Barbie Designers Mario Paglino, Gianni Grossi Killed In Tragic Road Accident In Italy

Last Updated:July 30, 2025, 17:25 IST

The couple were travelling with their close friend, Amodio Giurn, and his wife, Silvia Moramacro.

Their creative work was often inspired by the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo (Image: Instagram)

Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, the acclaimed Italian designers known for their iconic contributions to the world of Barbie, tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Sunday, July 27, in Italy. The fatal collision occurred on the A4 Turin–Milan motorway and was reported by Italian news outlet TG24.

According to initial reports, the couple were travelling with their close friend, Amodio Giurn, and his wife, Silvia Moramacro, when their vehicle collided head-on with another car being driven in the wrong direction. The other driver, identified as 82-year-old Egidio Ceriani, was reportedly travelling at a speed of 129 kilometres per hour. The crash claimed the lives of Paglino, Grossi, Giurn, and Ceriani. Moramacro was the sole survivor and has been hospitalised in critical condition.

Paglino and Grossi were reportedly en route to a lake for a day trip when the tragic incident occurred. The crash took place between Novara Est and Marcallo Mesero, in the north-western region of Italy.

More than just professional collaborators, Paglino and Grossi were also romantic partners. In 2006, they made history as the first non-American artists to design a commemorative Barbie doll. Their creative work was often inspired by the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, and Piet Mondrian, blending high art with the cherished world of collectible dolls.

Following the heartbreaking news, tributes flooded in from across the globe. Mattel, the parent company of Barbie, shared an emotional tribute on social media, stating, “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 post went on to honour the “spirit and love" of the “passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors", noting that they “turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece" and “shared an energy that lit up every space they entered."

According to the official Magia2000 website, a doll created by the duo sold for $15,000 at a charity auction in 2015. In 2011, they also founded the Italian Doll Convention, now recognised as the largest fashion doll event in Europe.

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