Twiggy Reflects on Life and Legacy in New Documentary

Nearly six decades after her iconic pixie cut made her a household name, Twiggy is exploring her remarkable journey in a new documentary titled simply Twiggy. Directed by Sadie Frost, the film is set to premiere in cinemas across Aotearoa on December 4, 2023. In an interview with journalist Laura Hampson, Twiggy, now known as Dame Lesley Lawson, reflects on her life, career, and the roles that have shaped her identity.

The image of a doe-eyed teenager with painted-on lashes and a playful pixie cut often dominates public perception of Twiggy. This iconic photo, captured in 1966 when she was just 16 years old, became emblematic of a vibrant era in fashion and culture. “Everywhere I go in the world, there she is,” Twiggy remarked during their conversation from her home in London. “I’m on T-shirts, on handbags. She’s like my little friend, really.”

Despite her enduring fame, Twiggy emphasizes that her modeling career represents only a small portion of her multifaceted life. “That old image of me is so strong. Whenever you say Twiggy to somebody, that’s the image that conjures up in their mind. But actually, it’s a very tiny part of my career,” she explained. After stepping away from modeling, her talent blossomed on stage and screen.

The documentary chronicles her transformation from a shy teenager in north London to an international icon. Twiggy’s foray into acting began with the 1971 musical film The Boy Friend, a role that earned her two Golden Globe Awards in 1972 for Best New Actress and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. “When I saw the first cut of the movie, it was very emotional for me,” she recounted, highlighting the impact of revisiting her past onscreen.

Branching out into Broadway, Twiggy made a significant mark with her performance in My One and Only, where she was nominated for a Tony Award. “To step out on Broadway in a major musical, that was scary,” she admitted. Yet, she expresses gratitude to her co-star, Tommy Tune, for believing in her. “It showed me that I could do it. We ran for 18 months. It was an amazing period in my life.”

Interestingly, Twiggy’s journey into modeling was unplanned. “I didn’t plan to model,” she shared, revealing her dream of becoming a fashion designer. As a teenager, she created her own clothes, driven by a passion for fashion during a time when options for young girls were limited. This creative spirit eventually led her back to designing, as she successfully launched her own collection with Marks & Spencer.

Even at 76, Twiggy’s joy resonates most when she speaks of her grandchildren. “Oh, absolutely my grandchildren. They really make me laugh,” she said, sharing a humorous anecdote about her 10-year-old granddaughter questioning the concept of fame. “To her, I’m just Mimi. She still bosses me around.”

As she prepares to spend time with her family, Twiggy reflects on her journey and the lessons learned. She encourages her younger self to embrace courage: “If I could tell my teenage self anything, I’d say, ‘Don’t be so scared. Just go for it.’” The documentary captures her authenticity and courage, illustrating how she has built a life and legacy rooted in her zest for living.

Throughout the film, viewers see a glimpse of Twiggy’s energetic spirit, a testament to her lifelong passion for performance and creativity. As actor Dustin Hoffman observes in the documentary, “She lives to be alive.” This sentiment rings true as Twiggy continues to inspire new generations with her story.

Audiences can watch Twiggy in cinemas across New Zealand starting December 4, 2023, and witness the life of a woman who has truly lived to her fullest.