The creative duo behind some of Barbie’s most iconic custom designs, Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, lost their lives in a devastating car accident in Italy this past Sunday. The two were renowned in the fashion doll world for their intricate and imaginative Barbie designs.

The fatal crash occurred on the A4 Turin-Milan motorway when 82-year-old Egidio Ceriano mistakenly drove the wrong way, causing a head-on collision. According to police reports, Ceriano had missed a toll booth, made an illegal U-turn, and traveled over four miles in the wrong direction at high speed before the crash occurred.

Also in the vehicle with Paglino and Grossi were their friends Amodio Valerio Giurni, a bank employee who died at the scene, and Silvia Moramacro, who remains in critical condition in hospital. Ceriano, the elderly driver, was also killed in the accident. Authorities confirmed that at least one other vehicle narrowly avoided the collision, with witnesses describing their escape as nothing short of miraculous.

Paglino and Grossi were reportedly on their way to spend a relaxing day by the lake, unaware that their journey would end in tragedy.

The pair co-founded Magia2000 in 1999, a brand that gained international acclaim for producing custom, high-fashion Barbie dolls inspired by celebrities and couture. Their work earned them admiration from collectors and fellow designers alike. In 2016, they were honored with the Barbie Best Friend Award by legendary Mattel designer Carol Spencer.

Tributes poured in across social media, including from Barbie’s official Instagram account, which mourned the loss of “two treasured artists” who “brought joy and creativity to the Barbie world.”

Their untimely deaths have left a deep void in the global Barbie collector and fashion doll community, where their artistry and friendship will be remembered for years to come.