Renowned Barbie designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi killed in a road accident in Italy; Mattel pays tribute
Barbie designers and partners Mario Paglino, 52 and Gianni Grossi, 48, were killed in a car crash with two others in Italy on Sunday. The collision reportedly happened after their SUV rammed into a vehicle driven by an 82-year-old elderly driver going down the wrong side of the highway.
The couple were with old-time friends Amodio Valerio Giurni and his wife Silvia Moramacro in the vehicle and were on a road trip to a lake when the crash happened near Mesero, 31 kilometres west of Milan. Silvia had survived the crash and was rushed to the Hospital in a critical condition, according to a local report from Sky TG24.
The 82-year-old driving the vehicle that crashed into the SUV was identified as Egidio Ceriani. he had made a U-turn after missing a toll booth and was driving the wrong side of the highway for about 6 kilometres at over 128 kph, according to police officials.
Magia2000 and the Barbie collection
Paglino was a fashion designer, and Grossi was a graphic art designer. The two, who were also partners had founded the Magia2000 in 1999. Their company specialised in making custom Barbie dolls that were inspired by pop culture and modern art. The designers were renowned among collectors and fans.
Some of their dolls were inspired by icons like Maddona, Cher, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga and Sara Jessica Parker. They were also the first non-American artist duo to design a souvenir Barbie doll in 2006. Some of their works were also inspired by paintings from artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo and Piet Mondrian. One dolls they made had sold for $15,000 at a charity auction in 2015.
According to the Magia2000 website, the two had also received the Barbie Best Friend Award from iconic designer, Carol Spencer.
Mattel, the parent company of Barbie, paid tribute to the designers on social media, calling them “two treasured artists whose work has forever shaped the world of dolls” in a statement. “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 Magia 2000,” the tribute read.
“As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece. Beyond their remarkable talent, they shared an energy that lit up every space they entered,” the post read.
“Whether leading the Italian Doll Convention in Milan or showcasing their talents and love for Barbie at doll shows all over the world, their presence brought warmth, laughter and a sense of belonging.”
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