Maggie Tabberer, the trailblazing figure who transformed Australian fashion and media landscapes across seven decades, passed away at 87 on December 6, 2024. Her daughter Amanda shared the news through a heartfelt social media announcement, stating, “This morning we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna. She was an icon in every sense of the word, and we will miss her dearly… along with the rest of Australia.”
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1936, Tabberer’s remarkable journey began at age 14 when she first stepped into modeling. Her career blossomed at 23 when renowned photographer Helmut Newton discovered her talent, leading to her coronation as Australia’s Model of the Year in 1960. This collaboration proved transformative, culminating in her groundbreaking appearance on Vogue Australia’s cover in 1961, marking her as one of the country’s first supermodels.
The fashion icon’s influence extended far beyond the runway. In 1964, Tabberer ventured into television as a panelist on “Beauty and the Beast,” showcasing her natural charisma and wit. Her magnetic screen presence led to the creation of her eponymous daily chat show, “Maggie,” which aired from 1969 to 1970. Her television success earned her consecutive Gold Logie Awards in 1970 and 1971 for Most Popular Female Personality, cementing her status as a household name.
Journalist Andrew Hornery captured the magnitude of her impact, noting that “there are not enough descriptors to truly encapsulate what she represented over a seven-decade career.” Fashion designer Jayson Brunsdon echoed these sentiments with his tribute: “Farewell Maggie Tabberer. You were an inspiration.”
In 1981, Tabberer embarked on a new chapter as fashion editor at The Australian Women’s Weekly, a position she held with distinction for 15 years. During this period, she launched her groundbreaking clothing label, Maggie T, which revolutionized Australian fashion by creating designs for women of all sizes, challenging industry standards, and promoting inclusivity.
Her contributions to Australian society extended beyond fashion and media. In 1998, Tabberer received one of the nation’s highest honors when appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. This recognition acknowledged her extensive service to the community, particularly her support for charitable organizations and her pivotal role in advancing the Australian fashion industry.
Throughout her career, Tabberer maintained her position as a fashion authority while breaking new ground in television and publishing. Her influence shaped Australian media and fashion, establishing standards that resonate within these industries today.
