Madonna just gave her fans a reason to hit repeat and reflect. On Friday, August 1, the Queen of Pop celebrated the 40th anniversary of her iconic track “Dress You Up” by reissuing it as a three-track digital EP. But this isn’t just a trip down memory lane, it’s a love letter to two superfans whose passion left a lasting imprint on Madonna’s legacy and the fashion doll world.
The reissue is dedicated to Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, creative visionaries behind the custom Barbie brand Magia 2000, who tragically lost their lives in a car crash in Italy on July 27. The pair, both professional and romantic partners, were celebrated figures in the global collector community.
Madonna’s team honored them with a heartfelt tribute: “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,” read the press release. “Thank you for dressing up so many of your creations in Madonna’s iconic looks over the years.”
A Timeless Track Meets a Timeless Tribute
Originally released as the final single from “Like a Virgin” on July 31, 1985, “Dress You Up” quickly became an 80s dance floor staple and a fan favorite.
© Getty ImagesThe new edition bridges decades of pop culture, showcasing how one song sparks joy across generations. And in Madonna style, it’s both fabulous and fiercely heartfelt.
The Designers Who Turned Barbie into Art
Paglino and Grossi were artists. In 1999, they founded Magia 2000, reimagining Barbie dolls as high-fashion muses, many dressed in Madonna’s most unforgettable looks. Think “Vogue” glam, “Like a Virgin” lace, and Met Gala realness, all shrunk down and sculpted with meticulous care.
Their passion wasn’t confined to display shelves. In 2011, they launched the Italian Doll Convention, making Milan a mecca for fashion doll enthusiasts. Their influence rippled through Europe and beyond, blending couture creativity with collector culture.
© WireImageTheir work raised funds for charities, uplifted fellow creators, and inspired a community that often found itself on the margins.
The Crash That Shocked a Community
On July 27, while driving near the Marcallo-Mesero tollbooth in Lombardy, the couple’s vehicle was struck head-on by an 82-year-old man reportedly driving the wrong way on the A4 Turin-Milan highway. The collision also claimed the life of 37-year-old banker Amodio Valerio Giurni, while his wife, Silvia Moramarco, was injured and remains hospitalized.
The Barbie brand itself shared a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, accompanied by a photo of Mario and Gianni beneath a glowing pink “Barbie” sign: “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 statement read. “Beyond their remarkable talent, they shared an energy that lit up every space they entered… Barbie is better because they loved the brand.”
More Than Fans, They Were Family
This tribute is personal for Madonna, who’s never been shy about embracing her superfans. Mario and Gianni weren’t just admirers; they were part of the living legacy she’s inspired for over four decades. From runway to doll display, their designs celebrated her fearlessness, reinvention, and unapologetic glam.
This reissue of “Dress You Up” honors a bond between artist and audience, icon and inspiration.
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