Leigh Magar, Milliner Turned Indigo Artist, Dies at 57
Leigh Magar, a milliner turned textile artist and indigo grower, died on April 16 at her home on Kauai, Hawaii, at age 57. The cause was breast cancer, her husband Johnny Tucker said. The couple moved from Johns Island, S.C., to Kauai last summer for a tropical respite. Before her 'seed-to-stitch' indigo practice, Magar was a high-end milliner in Charleston, S.C., selling hats at Magar Hatworks and Barneys New York. Her clients included Eartha Kitt, Nick Cave, and Michael Stipe.
Key facts
- Leigh Magar died on April 16, 2026, at age 57.
- Cause of death was breast cancer.
- She lived on Kauai, Hawaii, with her husband Johnny Tucker.
- Previously lived on Johns Island, S.C., and had a millinery studio in Charleston, S.C.
- She transitioned from millinery to indigo dyeing and textile art.
- Her practice was called 'seed-to-stitch', similar to farm-to-table.
- She sold hats at Magar Hatworks and Barneys New York.
- Clients included Eartha Kitt, Nick Cave, and Michael Stipe.
Entities
Artists
- Leigh Magar
- Eartha Kitt
- Nick Cave
- Michael Stipe
Institutions
- Magar Hatworks
- Barneys New York
Locations
- Kauai
- Hawaii
- Johns Island
- South Carolina
- Charleston