodies her energetic beauty.

In 2019, Twiggy was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to fashion and the arts.