Barbie designers killed in car crash: ‘Barbie is better because they loved the brand’ | The Independent Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Not nowYes pleaseUS EditionChangeSupport NowSupport NowMenuMoreThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inNext articleBarbie designers killed in car crash: ‘Barbie is better because they loved the brand’The two business and romantic partners died after an 82-year-old, reportedly driving the wrong way on Italy’s A4 Turin-Milan highway, collided head-on with their carin New YorkWednesday 30 July 2025 00:15 BSTCommentsopen image in galleryBarbie designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were killed in a car crash Sunday with the doll brand writing in a tribute, 'Barbie is better because they loved the brand' (Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)Your support helps us to tell the storyRead moreFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreBarbie designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were killed in a car crash Sunday with the doll brand writing in a tribute, “Barbie is better because they loved the brand.”The business and romantic partners died after 82-year-old Egidio Ceriano, driving the wrong way on Italy’s A4 Turin-Milan highway, collided head-on with their car in Lombardy, according to Italian news outlet ANSA. Ceriano is accused of driving about four miles in the wrong direction before the crash. Amodio Valerio Giurni, a bank employee, and his wife, Silvia Moramacro, were also in the doll designers’ car, according to the Italian outlet. Giurni died and Moramacro was hospitalized.Ceriano, who also died in the crash, had renewed his license two years ago, ANSA reported.open image in galleryBarbie designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were killed in a car crash Sunday with the doll brand writing in tribute, 'Barbie is better because they loved the brand' (Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)In the wake of the crash, Mattel, the maker of Barbie, released a statement 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."Paglino and Grossi’s Magina2000 company specialized in custom dolls. Their work earned them the Barbie Best Friend Award from Barbie fashion designer Carol Spencer in 2016, according to the duo’s website.The two are known for their celebrity dolls, which included singers Cher and Lady Gaga and actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Sophia Loren. But the most notable celebrity dolls they created were dedicated to Madonna. After being part of the London “Simply Madonna” Exhibit in 2009, Paglino and Grossi met the singer in person on “The Graham Norton Show.” RecommendedFood Network star Anne Burrell’s cause of death revealed five weeks after she died aged 55Brooke Hogan breaks silence on estranged father Hulk’s deathOzzy Osbourne funeral plans revealed including final trip through Birmingham"Their generosity was boundless, creating countless dolls to be auctioned to benefit charities close to fellow collectors’ hearts," Mattel’s statement read. In 2015, the pair auctioned one of their dolls at the National Barbie Convention for $15,000 for charity.Mattel concluded its statement by writing: “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."More aboutJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead nextToday’s EditionIndependent en EspañolIndependent ArabiaIndependent TurkishIndependent PersianIndependent UrduThe StandardPuzzlesIndependent AdvertisingSyndicationWorking at The IndependentModern Slavery StatementThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in , Mario Paglino, 52, and Gianni Grossi, 54, Die; Designers Made Barbies Into Art They transformed dolls into one-of-a-kind pieces that sold for thousands of dollars., Mario paglino and Gianni Grossi, designers who turned Barbie dolls into one-of-a-kind works of art that sold for thousands of dollars — including one that fetched more than $15,000 at a charity auction — died July 27 in Italy. Mr. paglino was 52; Mr. Grossi was 54..