Barbie Team Mourns 2 Tragic Deaths originally appeared on Parade.
The Barbie brand suffered a major loss when designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were killed in a car accident in Italy.
Local news outlets reported that Paglino and Grossi died after a driver entered a road on Sunday, July 27, traveling in the wrong direction. The day after the tragedy, the official Barbie Instagram account released a statement from Mattel, the brand behind the famous doll.
“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,” the statement read, referring to the partners’ doll-making company. “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.”
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The statement continued: “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. 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. Barbie honors their memory with deep gratitude.”
In the caption, the Barbie account added, “Barbie mourns the loss of two treasured artists whose work has forever shaped the world of dolls. Mario and Gianni, you will be missed.”
Paglino and Grossi notably received the Barbie Best Friend Award in 2016. Their Barbie designs include tributes to celebrities including Cher, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham and Sophia Loren. The duo were also known for their unofficial Madonna dolls, which were featured in a “Simply Madonna” exhibit in London in 2009 and prompted their televised meeting with the pop icon on The Graham Norton Show.
Barbie Team Mourns 2 Tragic Deaths first appeared on Parade on Jul 29, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
