It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Mario Paglino, 52, and Gianni Grossi, 48, celebrated fashion designers behind the iconic Barbie doll creations, along with Egidio Ceriani, 82, and Amodio Valerio Giurni, 37, following a catastrophic traffic collision on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The devastating incident occurred on the A4 Turin-Milan highway near Mesero, Italy, approximately 31 kilometers west of Milan.
The tragic crash happened when a Peugeot 3008 SUV, carrying Paglino, Grossi, Giurni, and Giurni’s wife, Silvia Moramarco, 36, collided head-on with a Peugeot 207 driven by Egidio Ceriani. Authorities report that Ceriani, after missing a toll booth, made a dangerous U-turn and drove against oncoming traffic for approximately 7 kilometers at speeds exceeding 129 kph (80 mph). The violent impact claimed the lives of Paglino, Grossi, Giurni, and Ceriani. Silvia Moramarco, the sole survivor, was airlifted to Niguarda Hospital in Milan in critical condition but has since been awakened from a medically induced coma and is recovering, though she faces a long road ahead.
### A Devastating Blow to the Creative World
The collision has left an indelible mark on the global creative and collector communities, particularly among Barbie enthusiasts. Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, partners in both life and work, were the visionary founders of Magia2000, a company they established in 1999 in Novara, Italy. Magia2000 specialized in crafting bespoke, collectible Barbie dolls inspired by pop culture, high fashion, and fine art, earning the duo international acclaim.
Their creations, which included tributes to cultural icons such as Madonna, Cher, Lady Gaga, Sophia Loren, and Sarah Jessica Parker, were celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship and artistic innovation. In 2006, Paglino and Grossi made history as the first non-American artists to design an official Barbie souvenir doll, the Barbie Film Noir, for the National Barbie Convention. Their work also included notable exhibitions, such as the 2009 “Simply Madonna” showcase in London, and a doll inspired by Van Gogh’s *Irises* that sold for €15,000 at a 2015 charity auction. In 2016, their contributions were honored with the prestigious Barbie Best Friend Award from legendary Mattel designer Carol Spencer.
Mattel, the parent company of Barbie, shared a heartfelt tribute 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 Magia2000. As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece. Their generosity was boundless, creating countless dolls to benefit charities close to fellow collectors’ hearts. Barbie is better because they loved the brand, and our beloved collector community is richer for having known them.”
### A Community United in Grief
The deaths of Paglino and Grossi have reverberated across the global doll and design communities. Known for their warmth, infectious energy, and dedication to their craft, the couple inspired countless collectors, artists, and fans. They founded the Italian Doll Convention in 2011, the largest fashion doll event in Europe, and served as consultants for the “Barbie The Icon” exhibition in Milan and Rome. Their Novara-based workshop was a hub of creativity, where they transformed their passion for Barbie into works of art that blended haute couture with cultural storytelling.
Tributes have poured in from fans and collaborators worldwide. One collector wrote on Magia2000’s Instagram, “Your incredible artistry will always be unparalleled. Your kindness and charity work are a testament to the unique, beautiful light that shined through you both.” Another fan shared, “Mario and Gianni’s love for each other and their art inspired me to see Barbie in a new way. Their loss is immeasurable.”
### Remembering Egidio Ceriani and Amodio Giurni
The tragedy also claimed the lives of Egidio Ceriani, the 82-year-old driver from Cerano, Novara, originally from Magenta, Milan, and Amodio Valerio Giurni, a 37-year-old banker from Potenza, who had recently married Silvia Moramarco in October 2023. Ceriani’s fatal decision to drive against traffic, possibly due to confusion or fatigue, led to the catastrophic collision. Reports suggest he had not slept for two days and may have been seeking sleeping pills at the time of the incident. His family is mourning his loss as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances.
Giurni, described as a dedicated professional at Banco BPM, was traveling with his wife and close friends Paglino and Grossi on a day trip to a lake when the accident occurred. His untimely death has left his loved ones and colleagues in shock, compounding the grief of this devastating event.
### A Lasting Legacy of Love and Art
Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi’s legacy transcends their remarkable contributions to the world of fashion dolls. Their company name, Magia2000, reflected the magic they created together—an anagram of their names, “MA-rio” and “GIA-nni,” symbolizing their inseparable bond. Their dolls, inspired by masterpieces like Frida Kahlo’s *The Two Fridas* and Piet Mondrian’s *Composition with Red, Blue, and Yellow*, brought joy and inspiration to collectors worldwide. Their work was not just about dolls but about celebrating beauty, diversity, and creativity.
The couple’s story is one of love, partnership, and artistic excellence. They built a global community united by a shared passion for Barbie, leaving behind a legacy that will endure through their creations and the countless lives they touched.
### Final Words
As the investigation continues and the world mourns, there is a profound sense of gratitude for the joy, artistry, and community that Mario Paglino, Gianni Grossi, and their friends brought into the world. Their contributions will live on in the hearts of collectors, the beauty of their dolls, and the memories of their kindness.
Funeral arrangements for Paglino, Grossi, Giurni, and Ceriani have yet to be announced. Silvia Moramarco’s recovery remains a beacon of hope amidst this tragedy.
May Mario Paglino, Gianni Grossi, Amodio Giurni, and Egidio Ceriani rest in eternal peace, their lives forever remembered for the light they brought to those around them.
