TWIGGY & the consequences of the 60's

Belinda Lawson (aka Twiggy) was one of the world’s first supermodels and one of the first icons to change what it meant to be a woman in fashion. She was so much more than a model - she was trendsetter within her own right.

She emerged from the swinging 60s, an era where the global socio-political landscape was in the grip of major shifts.

Her signature style of dramatic eyes, thin frame and pixie cut have become synonymous with the era, and captured perfectly the essence of time.

During the 60s old fashioned attitudes and conventions were being challenged by the younger generation through the modes of fashion and music.

The rise of the mod scene and hippy scene conveyed the rise of liberalism within the country which was then translated directly into the fashions of the time.

The arrival of the mini skirt represented more than just a rise in hem lines but instead translated a rise of social confidence in women. The era was a time taken over by optimism and creativity, and where prudishness and conservative ideals were no longer adhered to but confronted.

The 1950s conventions and social institutions for women were suffocating and the 60s was a time for women to have the freedom to defy what was expected of them and from them.

Twiggy more directly and pointedly challenged the construct of what femininity was and questioned what was considered attractive of women.

Her androgynous style, which had never before been given a platform in fashion encapsulated the ‘mod scene’ of Britain where feminine masculinity was celebrated.

The styles from Twiggy are still distinguished even in today’s fashions.

The 60s changed the landscape of Britain. In many ways the era was revolutionary. Twiggy epitomised all that is loved about the era - the freedom to express yourself.