.jpg)
13 hours ago
2
Celebrity Deaths: 2025’s Fallen Stars
Barbie is honoring two of its own.
After Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were killed in a car accident July 27 on Italy's A4 Turin-Milan highway, the Mattel brand mourned the passing of the beloved doll designers.
"As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece,” the Barbie team wrote on Instagram July 28. "Beyond their remarkable talent, they shared an energy that lit up every space they entered."
Paglino, 52, and Grossi, 48—who were in a relationship as well as professional partners—founded their company Magia2000 in 1999 to create and sell custom Barbie dolls, according to their website. The couple's passion for the fashion dolls continued to fuel their careers as they went on to found the Italian Doll Convention and become consultants for the "Barbie The Icon" in the country.
Their company had designed several Barbie tributes to celebrities, including Cher, Victoria Beckham and Sarah Jessica Parker. But their true muse? Madonna. Indeed, Magia2000 often showcased projects inspired by the “Material Girl” singer, including most recently, one in honor of Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn Monroe” masterpiece.
"Their presence brought warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging,” Barbie continued. "Their generosity was boundless, creating countless dolls to be auctioned to benefit charities close to fellow collectors' hearts. Barbie is better because they loved the brand, and our beloved collector community is richer for having known them and shared in their passion.”
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
Paglino and Grossi were driving between the cities of Novara Est and Marcallo Mesero in north-west Italy with their friend Amodio Giurn when another car entered on the wrong side of the road, Sky News’ Italian channel TG24 reported. Giurn, 38, was also killed in the head-on collision, as was the driver of the other vehicle, Egidio Ceriano, 82. Giurn’s wife, 37, was the sole survivor.
With Paglino and Grossi’s tragic death, members of the doll community expressed their grief for the collectors, with one writing on Magia2000’s Instagram account, “Your incredible artistry will always be unparalleled. Your kindness and charity work is a testament to the unique beautiful light that shined through you both.”
(E! and Sky News are both part of the Comcast family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US)