60s Pop Icon: Twiggy

I don't remember the 60s, as my mother's dormant egg, which contained part of my genetic soup, hadn't even fused with my father's sperm at that moment in time. My parents were just children in the 60s. Fortunately, thanks to the internet, I have access to tons of pictures and video clips of that wonderful decade.

Without question, Lesley Hornby (aka Twiggy) was one of the most influential pop icons of the 60s. As most of you probably know, she was a supermodel back in the day. To be honest, I can't figure out why she became such a huge success. Consider the following. She wasn't the most beautiful woman in the world; she was too short--violating rule number one of the supermodel bible; and she was just way too skinny. And don't get me started about eating disorders. Bill Maher once joked that men in general just fuck anything they're given by the fashion Gods of print media--even a girl with a boyish body. Of course, Hugh Hefner's Playboy magazine always provides a healthier, though not always real, alternative.

Anyway, I think Twiggy possessed some special quality that just made her stand out--that IT factor that's just hard to put into words. I'm sure luck also played a role in her success. Dr. Zaius, who inspired this post, believes that it's all in the eyes. And I think he may be right. The camera just loved Twiggy.

If you'd like to learn more about Vidal Sassoon and 60s fashion and culture, visit Ms. Place's Dishin' Dat Blog.