How an impromptu haircut launched the career of one of history's most famous faces.

It's impossible to think about <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/sharon-tate-60s-style">the&nbsp;'60s</a> without mentioning Twiggy. The British model's bold eye makeup, cropped cut, and androgynous aesthetic became a true reference for the decade's Mod look, revolutionizing the fashion industry and inspiring young people around the world to trade voluminous skirts and curls for mini dresses and short locks.&nbsp;
Twiggy had no intention of becoming&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/style-brigitte-bardot-marily-monroe-french-fashion">symbol of the times</a>, but instead fell into the fashion world through serendipity.

Born in 1949, Lesley Lawson's life radically transformed&nbsp;at the age of 16, all because of a haircut. What few know is that Lawson had no intention of changing her hair that day, let alone embark on a legendary career trajectory.
In an interview for the podcast <a href="https://play.acast.com/s/tablemanners/s9ep28-twiggy">Table Manners with Jessie Ware</a>, the model explains that she stopped by a London salon, called House of Leonard, to buy shampoo. The salon's owner, Leonard, asked to cut her hair and Lawson agreed. &ldquo;I was very shy and was in a very posh salon in Mayfair. So I was too shy to say no, you know?&rdquo; she says.

Suddenly, she found&nbsp;herself undergoing a total transformation, sporting a brand new blonde <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/how-to-style-short-hair-best-celebrity-hairdos-2020">pixie cut</a>.&nbsp;The end result was photographed by Barry Lategan and was used to promote the salon, which soon caught the attention of the media.&nbsp;

Twiggy soon became a famous personality, being considered by many to be the world&#39;s <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/janice-dickinson-young-photos-runway">first supermodel</a>.&nbsp;At 5&#39;6&quot; and waif thin, she ushered in a new look for models of the time. And who could forget the iconic eye makeup, which Twiggy herself modeled after the lashes of a doll.

Photo via Getty Images.

The Story Behind Twiggy: The Look of the '60s

L'OFFICIEL USA December 2024 - Julianne Moore Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA November 2024 - Salma Hayek Pinault Cover

The Story Behind Twiggy: The Look of the '60s

Tags

Related Articles

Fashion

Sharon Tate's Best '60s Style Moments

Beauty

Defining an Era of Beauty: Twiggy's '60s Mod Makeup Looks

Beauty

Mod Makeup is the Retro Beauty Trend Making a Comeback

Recommended posts for you

Pop culture

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly Call It Quits

Fashion

Eternal Treasures: New Icons From Tiffany & Co. Meet Their Archival Counterparts

Shopping

23 Holiday-Ready Pieces to Nail Your Festive Season Outfits

Shopping

24 Stocking Stuffers They Won't Regift

Pop culture

All the Celebrities Spotted at Art Basel Miami Beach 2024

Shopping

35 Gifts Your Fashion-Forward Friend Actually Wants

Shopping

The Ultimate Winter Fragrances to Keep in Rotation

Shopping

27 Splurge Gifts to Treat Yourself This Holiday Season