Maggie Tabberer, a legendary figure in Australian fashion and media, has passed away just days before her 88th birthday. Widely known for her elegance and style, Tabberer became a household name through her expertise in fashion, decorating, and lifestyle advice.
Born Margaret May Trigar in Adelaide on December 11, 1936, Tabberer was the youngest of five children. She began her career as a model, rising to prominence in the 1960s. In 1960, she became the first Australian model to appear on the cover of Vogue Australia, photographed by Lord Snowdon. Her striking beauty and timeless poise made her a staple in the industry, but her legacy extends far beyond her modelling career.
Tabberer was also a trailblazer in media, entrepreneurship, and television. In 1981, she launched a successful plus-size clothing line, Maggie T, and became the fashion editor of Australian Women’s Weekly, where she worked for 15 years. She also made her mark on television, winning back-to-back Gold Logies in 1970 and 1971 for her role in popular lifestyle programs.
Her personal life was equally complex and remarkable. At 17, she married Charles Tabberer, but by 21, her marriage had ended. After meeting photographer Helmut Newton, Tabberer embarked on a brief, passionate affair before moving to Sydney with her daughters. There, she met her second husband, Italian restaurateur Ettore Prossimo. Tragically, their son, Francesco, died shortly after birth, a loss that deeply affected her.
Tabberer found solace in her career and her television presence, becoming a panellist on the talk show Beauty and the Beast and later hosting her own daily show, Maggie. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she continued to appear on television, notably co-hosting The Home Show on ABC with her partner Richard Zachariah.
Despite facing personal challenges, Tabberer remained a beloved public figure. In 1998, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her contributions to the fashion industry. She also published a biography, Maggie, in 1999 and was a frequent subject of artistic portraits, including works by her son, artist Paul Newton.
In her later years, Tabberer continued to make appearances in the media, reflecting on her long and successful career. In a 2016 interview, she shared her thoughts on aging and independence, stating that she had “come to her senses about men” and embraced her personal freedom.
Tabberer is survived by her daughters, Amanda and Brooke, and her grandson Marco. Her passing marks the end of an era in Australian fashion and media, and she will be remembered as one of the country’s most iconic public figures.
Maggie Tabberer: Born 11 December 1936, died 6 December 2024, aged 87.
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