Madonna Honors Late Barbie Designer Superfans with Dress You Up ReRelease
On August 1 2025 Madonna reissued her 1985 hit Dress You Up to honor Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi renowned Barbie doll designers and superfans who tragically died in an Italian highway accident .
On August 1 2025 Madonna commemorated the 40th anniversary of her 1985 hit single Dress You Up by releasing a special three track digital package The pop icon dedicated this milestone rerelease to two of her most devoted superfans Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi custom Barbie doll designers who tragically lost their lives in a car accident earlier that month .
The release features three versions of the iconic track
- Dress You Up RemixEdit .
- Dress You Up 12 Formal Mix .
- Dress You Up Casual Instrumental Mix .
- Who Were Mario Paglino & Gianni Grossi .
Mario Paglino 52 and Gianni Grossi 55 were both life partners and creative collaborators who founded Magia 2000 in 1999 This Italian duo gained international recognition for their bespoke Barbie doll designs inspired by celebrities such as Madonna Cher Lady Gaga Victoria Beckham and Sophia Loren .
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In 2011 they launched the Italian Doll Convention which quickly became Europes leading fashiondoll event Their artistry also earned them invitations to prestigious exhibitions including Londons Simply Madonna exhibit in 2009 Their work brought them into personal contact with Madonna herself during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show .
The pair were honored with the Barbie Best Friend Award in 2016 and worked closely with Mattel on several projects such as Vogues Black Barbie issue 2008 and the 2020 Role Model Barbies initiative .
The Tragic Accident
On July 27 2025 tragedy struck on Italys A4 TurinMilan highway when an 82yearold driver Egidio Ceriano drove roughly four miles in the wrong direction causing a fatal headon collision near the MarcalloMesero toll booth in Lombardy Alongside Paglino and Grossi two others were killed including banker Amodio Valerio Giurni Giurnis wife Silvia Moramarco survived but sustained serious injuries .
Madonnas Official Dedication
In a heartfelt statement Madonna paid tribute to the late designers .
With the tragic news this week of the passing of the doll designers and Madonna superfans Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi we dedicate this release to them Thank you for dressing up so many of your creations in Madonna iconic looks over the years .
Mattel and Collector Community Mourn
The Barbie community and Mattel responded with heartfelt condolences The official Barbie Instagram called Paglino and Grossi treasured creators and Mattel collaborators whose creativity and generosity brought joy to collectors worldwide The post also highlighted their philanthropic efforts including doll auctions benefiting charitable causes close to the collector community .
The tribute concluded
Barbie is better because they loved the brand our beloved collector community is richer for having known them Barbie honors their memory with deep gratitude .
Legacy of Artistry and Compassion
Through Magia 2000 Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi redefined the world of collectible Barbie dolls blending celebrity inspiration with heartfelt creativity and charity work Their influence extended beyond dollmaking fostering community and generosity among collectors worldwide .
Madonnas rerelease of Dress You Up not only celebrates the timeless appeal of her music but also stands as a moving memorial to two passionate superfans whose love for art Barbie and music intersected in profound and unforgettable ways .