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From London to California: Twiggy’s First US Trip and Her Encounters with Sonny & Cher

In 1967, Twiggy, the British model who became an international sensation, made her first trip to the United States. Photographer Ralph Crane captured this visit in a series of photos intended for LIFE magazine, though they were never published in the magazine. These photos offer a rare glimpse into Twiggy’s life at the height of her fame, showing her hanging out with friends, including the iconic duo Sonny and Cher, during her time in California.

Twiggy, whose real name is Lesley Hornby, was only 18 years old at the time of this visit. However, she had already been a major figure in the fashion world for about a year. Her thin frame, large eyes, and short haircut had become a symbol of the youth culture of the 1960s.

These photos, taken by Crane, show a different side of Twiggy than the carefully posed images seen in fashion magazines. They capture her in more relaxed and informal settings, interacting with friends and enjoying her time in California.

The photos reveal a young woman who, despite her fame, appears remarkably down-to-earth. She seems comfortable and confident in her surroundings. This is notable considering the whirlwind of attention she had been experiencing.

The photos were taken in California, a place that was synonymous with cool and trendy culture in the 1960s. The sunny backdrop and relaxed atmosphere of California perfectly complement Twiggy’s youthful energy.

One of the most interesting aspects of these photos is Twiggy’s interactions with Sonny and Cher. Sonny Bono and Cherilyn Sarkisian, known professionally as Sonny & Cher, were a hugely popular musical duo and television personalities at the time. Their presence in the photos places Twiggy within the heart of 1960s pop culture.

Sonny and Cher were known for their unique style, combining pop music with elements of folk and rock. Their television show, The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, was a major hit. Their appearance with Twiggy in these photos creates an exciting intersection of fashion, music, and television.

#1 Twiggy with boyfriend and manager Justin De Villeneuve (kissing her) and Sonny and Cher (right) at a party thrown for the English supermodel in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#3 Twiggy (with Steve McQueen, right) and unidentified partygoers in California, 1967.

#4 Twiggy with Sonny and Cher (left) in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#5 Twiggy at a party thrown for her in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#6 Twiggy (center) at a party thrown for her in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#7 Twiggy (left) at a party thrown for her in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#8 Twiggy, Sonny and Cher and others dance at a party in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#9 Twiggy (center, long dress) at a party thrown for her in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#10 Twiggy lights up at a party thrown for her in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#11 Twiggy at a party thrown for her in Beverly Hills, 1967.

#12 Twiggy and friends (including boyfriend and manager Justin De Villeneuve) at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#13 Twiggy with boyfriend and manager Justin De Villeneuve at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#14 Twiggy at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#15 Twiggy and friends at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#16 Twiggy with her boyfriend and manager Justin De Villeneuve at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#17 Twiggy and friends at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#18 Twiggy at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#19 Twiggy and furry friends at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#20 Twiggy with her boyfriend and manager Justin De Villeneuve at Disneyland during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

#21 Twiggy in California during her first visit to the U.S., 1967.

Written by Rachel Mitchell

Rachel Mitchell is a vintage fashion enthusiast with a passion for all things retro. She is interested vintage fashion styles, trends, and accessories, and provides tips and tricks for incorporating vintage pieces into modern wardrobes.

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