Unews World
Renowned Barbie designers and lifelong partners Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi tragically died in a car accident on July 27 in Italy, as per multiple reports. The crash occurred when an 82-year-old man drove his vehicle in the wrong direction on the A4 Turin-Milan highway, leading to a head-on collision. According to Sky TG24 and news agency ANSA, the incident claimed the lives of Paglino, 52, Grossi, 55, and banker Amodio Valerio Giurni, 37. Another person, the wife of one of the victims, was hospitalised with serious injuries. The elderly man, identified as Egidio Ceriano, also died in the crash.
The duo was known globally for their elaborate, couture-level Barbie dolls under their brand Magia2000, which they launched in 1999. Beyond childhood nostalgia, their work turned Barbie into a high fashion muse, one sequin at a time. Their custom dolls paid homage to pop icons like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Cher, Victoria Beckham, and Sarah Jessica Parker, and were prized by collectors for their dramatic silhouettes, intricate detailing, and editorial-worthy styling.On July 28, Barbie’s official Instagram page posted a heartfelt tribute: “Mario and Gianni, you will be missed.” The statement continued, “The Barbie team is heartbroken by the loss of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, two treasured creators and Mattel collaborators who brought joy and artistry to the world of Barbie as Magia2000… Their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece.”
Whether hosting the Italian Doll Convention in Milan or dazzling audiences at global doll shows, Paglino and Grossi’s work brought a sense of magic and elegance to miniature fashion. In 2016, they were honoured with the Barbie Best Friend Award, a nod not just to their talent, but to their enduring impact on the world of style through one of its most iconic figures.
