Italian designer couple who transformed Barbies into luxury works of art die

Italian designers Mario Paglino, 52, and Gianni Grossi, 54, internationally known for transforming Barbie dolls into unique pieces valued at thousands of dollars, died on July 27 in a car accident on the A4 highway connecting Turin and Milan, Italy. According to the Italian news agency ANSA, their vehicle collided with another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.

Married in 2022 in New York, they lived and worked together in Novara, a region near Milan, and were celebrities in the global community of doll collectors.

Kim Culmone, head of design for Mattel 's doll line, highlighted the recognition the duo has earned in the industry. "There are different levels of people who do this kind of work. And Gianni and Mario were really a cut above," she said.

Paglino, a fashion graduate, and Grossi, a graphic art director, were admired for their meticulous craftsmanship. Their creations featured embroidery, appliqués, crystals, rhinestones, sequins, and beads on fabrics such as silk, satin, and tulle. Most of the dolls sold for between $2,000 and $3,000 (between R$10,900 and R$16,200), but some pieces fetched much higher prices at charity auctions.

Among the works were Barbies inspired by renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Piet Mondrian, Gustav Klimt, Andy Warhol , and Frida Kahlo . The couple also drew inspiration from pop culture icons, with singer Madonna being a favorite. In 2012, they saw her receive one of their creations on the British program The Graham Norton Show . After the designers' deaths, the artist dedicated the 40th anniversary reissue of Dress You Up to their memory, thanking them for "dressing so many creations featuring iconic Madonna looks over the years," according to Rolling Stone .

In addition to their own collections, which reached 60 dolls per launch, they collaborated with Mattel on the Inspiring Women project, which pays tribute to historical female figures.

Grossi was born in Biella in 1970 and is survived by his mother, Marissa, and a half-sister, Luisa. Paglino was born in Turin in 1973 and is survived by his parents, Maria Concetta and Giuseppe, and his brothers Max and Matteo.

Passion for Barbie

Paglino's interest in the doll began at age 9, when he received a Dream Date Barbie, but his father took the toy away after teasing him at school. Years later, Grossi gave him the same model, rekindling his passion for the brand.

The couple met in 1997 and founded Magia2000 in 1999, a name that combines the Italian word "magic" with the first letters of the names Mario and Gianni. Their Barbies underwent a complete makeover process: face painting, hair styling, and exclusive outfits. The designers worked with silkstone , a composite material that gives the dolls a porcelain finish.

Culmone said the two had "a very couture approach -- very detailed -- with impeccable dress construction, a keen eye for color, prints and patterns, and a sense of drama and theatricality." He added: "Because of them, our community is better. My design team is better. Barbie is better."