Twiggy hangs up miniskirts ahead of turning 75

Twiggy, the Swinging Sixties fashion model, has suggested she is hanging up her miniskirts ahead of turning 75.

Dame Lesley Lawson, also known as Twiggy, came to define the 1960s with her cropped haircut, graphic make-up and rebellious fashion sense, wearing scandalously short hemlines.

The model and designer, who turns 75 on Thursday, suggested the time has come to trade her miniskirts for longer attire.

Speaking to My Weekly magazine, she said: “When it comes to fashion, I don’t like all these age labels… all that ‘you should only wear certain things when you’re 20, 30’ or whatever.

“But I do make an exception when it comes to miniskirts and hot pants. The only time I wear shorts is when I’m on holiday – and they’re proper shorts not hot pants.”

‘Comfort factor’s important’

Dame Lesley added that she now wants to think about what suits her.

“You’ve got to think about what suits you and what you look - and feel - good in. The comfort factor’s important, too,” she said.

However, she urged: “I think you should be brave, though. Mix it up a bit and don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun.”

Dame Lesley, who was named ‘the face’ of 1966 by the Daily Express at the age of 16, was well known for popularising Mary Quant’s miniskirts, which have been described by the V&A Museum as “the most era-defining look of the 1960s” in an exhibition about the designer.

Discussing her birthday milestone, the British grandmother of five said the secret to staying fit is “eating well” and not “overindulging”.

She said she does not believe in retirement, saying that if “you want to continue working, you should” and that “older people add more to society”.