Jul 30
Barbie Designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi Die in Tragic Car Accident
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Internationally acclaimed Barbie designers Mario Paglino, 52, and Gianni Grossi, 55, known for their visionary work as both creative and romantic partners, died in a head-on car collision on July 27, 2025, on the A4 Turin-Milan highway in northern Italy. According to Italian news agency ANSA and coverage from major outlets, the crash was caused by an 82-year-old man, Egidio Ceriano, who drove his vehicle in the wrong direction for over four miles, resulting in a fatal collision that also claimed the lives of banker Amodio Valerio Giurni and Ceriano himself. Another passenger, Silvia Moramacro, was hospitalized in critical condition following the crash .
Paglino and Grossi, partners in life and work, founded Magia2000 in 1999. The brand quickly gained a global reputation for its couture-level Barbie dolls, celebrated for their meticulous detail, avant-garde fashion, and tributes to pop culture icons. Their creations paid homage to stars such as Madonna, Lady Gaga, Cher, Victoria Beckham, and Sarah Jessica Parker, and were highly sought after by collectors for their dramatic silhouettes and editorial styling .
Through Magia2000, Paglino and Grossi not only elevated Barbie as a fashion muse but also used their platform to champion diversity and LGBTQ+ visibility. Their open partnership and public profiles as gay designers in the toy and collectibles industry sent a powerful message of affirmation and inclusion to fans worldwide. Their work extended beyond nostalgia, using Barbie as a means to celebrate self-expression, identity, and the vibrancy of LGBTQ+ culture.
Barbie’s official Instagram account, representing Mattel, posted a heartfelt tribute: "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 continued, emphasizing the couple’s indelible impact on the Barbie community and the inspiration they provided to collectors, fans, and aspiring artists around the world.
Within LGBTQ+ circles, Paglino and Grossi have long been held as trailblazers, demonstrating the power of authenticity and creativity in spaces where such representation has often been limited. Collectors and fans took to social media to share memories of meeting the pair at conventions, purchasing custom dolls that reflected their own identities, and expressing gratitude for the safe spaces Magia2000 fostered within the collectibles world .
Paglino and Grossi’s sudden passing leaves a profound void in both the fashion doll and LGBTQ+ communities. Their partnership, which spanned both personal and professional realms, showcased the possibilities of collaboration, love, and shared vision. As news spreads, tributes continue to pour in from across the globe, with many noting the duo’s commitment to using their artistry for positive change.
For many LGBTQ+ people, the story of Magia2000 is not just about dolls but about the right to imagine, create, and celebrate oneself without apology. In the words of one tribute posted by a longtime collector: "Mario and Gianni didn’t just design dolls—they designed dreams. Their courage and love made it possible for so many of us to see ourselves reflected in art and in life" .
As the global community mourns, the legacy of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi endures in every doll, every collector’s shelf, and every person inspired by their unapologetic visibility.
