Maggie Tabberer, one of Australia’s most enduring fashion and television icons, has passed away at the age of 87. Her family announced the sad news on social media, describing her as “an icon in every sense of the word.”
“This morning we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna,” her daughter Amanda wrote. “She was an icon in every sense of the word, and we will miss her dearly… along with the rest of Australia.”
Maggie, affectionately known as “Maggie T,” began her illustrious career as a model before transitioning into roles that cemented her as a household name. Her impact on Australian culture was profound, with highlights including her 15-year tenure as fashion editor for The Australian Women’s Weekly and her status as a two-time Gold Logie winner.
From her earliest days in the spotlight, Maggie radiated a signature elegance that captivated Australians for decades. Discovered by renowned photographer Helmut Newton, her career skyrocketed with daring and distinctive photo shoots that broke the mould of traditional fashion photography.
“Helmut renamed me Maggie,” she recalled in her 1999 memoir, sharing how Newton’s groundbreaking images catapulted her to near-supermodel status.
Maggie’s influence extended well beyond modelling. She worked with The Weekly for 15 years and later regularly graced the Aussie magazine’s covers.
In a 2023 interview with The Australian Women’s Weekly, Maggie reflected on her lifelong commitment to elegance. Even in her later years, she embraced glamour daily, dressing with the help of her carers and adorning herself with her favourite pearls and jewels.
Maggie’s career also flourished in television, earning her two Gold Logies for her charisma and charm. Her legacy in fashion was further solidified with the launch of her own clothing label, Maggie T, which offered timeless styles for women of all sizes.
Her personal life was as colourful as her career. Married twice, Maggie’s relationship with Ettore Prossimo, a charismatic restaurateur, was one of passion and tempestuousness.
“I was smitten from that first meeting, that was it,” she reflected during an interview with AWW. “Eventually we got married but it didn’t last because he was a naughty boy. It was a very tempestuous relationship.”
Despite her successes, Maggie remained relatable and grounded. “Modeling was bloody hard work,” she once joked, recounting her balancing act between career and motherhood.
Maggie Tabberer’s legacy will endure as a symbol of grace, resilience, and trailblazing creativity. From redefining Australian fashion to winning hearts on TV, her contributions spanned generations and industries.
She is survived by her daughters and grandchildren, who will carry forward the memories of their “beautiful mother and Nanna.”
Maggie T, as she was fondly known, will be remembered as a true icon who epitomized style, wit, and sophistication, leaving an indelible mark on Australian culture, with journalist Andrew Hornery leading public tributes.
“Legend. Icon. Champion. There are not enough descriptors to truly encapsulate what she represented over a seven-decade career,” he penned.
“She enjoyed a little tittle-tattle and had a wonderful sense of humour – self-deprecating but always positive.”
“What a life. Vale lovely lady.”
Jesica Rowe also took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late fashion icon.
“Heartbroken over the passing of television & fashion icon Maggie Tabberer,” she wrote. “Maggie was elegant, generous, brave & such good fun. And a trailblazer & supporter of women. I’ll never forget sitting next to her at Logies. I’m thinking so much about her beautiful girls & sending so much love.”
Sophie Tedmanson, Editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly, said: “Maggie Tabberer was an Australian fashion icon who empowered women around the world as well as at The Australian Women’s Weekly, where she remains a much-loved family member.
We are honoured to have photographed Maggie for her last photo shoot when she graced the cover of our September 2023 issue to celebrate The Weekly’s 90th birthday. At the time she was asked what she would advise women following in her footsteps, and she said: ‘Do something you love’. We thank Maggie for her extraordinary legacy and send love to her entire family.”
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