Barbie designer couple die in autostrada crash in Italy.

The Barbie team is paying tribute to two of the brand's beloved designers after they died in a fatal car crash in Italy.

On Sunday, July 27, Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, who were professional and romantic partners, were killed after an 82-year-old man drove the wrong way on Italy's A4 Turin-Milan highway, per Sky TG24, which is owned by Sky Italia, and local news agency ANSA.

Paglino, 52, Grossi, 55, and banker Amodio Valerio Giurni, 37, died in the crash, Ansa reported. Giurni's wife, Silvia Moramarco, 36, was injured in the accident and is currently hospitalized at Niguarda Hospital in Milan, the outlet stated.

The older man, who also died, has been identified as Egidio Ceriano, Ansa noted. He was thought to have traveled just over four miles in the wrong lane on the highway before causing the fatal crash.

The head-on collision occurred near the Marcallo-Mesero tollbooth in Lombardy, per the news agency.

Paglino and Grossi founded Magnia2000 — a company that creates custom Barbie dolls, one of which sold for $15,000 at a charity auction in 2015 — back in 1999, per the website.

Barbie shared a tribute on Instagram after news of the tragedy emerged online, writing, "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."

"As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece," the tribute added.

"Beyond their remarkable talent, they shared an energy that lit up every space they entered," the post, which included a photo of the pair posing underneath a Barbie sign, continued.

Per the Magnia2000 website, the company "created the Italian Doll Convention, the largest fashion dolls event in Europe, promoting the passion for Barbie and all fashion dolls" in 2011.

"From 2015, they [were consultants] for the 'Barbie The Icon' [exhibition] in Milan and Rome, where they also displayed part of their personal Barbie collection," the site added.

Barbie's tribute mentioned some of the pair's many achievements. "Whether leading the Italian Doll Convention in Milan or showcasing their talents and love for Barbie at doll shows all over the world, their presence brought warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging," the tribute continued

"Their generosity was boundless, creating countless dolls to be auctioned 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 and shared in their passion. Barbie honors their memory with deep gratitude," the post concluded.

The caption read, "Barbie mourns the loss of two treasured artists whose work has forever shaped the world of dolls. Mario and Gianni, you will be missed. 🩷​"

Attempts to reach local police for comment about the crash were unsuccessful.

Link to appearance with Madonna

I remember when they were on the Graham Norton show, showing Madonna their custom Madonna dolls. That bitch was embarrassingly cold and aloof. Thankfully they were really sweet and charming.

Four miles driving on the wrong side of the highway? I'm surprised the old man only hit one car. Now, four lives are lost because one of them was doing the wrong thing. Life can be so cruel and senseless.

I'm just going to say that 82 is too old to be on the road. I think you should have to turn in your license after a certain age. I don't care about being politically correct. This was so incredibly reckless. I know this gentleman didn't mean to cause an accident, but that doesn't really matter now. This whole thing could have been avoided.

If the rest of the world would switch to driving on the right, these mishaps wouldn’t happen.

It should be universal.

I predicted this..

R5 you do know driving in Italy IS on the right correct?

They left specific instructions to be buried in the valley of the dolls.

[quote]R7 you do know driving in Italy IS on the right correct?

I was assuming the other driver was from somewhere with the reverse. Or else why would they be over on the other side?

If it were made universal that wouldn’t be an issue.

"The Doll Community". Please, no.

[Quote] The older man, who also died, has been identified as Egidio Ceriano, Ansa noted.

I KNEW it, as soon as I saw the article I knew it would be old Egidio. I’ve spoken to authorities about him repeatedly.

[Quote] If the rest of the world would switch to driving on the right, these mishaps wouldn’t happen.

The magoo in question was driving the wrong way down a road. What the fuck does side-of-driving have to do with that? You sound Magoo-ish yourself.

‘’As Mayor of the Doll Community-in the County of the Land of Oz’’-

Similar tragedies can and do happen here in the States. It’s not a specifically Euro problem or Italian problem.

The age thing is tough, some older drivers who should not be driving have relatives who help make them stop, but many do not.

It’s is heartbreaking as they were just coming out with a line of charming miniatures starting with the Dolly Llama. So cute…

Rest in peace

🪆E🦙

This Doll Community seems to have numerous sub communities one being the ‘’reborn doll community’’ of mostly women who create realistic-lifelike baby dolls.

R3, she was fine and joked with them. She also thanked them and asked if she could keep the dolls. You’re far too sensitive if you think that was bitchy and aloof.

Madonna was “not” too thrilled, I assume.

[italic]Always[/italic] safe to assume.

[quote]"The Doll Community". Please, no.

[quote]Four miles driving on the wrong side of the highway? I'm surprised the old man only hit one car. Now, four lives are lost because one of them was doing the wrong thing. Life can be so cruel and senseless.

We all have bad days, R4.

That is the saddest thing I saw today. Sweet guys.

[quote] Or else why would they be over on the other side?

Because he was 82 years old and confused R9.

I can remember watching that show at the time. Madonna was awful, aloof and unfriendly.

Haha, I love how bitchy Madonna was for absolutely no reason, and I’m sure these poor sweet guys expected nothing less from her.

RIP.

Madonna dedicated the 40th anniversary re-release of "Dress You Up" to them.

Esther probably rewatched that Graham Norton video and felt guilty.

How about a donation to an art or fashion school in their name?

[quote] "Lovely couple who were beloved by the doll community."

A sentence that would ONLY be uttered on Datalounge.

Which one was the top?

Dollface thread.

Erica Kane Barbie!!

There's Something Wrong with Uncle Egidio