Fashion designer Roberto Cavalli creates a one-off MINI for the 2013 Life Ball. MINI supports the Life Ball in Vienna for the 13th time.

Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by MINI headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market.

Munich/Vienna. 25 May marks the date: in 2013, MINI will once again be supporting one of the biggest AIDS charity events worldwide, held annually to promote this cause. The Life Ball combines the extraordinary tradition of the Viennese ball, a spectacular opening ceremony and a strong demonstration of social commitment. MINI regularly donates a specially designed vehicle for auction at the event, the proceeds of which go to projects dedicated to fighting and preventing HIV and AIDS. Over the past years, a total of more than half a million Euros has been raised. It is tradition for this special MINI to be given a creative makeover by an internationally renowned designer who also stages the Life Ball Fashion Show.

This year Roberto Cavalli will be doing the honors on behalf of this charitable cause. One of the world’s most famous international fashion designers will be designing a MINI Paceman and giving it his own creative signature. His unconventional fashion style complements the MINI perfectly reflecting both its traditional values and modern diversity: “Designing the MINI was a very fun, exciting and stimulating experience. I had to create a car which not only respected and conveyed my fashion, but also my lifestyle: an unusual challenge, but surely a fascinating one”, says Cavalli. The result will be a one-of-a-kind car that crosses the boundaries of classical automotive design.

MINI at the Life Ball 2013 under the motto “1001 Nights”.

Since 1993 Life Ball has participated and taken part in the battle against HIV and AIDS, attracting thousands of committed visitors every year to the Rathausplatz, the large square in front of Vienna’s City Hall. Based on this year’s motto “1001 Nights”, the Red Ribbon stage will display a spectacular oriental-style show with fairytale costumes lined up for the spectators. MINI has been a partner of Life Ball since 2001. Over the years it has managed to persuade many famous style icons to design the one-of-a-kind MINIs, among them Donatella Versace, Renzo Rosso, Angela Missoni and Diane von Furstenberg. The imaginative renderings and individual signature of the renowned designers have invariably turned these unique MINIs into coveted collector’s items placed as auction items during the AIDS Solidarity Gala to raise money for the HIV and AIDS cause. This year MINI is creating a MINI Paceman to the celebrate fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. Initial sketches will follow shortly.

Timeline of the Life Ball MINI.

2013 – MINI designed by Roberto Cavalli.

MINI Paceman by Roberto Cavalli

2012 – MINI designed by Franca Sozzani.

MINI Roadster by Franca Sozzani

2011 – MINI designed by DSQUARED².

MINI by Dean and Dan Caten

2010 – MINI designed by Diane von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole and Francisco Costa von Calvin Klein Collection.

MINI by Diane von Furstenberg

MINI Cabrio by Kenneth Cole

MINI Countryman by Francisco Costa of Calvin Klein Collection

2009 – MINI designed by The Blonds.

MINI Cabrio by The Blonds for Katy Perry

2008 – MINI designed by Agent Provocateur.

MINI Clubman by Agent Provocateur / Joseph Corré

2007 – MINI designed by Testino.

MINI by star photographer Mario Testino

2006 – MINI designed by Diesel.

MINI Cabrio by Renzo Rosso

2005 – MINI designed by Versace.

MINI Cabrio by Donatella Versace

2004 – MINI designed by Ferré.

MINI Cabrio by Gianfranco Ferré

2003 – MINI designed by Missoni.

MINI by Angela Missoni

2002 – Charity MINI.

With autographs by German, Austrian and international celebrities (incl. Elton John, No Angels, Heidi Klum, Emma Sjöberg, Mavie Hörbiger)

2001 – camouflaged MINI.

(Presentation of the new MINI before market launch)