In an era when fashion icons were as ephemeral as the hem of a miniskirt, Twiggy (born Leslie Hornby on the outskirts of Neasden) emerged as a supernova of youth and rebellion. Sadie Frost’s 2024 documentary twiggy It captures this era through a blend of archival footage and heartfelt testimonies from the likes of Joanna Lumley and Paul McCartney. This is a love letter to a woman who redefined beauty not with smoldering sensuality but with wide-eyed innocence and a pixie cut that screamed “the thrill of youth.” At 75, Twiggy herself tells much of her story, her Cockney voice as warm and unassuming as ever, reminding us why she remains a cultural role model rather than a faded snapshot.
From the film’s opening frames, we are drawn into the optimistic atmosphere of post-war Britain. Hornby’s transformation began at the age of 16 at Leonard of Mayfair’s salon, where a bold haircut led to a photo shoot with Barry Lategan. Those images are daily expresscalled her “the face of ’66.” As Swinging London made fashion more accessible, Twiggy broke the stereotype of being a tall, upper-class model. Frost explains that this was not just a personal success for her, but a major change in the fashion world. Edward Enninful added that her slim and androgynous look represented a departure from the flashy style of the 1950s.
The documentary picks up speed as Twiggy becomes a global sensation. Her nickname, a playful reference to her very slender legs, was given to her by her manager Justin de Villeneuve. By the age of 17, she was on the cover of Vogue, promoting her doll line, and dodging paparazzi in New York. There, a surreal photo shoot by Melvin Sokolsky showed her in a crowd wearing a Twiggy mask, highlighting just how crazy fame can be. Clips of her television appearances show the vibrant mod style of the time, including miniskirts to music by Marie Quant and the Beatles. But Frost isn’t just focused on nostalgia. She includes the story of Patti Boyd, who walked the runway with Twiggy, and shows the dark side of the industry: the constant hustle and bustle that turned high school girls into millionaires before they were old enough to drink champagne.
This film does not expose the casual cruelty of the times. Twiggy’s slim, boyish figure was often unfairly scrutinized in ways that would be considered disgusting today. The clip shows the male host questioning her weight, breasts and “boyish” appearance, an example of misogyny. In a particularly awkward 1967 interview with Woody Allen, he pestered her about the philosopher, but there was something dark in his paternal tone. All the while, Twiggy maintains grace, responding with humor and poise, as if brushing off a gnat. Her calmness shows her strength, but it also reminds us of how common objectification was, turning young women’s bodies into public property in the name of journalism.
At the center of her rise is the 25-year-old de Villeneuve, who discovered her at age 15 and shaped her image with both skill and control. Frost handles this carefully, showing him as both protector and oppressor. He kept an eye on her photo shoots and interviews while eliminating negative influences. Their relationship was a mixture of business and almost love. Twiggy openly admits this wasn’t ideal and calls it “politically incorrect”, but credits him with protecting her from more serious problems. Although he is not directly depicted in the film, his presence still looms as a warning of the power struggle that nearly led to her downfall.
Model-turned-actress Twiggy made a brave move at the age of 22, leaving the fashion world just as she was at the peak of her popularity. Her role in Ken Russell’s film boyfriend She won a Golden Globe Award, and the restored clip shows her going from awkward to vibrant and funny. She also starred on Broadway my one and only She appeared on a BBC variety show and sang alongside Bryan Ferry and Bing Crosby. Her voice was amazingly warm and smooth. Co-star Dustin Hoffman boyfriendshe says, “lives to live,” which captures her vibrant spirit. The film doesn’t make it seem like her career was perfect, there were failures and doubts, but her hard work and determination remain her true mark.
Behind her success is sadness. Her marriage to actor Michael Whitney collapsed due to his alcoholism and ended with his tragic heart attack, witnessed by their young daughter Carly in a restaurant. Frost approaches this gently, with Twiggy’s candid narration showing off her quiet strength without drama. Her unforgettable moment as she flees Phil Spector’s gun-wielding mansion is animated with jagged cartoon imagery that emphasizes the strange dangers of fame. These stories make her more human, showing a woman who, like a supple branch, could be shocked and bent but never snapped.
The second half of the film picks up the pace and covers her later accomplishments. america’s next top modeldesigned clothing for Marks & Spencer and received a Grand Order of Merit in 2019. Although she’s been married to Lee Lawson for more than 30 years, Twiggy still retains the same humility that won her fans over when she was 16 years old. Celebrities like Brooke Shields and Sienna Miller have praised her influence, but it’s Lumley’s sharp commentary on the harshness of the fashion world that hurts the most. Surviving in this industry requires strength hidden beneath elegance.
eventually, twiggy This is more than just a career scrapbook. It reflects our obsession with reinvention and authenticity. At 90 minutes long, the film is satisfying, zipping through 60 years of dazzling events, and makes you grin at the sheer improbability of it all. In her own words, “It’s all in the eyes,” and through Frost’s lens, those eyes still shine with an unquenchable fire.
Now showing at Luna Palace Cinemas.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Source: OutLoud! Culture – outloudculture.com
