Twiggy

Twiggy is an English model, actress, and singer, now also known by her married name of Twiggy Lawson.

At 16, she became the first prominent teenage model. She was known for her androgynous looks, large eyes, long eyelashes, and thin build.

In 1966, she was named “The Face of 1966” by the Daily Express and voted British Woman of the Year.

By 1967, Twiggy had modelled in France, Japan, and the U.S., and landed on the covers of Vogue and The Tatler. Her fame had spread worldwide.

After modelling, Twiggy went on to enjoy a successful career as a screen, stage, and television actress. She has hosted her own series, Twiggy's People, in which she interviewed celebrities, and also appeared as a judge on the reality show America's Next Top Model. Her 1998 autobiography, Twiggy in Black and White, entered the bestseller lists. Since 2005, she has modelled for Marks and Spencer, most recently to promote their recent rebranding, appearing in TV adverts and print media, alongside Myleene Klass, Erin O'Connor, Lily Cole and others.

Personal life:

Twiggy Lawson was brought up in the northwest London suburb of Neasden, the daughter of Helen (Nellie) Lydia Hornby (née Reeman), a factory worker for a printing firm, and William Norman Hornby, a master carpenter and joiner. Twiggy’s mother taught her to sew from a young age, and she used this talent to make her own clothing. She attended the Brondesbury and Kilburn High School in Salusbury Road, Kilburn. Twiggy is the youngest of three sisters. Shirley is 15 years older, and Vivien is seven years older.

Twiggy married American actor Michael Witney in 1977. They had one daughter, Carly, born in 1978. That marriage ended with his sudden death in 1983 from a heart attack. Twiggy met her second husband, Leigh Lawson, in 1984. In 1988 they worked on the film Madame Sousatzka, and married that year in Sag Harbor, Long Island. Lawson adopted Twiggy’s daughter, Carly, who took on his surname. The couple resides in London.

In her official site, she describes herself as being an ardent supporter of breast cancer research, animal welfare, and anti-fur campaigns.

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twiggy