'Barbie' designers Mario Paglino & Gianni Grossi killed in a devastating car crash; fans mourn the legends

In heartbreaking news for the global fashion doll community, celebrated Barbie designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, best known as the creative force behind Magia2000, tragically lost their lives in a car crash on July 27 in Italy. The duo, who brought glamour and innovation to Barbie design, were killed in a devastating head-on collision on the A4 Turin-Milan highway.

According to Italian media reports, the accident occurred when 82-year-old Egidio Ceriano mistakenly drove several kilometres on the wrong side of the highway, leading to a fatal crash. Along with Paglino, 52, and Grossi, 55, a third victim, 37-year-old banker Amodio Valerio Giurni also died. One woman, reportedly the wife of one of the victims, was seriously injured and remains hospitalised. The elderly driver, Ceriano, was also killed on the spot.

Paglino and Grossi were not just designers, they were global icons in the Barbie collector universe. In 1999, they co-founded Magia2000, a brand that redefined the doll as a work of couture art. Known for their one-of-a-kind creations inspired by celebrities, pop icons, and high fashion, their work honoured names like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Cher, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Their attention to detail and love for Barbie earned them the prestigious Barbie Best Friend Award in 2016.

The tragic news shook fans and the Barbie brand itself. On July 28, the official Barbie Instagram account posted an emotional tribute, calling the pair “treasured creators” and celebrating their artistic legacy. “Mario and Gianni, you will be missed,” the brand wrote, remembering their ability to light up every room and transform each doll into a masterpiece.

As Barbie fever continues to sweep the world, thanks to recent fashion collaborations, collectibles, and the blockbuster 2023 film, this loss feels especially poignant. Paglino and Grossi were central to keeping the Barbie spirit alive among collectors, hosting the Italian Doll Convention in Milan and sharing their passion across continents.

The void they leave behind in the Barbie universe is irreplaceable. But through every intricately crafted doll and every collector's shelf, their legacy will continue to sparkle.