Twiggy, 76: My Fitness and Diet Secrets Revealed

has revealed her exercise regime and what she eats in a day in order to keep herself in shape after 60 years in the spotlight.

The 76-year-old, whose real name is Lesley Lawson, became a British cultural icon in the 'swinging sixties' when she found fame as a teen model. 

She was dubbed 'The Face of '66' and 'The Cockney Kid with a face to launch a thousand ships'.

Twiggy has graced the cover of the latest issue of Defined magazine and discussed how she approaches beauty and ageing these days. 

'I'm not fanatical, but I've always done some form of exercise. For the last 20 years it's been Pilates – I swear by it. I eat well. I believe you are what you eat,' she said.

'Lots of greens, salmon, organic when I can. And dark chocolate – I was very happy to read that it's good for you!'

Asked if she has ever considered retiring, Twiggy said: 'No. I don't think completely retiring is a good idea. If you stop one job, take up another interest. 

'I'm lucky because I love what I do – modelling, designing, acting, singing. I'm working with Amy Wadge on some music. We've done about four tracks. 

'Singing is good for everybody – it's good for your soul. And over the last year I've been travelling around Britain and Europe promoting the Twiggy documentary that was directed by Sadie Frost; it's been a wonderful experience because I've had such wonderful feedback. 

'This year it's opening in Japan, Australia and America. But there's nothing I haven't done that I'd like to – I'm not going to jump out of an airplane or anything!'

Twiggy, who was known for her androgynous look when she began modelling, admitted she never felt comfortable in 'frilly dresses'.

'I've always worn trousers. If you look at pictures from 1966, '67, '68 – apart from what I wore as a model for magazines – my own clothes were trousers. I used to go to Tommy Nutter and have boys' suits made. I look better in trousers,' she said. 

'When I was very young, I didn't have a girly figure. I felt uncomfortable in frilly dresses. They just weren't my thing. I liked mini skirts with boots – more funky. 

'I wouldn't wear mini skirts now at my age, but trouser suits are fabulous, worn with a great top, or a leather jacket. I feel more comfortable that way than donning a dress.'

Asked how she dealt with becoming famous at such a young age, Twiggy admitted it was 'amazing'.

'Up until that day in February 1966 when (fashion journalist) Deirdre McSherry called me 'The Face of '66,' I'd been to school, lived in Neasden, had a lovely mum and dad and two lovely elder sisters. A really lovely childhood. I was as shocked as anyone.

'From day one, I was working for Vogue and Elle in Paris. Then Diana Vreeland took me to America and turned me global. In those days, if Diana said, 'This is the girl,' the world turned to see. I loved it. 

'I'd only ever gone to school, and suddenly I was travelling to Paris and New York, wearing amazing clothes and earning money. I was a schoolgirl.'

Depsite all her success, Twiggy has never spent much time thinking about why she became such a notable fashion icon.

'You know, I’ve never tried to analyse what happened to me. If you start analysing yourself, you’re in terrible trouble. 

'It’s much nicer to be friendly to people because they’re friendly back. I can be strong and tough if I need to be, of course, but I don’t want to live life being angry and moaning. Life’s too short,' she said.