Who Was the First True Supermodel? Unpacking the Legend
The term "supermodel" conjures images of glamorous women gracing magazine covers, strutting down runways, and commanding astronomical fees. But who actually holds the title of the *first* true supermodel? This question often sparks debate, as the definition of a "supermodel" itself has evolved over time. While there isn't one single, universally agreed-upon answer, one name consistently rises to the forefront of this discussion: Twiggy.
The Rise of Twiggy: A Revolution in Modeling
In the mid-1960s, the fashion world was dominated by a more mature, sophisticated look. Then came Lesley Lawson, better known as Twiggy. Discovered at just 16 years old, her androgynous look, with its striking doe eyes, pixie haircut, and slender frame, was unlike anything the industry had seen before.
- Her Unconventional Look: Twiggy’s boyish figure, large, expressive eyes often enhanced with dramatic false eyelashes, and short, choppy hairstyle made her a stark contrast to the curvaceous models of the era. She was often described as a "mod" icon.
- International Fame: By 1967, Twiggy was a global phenomenon. She graced the covers of leading fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle. Her image was instantly recognizable worldwide.
- Beyond the Runway: What set Twiggy apart was her ability to transcend the traditional role of a fashion model. She became a cultural icon, appearing on television shows, releasing a hit song ("And When I Die"), and even starring in a film, "The Boy Friend," for which she received two Golden Globe nominations.
- Commercial Power: Twiggy's appeal extended to a massive commercial audience. She became the face of numerous advertising campaigns, demonstrating a level of marketability and widespread recognition that was unprecedented for a model at the time. She wasn't just a clothes hanger; she was a brand.
The Birth of the "Supermodel" Concept
While Twiggy was a pioneer, the term "supermodel" as we understand it today – a celebrity model whose fame and earnings rival those of movie stars – truly solidified in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This era saw the rise of the "Trinity": Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington. However, Twiggy laid the groundwork for this elevation of models into household names.
Why Twiggy is Considered the First True Supermodel
Several factors contribute to Twiggy's status as the first true supermodel:
- Global Recognition: Her face was plastered everywhere. People across different continents knew who Twiggy was, even if they weren't deeply immersed in the fashion world.
- Multifaceted Career: She wasn't confined to just modeling. Her ventures into music and film demonstrated a broader appeal and a desire to leverage her fame beyond the catwalk.
- Cultural Impact: Twiggy influenced fashion trends, hairstyles, and even body image perceptions. She represented a new ideal for young women.
- Economic Power (for her time): While not matching the multi-million dollar contracts of today's supermodels, Twiggy's earning potential and the demand for her image were exceptional for the 1960s.
Other Notable Figures in the Early Days of High-Profile Modeling
It's important to acknowledge that other models also contributed to the evolving landscape of modeling and gained significant recognition in their time:
- Dorian Leigh: Often cited as one of the first commercially successful models in the 1940s and 1950s, she was a prominent figure in the early days of fashion photography.
- Suzy Parker: A glamorous and highly sought-after model in the 1950s, she graced countless magazine covers and represented a more classic ideal of beauty.
- Jean Shrimpton: Contemporaneous with Twiggy, "The Shrimp" was another iconic British model who became synonymous with the Swinging Sixties.
However, Twiggy's unique look, immense global popularity, and expansion into various media platforms are what most strongly align with the modern definition of a "supermodel," making her the most widely accepted answer to the question of who was the first.
"We were all on the payroll of the designers, but Twiggy was on the payroll of the public." - Norman Parkinson, renowned fashion photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Twiggy get her famous nickname?
Lesley Lawson was nicknamed "Twiggy" because of her extremely slender, twig-like physique. The nickname stuck and became her globally recognized moniker.
Why was Twiggy's look so revolutionary?
Twiggy's look was revolutionary because it broke away from the voluptuous and mature ideals of beauty that dominated the fashion industry in the early 1960s. Her youthful, androgynous appearance with large eyes and a pixie cut resonated with the changing social and cultural landscape of the era.
Did Twiggy invent the term "supermodel"?
No, Twiggy did not invent the term "supermodel." The term gained widespread usage in the late 1980s and early 1990s. However, her immense popularity and broad appeal laid the groundwork for what a "supermodel" would eventually come to mean – a model who achieves celebrity status beyond the fashion industry.
