Madonna Pays Tribute to Barbie Designer Superfans Who Died in Car Crash with ‘Dress You Up’ Rerelease

Madonna, the iconic pop star, has paid tribute to two unfortunate Barbie designers and superfans, Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident back on July 27. The singer honoured the duo by reissuing her classic song “Dress You Up” on Friday, Aug. 1, marking its 40th anniversary with a touching dedication. Paglino and Grossi, who were responsible for designing custom Barbie dolls and establishing the renowned Italian Doll Convention, met their untimely demise in Italy following a fatal car crash.

The legendary Madonna, aged 66, decided to release a three-track digital version of the song, featuring remixes and edits, to commemorate the bond she shared with the talented duo. The track was the final single from her album ‘Like a Virgin’, originally released on July 31, 1985. The singer expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of Paglino and Grossi, extending her appreciation for their unwavering support and dedication towards her and their artistic creations.

Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi were not just skilled designers; they were also life partners who founded Magia 2000 in 1999, a company celebrated for its custom Barbie creations. Their influence extended to the Italian Doll Convention, where they showcased their love for fashion dolls across Europe, leaving an indelible mark on the doll-collecting community worldwide. Tragically, the fatal accident occurred on the A4 Turin-Milan highway in Italy, claiming the lives of these creative souls along with others involved in the collision.

Barbie, the renowned doll brand, also expressed their sorrow over the demise of Grossi and Paglino, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the world of Barbie through their extraordinary designs and vibrant personalities. The posts shared on social media highlighted the exceptional talent and infectious energy the duo brought to every project, leaving a lasting impression on the brand and its global community of collectors.

The heartfelt tribute by Barbie recognized the couple’s generous spirit and dedication to charity, as they frequently crafted dolls for auction to support various causes close to their hearts. The genuine love and enthusiasm they poured into their creations resonated with Barbie enthusiasts worldwide, enriching the brand and fostering a sense of unity within the collector community. The memory of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi lives on through their remarkable creations and lasting impact on the world of fashion dolls.

Madonna’s gesture of reissuing “Dress You Up” as a tribute to Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi serves as a poignant reminder of the profound influence artists have on one another, transcending boundaries and leaving a lasting legacy beyond physical existence. The world of entertainment mourns the loss of these talented individuals, whose artistic vision and passion for creativity continue to inspire generations to come. Madonna’s tribute stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and the indelible mark left by those who dedicate their lives to artistic pursuits.