After her debut feature about fashion designer Mary Quant, Sadie Frost continues the theme by directing the fascinating documentary Twiggy. At a time when most models were tall, busty and posh, Lesley Hornby was a breath of fresh air. Nicknamed ‘Twiggy’, this straight-talking working class woman became the face of Swinging Sixties London, and went on to work in film, TV, music and more. Frost explains why she was so keen to bring Twiggy to the screen.
What appealed to you about the story of Twiggy?
I have always followed Twiggy’s career. There were many things I could relate to: her androgyny, her career changes, her down-to-earth nature. It felt like the perfect fit for me after directing the documentary about Mary Quant and to be able to span five decades on her life digging deep into the world of film, fashion and theatre: some of the places I am most at home. Continuing to explore popular culture in the ’60s and ’70s felt ideal.
You show how Twiggy was both a reflection of the times she was in, and a refreshing change from them. What did you uncover that really resonated on that level?
What I loved about making the documentary was that I had access to such a wonderful archive where you can really see how different and refreshing Twiggy was – her geekiness, her awkwardness and her basically not projecting her image for the male gaze. She dressed for herself and for other women, which was revolutionary. She said things how they were and stayed loyal and focused. That’s probably why she is still relevant now. Because people love her for all these things. She made every woman who felt like an outsider feel like that didn’t matter, and they could be themselves.
Which details were important for you to include?
It was very important for me to include everything I possibly could, which seemed daunting at some points because there was so much to cover. Twiggy has had such an eventful career and achieved many things, so I wanted to highlight all the different aspects, including her career in modelling, acting, singing and dancing. I also wanted to show that she was a survivor and that things were not always easy, but against all odds she was determined to succeed.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories?
There were so many behind-the-scenes stories and a lot of things I wouldn’t like to repeat because they are the things that don’t go according to plan! I think the highlight for me was getting to interview so many amazing people: Joanna Lumley, Dustin Hoffman, Paul McCartney, Brooke Shields and Sienna Miller, just to name a few – everybody was so generous. But I think I’ll never forget hanging out with Brooke Shields and (Broadway legend) Tommy Tune in the theatre in Greenwich Village in New York. That felt exciting and iconic.
Twiggy is in UK and Ireland cinemas Mar 7
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