Barbie designers killed after fatal car crash
The Barbie team is distraught after two of its beloved designers passed away after they got into a fatal road accident in Italy.
Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, the designers behind the popular Barbie dolls, were killed in a head-on collision on the A4 Turin-Milan highway. According to local news reports, an 82-year-old driver, Egidio Ceriano, was traveling the wrong way on the highway when he collided with the designers' vehicle. He was reported to have been driving in the wrong direction for a little over four miles before the accident.
All three men died in the crash, along with Amodio Valerio Giurni, a banker who was a passenger in the designers' car. Giurni's wife, Silvia Moramarco, survived the accident and is receiving medical attention at a hospital.
After their tragic deaths, the Barbie brand posted a heartfelt tribute to Paglino and Grossi on Instagram.
"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," their statement read.
Describing them as "passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors," the company shared how "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," they wrote.
The tribute also highlighted some of the pair's remarkable achievements, such as the Italian Doll Convention, which is the largest fashion dolls event in Europe.
"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," they ended.
Paglino and Grossi, both professional and romantic partners, are known for creating couture-level Barbie dolls under their company Magia2000. Today, the brand regularly collaborates with Mattel Italy and Europe on many special Barbie projects, and is considered an official external Barbie designer for events, per their website.
