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 May 2025 - Isabela Merced Cover

L'OFFICIEL USA May 2025 - Ciara 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

Men's

Jeremy Strong Rocks Yet Another Bucket Hat on Day 1 of Cannes Film Festival

Music

Here's Why Fans Think Taylor Swift Is Dropping a New Album at the 2025 AMAs

Pop culture

Kim Kardashian's Trial Style Screams Strength as Her Jewelry Trial Begins in Paris

Fashion

L’HISTOIRE: Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Powder Pink Mugler Gown at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival

Men's

Cooper Koch Brings the Heat in Calvin Klein Campaign

Pop culture

Cardi B and Stefon Diggs Make It Official With Courtside Date at Knicks-Celtics Game

Fashion

See NYC's Most Exciting Store Openings in 2025

Fashion

Sheer and Custom Looks Ruled the Celebrity Red Carpet at Gold House's 4th Annual Gold Gala