The Barbie world has lost two of its brightest stars. This week, tragedy struck the global Barbie collector community as renowned designers and life partners Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were killed in a car crash in Italy.
The couple, famous for their custom Barbie dolls and longtime collaboration with Mattel, died in a head-on collision with an 82-year-old man driving the wrong way on an Italian highway. According to reports from Italian media, the driver, Egidio Ceriano, had recently renewed his license in 2023.
He reportedly drove over four miles in the wrong direction before the fatal crash. Ceriano and a passenger in the couple’s car also lost their lives. Paglino and Grossi operated under the creative brand Magni2000, producing dazzling tribute dolls of queer icons and pop legends like Cher, Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Victoria Beckham.
One of their most cherished creations—a Madonna-inspired Barbie—was designed to raise funds for charity. Their work also appeared in a landmark 2008 issue of Vogue titled The Black Barbie.
Mattel released an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing:
“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 Magnia2000. As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece.”
For so many in the queer community, Mario and Gianni weren’t just dollmakers—they were dreamweavers, transforming plastic into power, fashion, and fearless expression. They will be deeply missed.
