In a near-depressing world where the self-serving Orange Buffon in The White House has lost total touch with reality, we so desperately need to be able to escape to a different reality to feel good about the world and ourselves.  Sadly, this week, in a fatal car crash, we lost one of the most talented queer couples who were such experts at adding much-needed style and humor into our lives.

Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi stand out for the way they did the almost impossible, making us fall more in love with BARBIE, one of the most iconic symbols of pop culture.  We are not talking about the endless racks of the basic version my niece used to used to drag us through at T J Maxx in the middle of some god-forsaken part of Ohio!!!

Mario Paglino was a fashion designer and Gianni Grossi a graphic art director, and in 1999  they formed Magia 2000. The couple’s partnership wasn’t just a creative one—it was a life partnership, too. Paglino and Grossi worked side by side not only to make Barbie fiercer and fabulous but to bring joy to a community that has long loved the doll for its ability to reflect both the fantastical and the real. As life partners, their bond mirrored the inclusivity and celebration of individuality that Barbie has come to represent for so many, including the LGBTQ+ community, to which they proudly belonged.

Paglino and Grossi’s creative flair found a home at Mattel, where they became known for their glamorous custom Barbie dolls—each a tribute to music legends, fashion icons, and pop culture titans. Their work on a Madonna-inspired doll remains one of their crowning achievements, not just for its stunning attention to detail, but because the proceeds raised money for charity—a combination of glam and generosity that defined their approach

The couple’s company, Magnia2000, became a canvas for their tribute to the greats. Cher, Victoria Beckham, Lady Gaga, Sarah Jessica Parker—you name the legend, and chances are, Paglino and Grossi turned them into a Barbie. Their pieces were more than just dolls; they were miniature works of art, collecting accolades from every corner of the globe. If you’re a true Barbie fan, you may even remember their Black Barbie collection, featured in the 2008 issue of Vogue

Mattel, in an official statement, expressed its heartfelt sadness over their untimely deaths. “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,” the company wrote on Instagram. “As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece.”

The statement continued on to highlight their philanthropy, which helped elevate their legacy even further. “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 sharing their passion. Barbie honors their memory with deep gratitude.”