Twiggy at 76: Model’s Secrets to Staying Young & Healthy

At 76, British model Twiggy – born Lesley Lawson – continues a decades-long career while prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing Pilates and a nutritious diet as key components to her continued energy. The iconic figure of the 1960s revealed her approach to wellbeing in a recent interview with Defined magazine.

Lawson, who rose to fame as “The Face of ‘66,” attributes much of her vitality to a consistent Pilates practice. “I’m not fanatical, but I always exercise. For the last 20 years, it’s been Pilates, and I really believe in it,” she told the magazine. She also stresses the importance of mindful eating, stating, “You are what you eat.”

Her daily diet centers around green vegetables, salmon, organic produce, and dark chocolate, a combination she believes supports both her physique and overall health. Twiggy first gained international recognition in 1966, transitioning from a London schoolgirl to a global fashion star after a photographer captured her image and it circulated within the industry, leading to work with Vogue and Elle in Paris.

Despite a 60-year career in modeling, Twiggy has no plans for retirement. “I don’t reckon completely retiring is a good idea. If you stop one job, take up another interest,” she explained. She maintains a positive outlook, believing life is “too short to be angry and complaining.”

Beyond modeling, Twiggy remains active in design, acting, and music. She is currently collaborating with songwriter Amy Wadge on new music and has completed several tracks. A documentary film about her life, directed by Sadie Frost, is also slated for release this year in Japan, Australia, and the United States.

Throughout her career, Twiggy has been known for her androgynous style, often preferring trousers to traditionally feminine dresses. In the 1970s, she even commissioned a bespoke suit from menswear designer Tommy Nutter, reflecting her distinctive aesthetic. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by the Queen in recognition of her contributions to fashion, the arts, and charitable work.