Australian Icon Maggie Tabberer Dies at 87

Renowned TV personality and fashion icon Maggie Tabberer has passed away at the age of 87. Tabberer, whose illustrious career spanned modeling, publishing, and television, was a two-time Gold Logie winner and a celebrated figure in Australian media.

Tabberer's family announced her passing on social media. "This morning we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna," her daughter shared. "She was an icon in every sense of the word, and we will miss her dearly… along with the rest of Australia."

A Trailblazing Career

Born in Adelaide, Maggie Tabberer's career began when she was discovered by famed photographer Helmut Newton at the age of 23. She was named Australia's Model of the Year in 1960. Her transition to journalism saw her pen a popular fashion column for the Daily Mirror for 16 years, beginning in 1963.

A year later, she made her television debut as a panellist on Beauty and the Beast and went on to host her own daily chat show, Maggie. Tabberer became a beloved fixture on Australian screens, earning back-to-back Gold Logies in 1970 and 1971 as the country's Most Popular Female Personality. She continued to appear on shows like Midday and Good Morning Australia throughout the 1980s and 1990s and co-hosted The Home Show on the ABC during the 1990s with then-partner Richard Zachariah.

Fashion Pioneer and Entrepreneur

Tabberer's contributions to fashion were equally groundbreaking. In 1967, she founded her public relations company, Maggie Tabberer and Associates. In 1981, she launched Maggie T, a plus-size clothing label that became an instant success. Reflecting on the venture, she said, "With Maggie T, we had a $5 million order from the Myer group on the first showing, which was unheard of."

From 1981 to 1996, she served as the fashion editor of Australian Women's Weekly, shaping the magazine's style and regularly gracing its cover. In 1998, Tabberer was awarded the Order of Australia for her contributions to fashion and charitable causes.

Personal Life

Tabberer married Charles Tabberer at 17, and the couple had two daughters, Brooke and Amanda. Following their separation, she relocated to Sydney. She later married Italian restaurateur Ettore Prossimo, with whom she had a son who tragically died at just 10 days old. Tabberer's final long-term relationship was with journalist Richard Zachariah, which lasted until 1995.

Remembering Maggie

Publishing icon Ita Buttrose paid tribute to her long-time friend and colleague, describing her as "a great woman" who was "always a star." Buttrose added, "There were no airs and graces about Maggie. What you saw was what you got."

Tabberer remained active and vibrant in her later years, appearing on the cover of Australian Women's Weekly in 2021. Reflecting on her life, she expressed gratitude for her family, friends, and the simple joys that enriched her days.

Maggie Tabberer's legacy as a trailblazer in fashion, television, and publishing will continue to inspire Australians for generations.