Australia's first supermodel dies at age 87
Australia's first supermodel Maggie Tabberer has passed away at the age of 87.
The two-time Gold Logie winner and Australian television icon died on Friday morning, her daughter confirmed in an emotional Instagram post.
“This morning we lost our beautiful mother and Nanna,” Maggie’s daughter, author and stylist Amanda Tabberer wrote.
“She was an icon in every sense of the word and we will miss her dearly … along with the rest of Australia. Rest in peace Nanna. We love you to bits forever.”
Kicking off decades of work in the modelling and television industry, Ms Tabberer was one of Australia’s best-known entertainment personalities after being named Australia’s Model of the Year in 1960.
Throughout her career, Tabberer wrote a fashion column for The Daily Mirror, was the subject of two Archibald prize winning artworks, hosted her own chat show, launched her own clothing label, and was the fashion editor of The Australian Women’s Weekly.
In 1998, Ms Tabberer was awarded the Order of Australia for her contributions to the fashion industry and support for various charities.
Journalist Andrew Hornery led the tributes for Maggie, as he took to his Instagram account with a touching tribute to Ms Tabberer, calling her a “legend, icon (and) champion”.
“There are not enough descriptors to truly encapsulate what she represented over a seven decade career,” Mr Hornery wrote. “We crossed paths many times and it was always a pleasure."
“She enjoyed a little tittle tattle and had a wonderful sense of humour - self deprecating but always positive. What a life. Vale lovely lady.”
TV host and journalist Leila McKinnon wrote, "Beautiful Maggie, what a wonderful woman, vale to such a generous spirit, we loved her. Sending our love to you ❤️."
Image credits: Instagram / Australian Women’s Weekly / news.com.au