Madonna has paid a heartfelt tribute to two of her superfans, Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, who tragically passed away in a car crash in Italy on July 27. To honor the two beloved Barbie designers, Madonna reissued her iconic song “Dress You Up” on August 1, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special three-track digital release.
The 66-year-old pop icon dedicated this release to Paglino and Grossi, thanking them for their long-standing admiration and how they helped bring Madonna’s iconic looks to life through their Barbie doll designs.
Why Madonna Chose to Honor Paglino and Grossi
In a statement, Madonna expressed her grief over the tragic loss of Paglino and Grossi, who were not only talented designers but also passionate fans of the singer.
The tribute included the following words: “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.”
The Dress You Up Release
The reissue of Dress You Up includes three special mixes:
Dress You Up Remix/Edit
Dress You Up the 12″ Formal Mix
Dress You Up the Casual Instrumental Mix
Originally released on July 31, 1985, Dress You Up was the final single from Madonna’s Like a Virgin album and continues to be loved by fans across generations.
The song remains a timeless dance classic, and its rerelease serves as a tribute to both the song and the two men who worked to bring Madonna’s influence into the world of fashion dolls.
Who Were Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi?
Paglino and Grossi, both professional and romantic partners, were the creative minds behind Magia 2000, a company they founded in 1999 that specialized in designing custom Barbie dolls.
They also created the Italian Doll Convention in 2011, the largest event for fashion dolls in Europe. Their love for Barbie and their artistic talent brought them recognition not just in Italy but globally.
Sadly, they lost their lives in a head-on car collision on Italy’s A4 Turin-Milan highway when an 82-year-old man drove on the wrong side of the road, crashing into their vehicle. The accident also claimed the life of Amodio Valerio Giurni, a 37-year-old banker, while his wife, Silvia Moramarco, was injured.
Barbie’s Tribute to Paglino and Grossi
Barbie also paid tribute to Paglino and Grossi on Instagram following their tragic deaths. In their message, the Barbie team expressed their sorrow, 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 Magia2000.”
The tribute continued, highlighting the couple’s immense contribution to the Barbie community: “As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece.”
Legacy of Paglino and Grossi
Paglino and Grossi’s influence on the Barbie community was far-reaching. Through their creations, they helped elevate Barbie to an art form, showcasing their work at doll shows worldwide. Their designs were often auctioned off to raise money for charity, further demonstrating their generosity and dedication to the collector community.
Barbie concluded its tribute with deep gratitude, acknowledging that “Barbie is better because they loved the brand, and our beloved collector community is richer for having known them and shared in their passion.”
