A tragic accident has claimed the lives of Barbie designers, Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi. Apart from being professional partners, both of them were also in a romantic relationship. As per reports, the couple was killed in a car crash after an 82-year-old man drove the wrong way on Italy’s A4 Turin-Milan highway. Barbie’s Mattel brand has paid tribute to the designers and their contribution to the brand. Here’s a look at the rich legacy that Mario and Gianni live behind. 

Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi had started their own company in 1999

Mario and Gianni, whose names had been entwined in the world of fashion, will now forever be taken together hereafter. They were two of the most well-known figures in the Barbie fandom. In 1999, they united their passions for design and doll-making, both professionally and romantically, and founded their company, Magia2000. The company soon came to be known for specially curated Barbie dolls inspired by pop culture and modern art. 

Later, as their creativity gained global recognition, Mario and Gianni established their name as fashion and graphic designers. Though their business was based in Novara, Italy, the designers became close to Mattel, the parent company of the Barbie doll. After a while, their customised designs became quite coveted among doll collectors and fans. 

One of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi’s Barbie dolls was auctioned for thousands of dollars

There has always been a frenzy among doll collectors to get their hands on the sought-after Barbie dolls specially designed by Mario and Gianni. A doll designed by them wasn’t just a toy to play with. Instead, it was perceived as a piece of art, modern and high fashion, and a significant part of pop culture. Many of their creations have also been auctioned for charity. In 2015, at the National Barbie Convention in the United States, one of Mario and Gianni’s created Barbie dolls was sold for USD 15,000 (approx. Rs. 13 lakh). Mattel Italia has also promoted these auctions and sold their dolls at huge prices. 

Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi made Barbie dolls inspired by art

The two very different worlds of modern art and doll-making converged when Mario and Gianni stepped into the field. The couple designed a Barbie inspired by the self-portrait of Frida Kahlo titled, The Two Fridas. From Pablo Picasso, Van Gogh, to Gustav Klimt, the two designers paid homage to all the artists who had inspired art movements by making Barbies inspired by these paintings. Hence, in a way, Mario and Gianni had also started a new revolution in the art world. 

Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi also made Barbie dolls inspired by celebrities

For a celebrity to get a Barbie doll modelled after them is one of the most significant moments. However, to be the inspiration of Mario and Gianni and get a Barbie doll designed by them was even more monumental. Very few stars have been lucky enough to get this opportunity. The designers created Barbies inspired by Cher, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, and Sarah Jessica Parker. However, their most popular and coveted creation is the Madonna Barbie doll, inspired by the pop star with the same name. 

Barbie team paid tribute to Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi

After the news of the car crash and the subsequent demise of Mario and Gianni was reported, the Barbie team paid a heartfelt tribute to the designers. They wrote about how Mario and Gianni’s creativity turned everything into a masterpiece. Along with their remarkable talents, the Barbie team also mentioned the passion the designers had for their work. Barbie team penned down on their Instagram handle:

“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.”

More about the accident that claimed the lives of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, among others