Madonna has re-released a remix of her 1985 hit song, "Dress You Up," as a heartfelt tribute to Barbie doll designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi, who tragically died in a car crash in Italy on Sunday, July 27. The re-release coincides with the 40th anniversary of the song, which was originally the final single from her "Like a Virgin" album.
The accident occurred on the A4 Turin-Milan highway in Lombardy, Italy. An 82-year-old driver, Egidio Ceriano, was reportedly driving in the wrong direction when he collided head-on with the car carrying Paglino and Grossi. Ceriano, Paglino, and Grossi all died at the scene. A passenger in Paglino and Grossi's car, Amodio Valerio Giurni, also died, while his wife, Silvia Moramacro, was critically injured and hospitalized.
Paglino and Grossi were not only business partners but also life partners. Together, they founded Magia2000, a company specializing in custom-designed dolls that often merged haute couture with the doll world. They gained recognition for their celebrity dolls, including those inspired by Cher, Lady Gaga, Victoria Beckham, and Sarah Jessica Parker. They also created Madonna-inspired dolls. Their work with Mattel earned them the Barbie Best Friend Award from Barbie fashion designer Carol Spencer in 2016.
Mattel, the maker of Barbie, released a statement on Instagram expressing their sadness over the passing of Paglino and Grossi. "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 company wrote. The statement continued, "As passionate and talented designers and lifelong collectors, their spirit and love for the brand turned every creation they touched into a masterpiece…Barbie is better because they loved the brand, and our beloved collector community is richer for having known them and shared in their passion. Barbie honors their memory with deep gratitude".
Madonna also acknowledged the impact of Paglino and Grossi's work. In a press release, she stated, "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" re-release is a three-track digital single that includes the "Dress You Up" remix/edit, a "12-inch Formal Mix," and a "Casual Instrumental Mix". The original song, released in 1985, was a hit and has remained a popular dance classic. This re-release serves not only as a celebration of the song's 40th anniversary but also as a tribute to the creative legacy of Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi.
