It is with profound sorrow that we mourn the passing of celebrated Barbie designers Mario Paglino, 52, and Gianni Grossi, 48, along with their friend Amodio Valerio Giurni, 37, and Egidio Ceriani, 82, following a catastrophic traffic collision on Sunday, July 27, 2025, on the A4 Turin-Milan highway near Mesero, approximately 31 kilometers west of Milan, Italy.

The tragic head-on collision occurred when an SUV carrying Paglino, Grossi, Giurni, and Giurni’s wife, Silvia Moramarco, 37, was struck by a Peugeot 207 driven by Ceriani, who was traveling in the wrong direction. According to authorities, Ceriani, a resident of Cerano in Novara province, had missed a toll booth, made a U-turn, and driven against traffic for approximately 7 kilometers at speeds exceeding 129 kph (80 mph) before the fatal crash. The impact, which took place near the Marcallo-Mesero tollbooth, was so severe that both vehicles were destroyed, leaving no chance for survival for four of the five individuals involved.

**A Heartbreaking Toll
The collision claimed the lives of Mario Paglino, Gianni Grossi, Amodio Valerio Giurni, and Egidio Ceriani. Silvia Moramarco, the sole survivor, was airlifted to Niguarda Hospital in Milan in critical condition, suffering from chest trauma and fractures to a leg and arm. Recent reports indicate she has awakened from a coma and is beginning to recall the horrific event, though her recovery remains uncertain. The group was reportedly en route to a lake for a day trip, a joyful outing that ended in unimaginable tragedy.

**Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi: Icons of Creativity
Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were not only partners in life but also in their groundbreaking work as the creative duo behind Magia2000, a company they founded in 1999 in Novara, Italy. Renowned for their custom Barbie dolls, they transformed the iconic toy into works of art inspired by pop culture, high fashion, and fine art. Their creations, which included dolls modeled after cultural icons like Madonna, Cher, Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Sophia Loren, captivated collectors worldwide and earned them a devoted following.

In 2006, Paglino and Grossi made history as the first non-American artists to design a commemorative Barbie doll, a testament to their global influence. Their work was celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship and cultural resonance, with one of their dolls fetching €15,000 at a 2015 charity auction. In 2016, they received the prestigious Barbie Best Friend Award from legendary Mattel designer Carol Spencer, recognizing their contributions to the brand.

Beyond their designs, Paglino and Grossi were pillars of the Barbie community. They founded the Italian Doll Convention in 2011, Europe’s largest fashion doll event, and served as consultants for the “Barbie The Icon” exhibition in Milan and Rome. Their generosity was boundless, as they frequently created dolls for charity auctions, supporting causes close to collectors’ hearts.

Mattel, the parent company of Barbie, paid tribute to the duo on Instagram, stating: “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. 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. Barbie honors their memory with deep gratitude.”

**Amodio Valerio Giurni: A Life Cut Short
Also lost in the crash was Amodio Valerio Giurni, a 37-year-old banker from Potenza who had settled in Novara. Described as a dedicated professional at Banco BPM, Giurni had married Silvia Moramarco in October 2023. The couple, longtime friends of Paglino and Grossi, shared a close bond, living in the same neighborhood in Novara. Giurni’s untimely death has left his family, colleagues, and community in deep mourning, with many remembering him for his warmth and commitment to those around him.

**Egidio Ceriani: A Tragic Mistake
Egidio Ceriani, the 82-year-old driver of the Peugeot 207, also perished in the crash. Originally from Magenta in the Milanese area and a resident of Cerano, Ceriani reportedly drove the wrong way after realizing he had missed the Arluno toll booth. A friend of Ceriani’s family later shared that he had not slept for two days prior to the incident and had left home to purchase sleeping pills, suggesting possible fatigue or confusion may have contributed to the error. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances, including potential medical or cognitive factors, as Ceriani’s family grieves his loss.

**A Global Community in Mourning
The deaths of Paglino and Grossi have sent shockwaves through the international doll and design communities. Fans and collectors have flooded social media with tributes, celebrating the duo’s infectious enthusiasm, kindness, and unparalleled artistry. One collector wrote on Magia2000’s Instagram, “Your incredible artistry will always be unparalleled. Your kindness and charity work is a testament to the unique beautiful light that shined through you both.” Another shared, “Their love for each other and for their art was evident in everything they did. They inspired countless artists and collectors around the globe.”

Author Carol JS Roth, a friend of the duo, expressed her grief on Instagram: “I am in tears over the passing of my sweet friends, Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi.” The outpouring of love reflects the profound impact Paglino and Grossi had, not only as designers but as individuals who fostered a sense of belonging within the Barbie community.

**A Legacy of Joy and Inspiration
Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi’s legacy is one of creativity, partnership, and joy. Through Magia2000, they built a global community united by their shared passion for Barbie and the artistry of doll design. Their story—of love, resilience, and innovation—continues to inspire, even in the wake of this tragedy. Paglino, who once spoke to *La Stampa* about overcoming childhood bullying to find success with Grossi, leaves behind a powerful narrative of triumph and authenticity.

Amodio Giurni’s memory lives on through the lives he touched, from his family and friends to his professional circle. Egidio Ceriani, though at the center of the tragic error, is remembered by his loved ones as they navigate their grief.

**Final Reflections
As investigations into the crash continue, the focus remains on honoring the lives lost and supporting Silvia Moramarco’s recovery. Funeral arrangements and memorial services for the victims have yet to be announced, but the global Barbie community is already planning tributes to celebrate Paglino and Grossi’s contributions.

May Mario Paglino, Gianni Grossi, Amodio Valerio Giurni, and Egidio Ceriani rest in eternal peace. Their stories, though cut short, will endure through the beauty they brought to the world and the hearts they touched along the way.