Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, the creative duo celebrated for turning Barbie dolls into unique collectible artworks that fetched thousands of dollars, tragically lost their lives on July 27 in a car accident in Italy. Paglino was 52 years old, and Grossi was 54.
Their deaths occurred after their vehicle collided with another car traveling the wrong way on the A4 Turin-Milan highway.
Married in New York City in 2022, the couple lived and collaborated in Novara, near Milan. They were highly regarded figures within the extensive global Barbie doll collecting community, which includes numerous online groups with tens of thousands of members.
Collectors of Barbie dolls often seek either the standard models produced by Mattel or limited-edition creations crafted by doll artists. Paglino and Grossi’s work stood out for its exceptional quality and artistry.
Paglino, a fashion designer, and Grossi, a graphic art director, earned acclaim for their painstaking attention to detail—incorporating ruffles, lavish bows, embroidery, appliqué, crystals, rhinestones, sequins, and beadwork on luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, and tulle. Their deep understanding of fashion and art history was evident in every piece. Most of their custom Barbies sold in the $2,000 to $3,000 range, with some pieces commanding prices exceeding $15,000 at charity auctions.
0 Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!