In 1967, Twiggy – the 18-year-old British model who had become a global sensation almost overnight – made her first visit to the United States. It was a crucial moment in her career, and the trip was documented by LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. These photos, taken in California, capture Twiggy at the peak of her fame, looking effortlessly chic yet grounded despite being one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Among the highlights of her visit were moments spent mingling with iconic figures of the era, including Sonny and Cher.
At the time, Twiggy embodied the spirit of the 1960s. Her boyish haircut, large, doll-like eyes, and slim frame had redefined beauty standards and turned her into the modern face of fashion. She had already graced countless magazine covers in the UK and Europe, but America—a country known for its love of glamour and celebrity—was an entirely new frontier. Her arrival there was met with excitement, curiosity, and a media frenzy.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this trip was Twiggy’s ability to navigate the U.S. celebrity scene so effortlessly. She connected with Sonny and Cher, who were already household names thanks to their music and television appearances. At the time, Cher was known for her striking beauty and bold sense of style, making her and Twiggy a natural pairing in photographs. The images of them together reveal a mutual admiration between the two women, both of whom represented different facets of 1960s fashion.
Sonny and Cher were also at a high point in their careers in 1967. Their hit song “I Got You Babe” had made them stars just two years earlier, and they were now seen as one of the most stylish and influential couples in entertainment. With Twiggy in their circle, the trio represented a convergence of music, fashion, and pop culture. Twiggy’s youth and fresh-faced look contrasted with Cher’s glamorous, bohemian style, but both were trendsetters.
