In the 1960s models went to deportment school and were all rather alike – read cookie cutter – in appearance. That was until Lesley Hornby a.k.a. Twiggy was discovered. Now known as Dame Lesley Lawson, she was told she was too short and too slim to be a model. Yet, as this eponymous documentary shows, Twiggy has had one brilliant career because she is a lovely, versatile artist.
Sadie Frost directs this documentary. It is the second feature for Frost, who previously made the film, Quant. That was another film about a fashion icon of the 60s, in that case the designer of the mini skirt and hot pants. Twiggy, meanwhile, is a chameleon who did design her own clothes range, but started out as a schoolgirl model before she branched out into other things, like Broadway shows, Hollywood films and TV hosting.
This documentary is not necessarily Earth-shattering, but it it does have oodles of charm. Twiggy is an incredibly relatable and likeable character. As a true original who did not conform to prevailing ideas of the day, audiences will be thrilled to see her catapulted onto the international stage when she was just a schoolgirl at the tender age of sweet sixteen.
There are numerous talking head interviews with Dustin Hoffman and Brooke Shields, as well as fellow models and peers, Joanna Lumley and Pattie Boyd. There are lots of montages featuring clips from her films and shows, as well as photographs from her modelling, including the infamous shot of that pixie hairstyle that got her noticed by the Daily Express. There are some animated sequences which are used to frame and add context to the proceedings. These are a tad strange at times, but they do help with the narrative, even if it’s just talking about the likes of the mod years, a sweet day in the country side with Paul McCartney’s family, or a calamitous meeting with the larger-than-life record producer, Phil Spector.
Twiggy is a very self-deprecating soul. Her working-class roots kept her grounded during some periods of upheaval. She also has an infectious trucker’s laugh that will make you chuckle. While the film can be quite light and jolly, there are also scenes describing some setbacks. Twiggy’s heartbreaks include her first love Justin De Villeneuve, the man who helped her get discovered and managed her, and her first husband, Michael Whitney, who battled alcoholism before passing away quite young.
But there are also many triumphs: Woody Allen patronises her, but Twiggy’s sharp wit ensures she is the victor. Two Golden Globe wins means she can be considered a serious actor. That model girl from Neasden in London would appear on Bowie’s “Pin Ups” record cover and he did sing about her in “Drive in Saturday.” Never mind the fact she also had her own storied career as a singer, actor and dancer over several decades, and at the ripe old age of 75 eschews any mention of retirement.
Twiggy is a delightful romp celebrating the incredible legacy of an inspiring model; that androgynous elfin girl is mesmerising at every turn. She gives us an excellent message about staying true to yourself, and it is this heart and soul that makes us all root for Twig the Wonderkid.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Twiggy is screening as part of this year’s Sydney Film Festival, running between June 4th and 15th, 2025. For more information head to the official SFF page.
