Twiggy Recalls Woody Allen's 'Philosopher' Trap

In a reflection on her early career, iconic model Twiggy has recalled a challenging televised interview with Woody Allen in 1967. At just 17 years old and visiting the United States for the first time, Twiggy found herself unprepared for Allen's line of questioning. The comedian deliberately asked unexpected questions, such as naming a favorite philosopher, to play on stereotypes and present her as intellectually lacking.

Twiggy, whose birth name is Lesley Hornby, felt embarrassed by the interview. She explained that she was accustomed to typical questions about her career and experiences. When Allen posed the unexpected philosophical query, she responded by asking for his favorite, a plea for assistance that he declined. She now views this interview as a demonstration of the misogyny faced by young women in the 1960s, particularly those in media.

Reflecting further, the now 76-year-old model contrasted the past with the present, suggesting that increased awareness and the rise of the internet have improved conditions for models. She noted that modern campaigns can achieve immediate global reach, which is beneficial for the industry. She also commented that if she were the age Allen was during the interview, she would not have behaved that way towards a 17-year-old.