Friends ‘in shock’ after Sydney stylist and socialite Jo Ferguson dies at 46

Friends of a Sydney stylist and socialite known for her long blonde locks and a love of Chanel handbags have expressed heartbreak over her death.

Celebrity stylist and former social butterfly Jo Ferguson has died of suspected liver and kidney failure at the age of 46.

Known, on the outside, for her long blonde locks, her slim, permanently tanned legs and a love of Chanel handbags and Carla Zampatti clothes, Ferguson has battled health issues the past few years and only a month ago was on life support, before pulling through and being allowed to go home.

Jo, who was a long-standing Cleo magazine fashion editor, was thrilled to be back in her home on March 19, saying “after being placed on life support for a week ago how the body reacts is amazing”.

“Did someone say coronavirus? Wait until you are real sick to cry wolf.”

Jo also had a dig at people who had been knocking off the antibacterial liquid and toilet paper from Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, saying “like me, other patients need this not just for coronavirus but because we are unwell”.

Once home, Jo was proudly showing off her stylish Adelaide digs and collection of luxury handbags on her Facebook and Instagram posts.

Jo Ferguson at the 2008 Cleo Bachelor of The Year Award in Walsh Bay, Sydney.

Terry Biviano and Jo Ferguson at the 2012 Paspaley Polo In The City in Centennial Park.

A post from Jo's Facebook page on February 25.

Former editor of Cleo and publishing powerhouse Deborah Thomas said she was “so sad” to hear the news.

“When I edited Cleo mag, Jo was our fashion editor and she was a gorgeous, bubbly and loyal human being taken away too early,” she said.

“RIP you beautiful woman.”

Interior designer and event stylist Alex Zabotto-Bentley has posted his feelings online, referring to his friend as an enigmatic and vibrant friend.

“It is a painful realisation that you left this journey to begin a new and very beautiful one,” says Alex.

“Jo has been unwell and her health failed her. You were one of the first faces I met when I moved to Sydney and we worked at Elle magazine then tumbled through so many years sharing amazing experiences.

“You were style personified and showed how completely fabulous you always were but your sweet, gentle, vulnerable side was always what attracted me.”

Jo Ferguson, David Gyngell, Tom Williams and Kylie Spear pose in the David Jones Marquee on Emirates Doncaster Day at the Royal Randwick Racecourse on April 26, 2008. Picture: Ruth Schwarzenholz

Jo was back in hospital on March 14.

Jo was one of the bridesmaids at the wedding of Australian-born uber model Kristy Hinze, who married American entrepreneur Jim Clark, ten years ago on the British Virgin Islands island, Virgin Gorda.

On her Facebook page, friends and colleagues have already posted tributes to the vivacious 46 year old, who pulled up stumps from Sydney and moved to Adelaide a few years ago.

Her close friends are “in shock”, “heartbroken”, “overwhelmingly sad” and “hard to digest”, including Dominique Arabella-Stokes who simply said, “Rest in peace. You left a beautiful mark on the world and you will not be forgotten.”

A girlfriend of 30 years, Annie Bloom, told news.com.au she is totally heartbroken.

“I’m actually in the bath right now with candles and lighting sage to remember the good times with her, drink in hand.

“We had known each other for 30 years and we have stayed in contact a lot in the last few years.

“Despite all the drama, she had a heart of gold. She was a broken soul with lots of health issues and I really hope she finally can be at peace.”

2003: Socialite Jo Ferguson at the Bondi Iceberg Bar. Picture: Michael Perini.

She posted again on March 19 after being discharged from hospital.

Jo dated the TV host Tom Williams, before he married fashion designer Rachel Gilbert and there was a mooted relationship with luxury car dealer and sailor, Neville Crichton.

Earlier this year, it was reported Jo had blood poisoning, when in 2017, she had fallen down 27 steps, lost 4 litres of blood and wasn’t found for a few hours.

Fashion publicist Tory Archbold spoke to Jo last week and said she is extremely saddened by her death.

“I choose to cherish the beautiful side of Jo and the good times we all shared, “ says Ms Archbold.

“The woman who transformed so many lives with her stylish tips and connections who would always turn up to support a friend and never stopped calling those she held dear in the last few weeks.

“She will be missed.”

Jo’s poignant final social media post referred to her once again being back in hospital.

“Never ending … now draining with a tube.”

Jo is survived by her mum, Patricia and her brother, Scott Ferguson.

Jo’s poignant final social media post referred to her once again being back in hospital. “Never ending … now draining with a tube.”

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