Barbie designers, Madonna doll makers killed in wrong-way car crash
Barbie designers and Madonna doll makers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were among four people killed in an Italian car accident over the weekend, according to ANSA, the Italian news service, and other local news reports.
On July 27, a driver entered the road in the wrong direction near the border between the Italian regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, according to local news reports. Four people died, and one person was seriously injured, who was transported by air ambulance to Niguarda Hospital in Milan.
Barbie designers die in car accident
What they're saying:
Barbie brand Mattel released a statement on the doll company’s Instagram account, honoring the artists who lost their lives.
"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 read. "As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, 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."
Gianni Grossi and Mario Paglino attend the premiere for the movie "Barbie" at Cinema Anteo CityLife on July 18, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Credit: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)
Mattel featured a photo of Paglino and Grossi posing beside a Barbie sign.
Mattel added: "Whether leading the Italian Doll Convention in Milan or showcasing their talents and love for Barbie at doll shows all over the world, their presence brought warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging … 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."
About Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi
Dig deeper:
Fashion designer Paglino and graphic art director Grossi launched their company Magia 2000 in 1999 and over the years collaborated with Mattel to create Barbie dolls, dresses and other special collections.
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Featured on Vogue, Elle, Vanity Fair, Cosmopolitan and many collectors magazines, they were famous for their celebrity dolls including Cher, Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Laura Pausini, Giorgia, Sophia Loren and Lady Gaga.
They gained particular recognition for their Madonna-inspired doll. After it was featured in the 2009 "Simply Madonna" exhibit in London, they had the honor of meeting the singer in person during an appearance on "The Graham Norton Show."
The Source: The information for this story was provided by Mattel and company Magia 2000’s website. The Hollywood Reporter, ANSA contributed. This story was reported from Los Angeles.