Since 2001, one of the chief protagonists at the Life Ball has been a MINI created by a fashion designer. This year for the first time, three different MINI models will be embellished by a trio of world-renowned names from the world of fashion. On behalf of America's Calvin Klein, his creative director Francisco Costa will be designing the MINI Countryman, the brand's new crossover model. The US fashion designer with Belgian roots Diane von Furstenberg, meanwhile, will add her artistic touch to a MINI Hatch, while New Yorks Kenneth Cole will imprint his unmistakable style on a MINI Convertible. These exclusive collectors items are to be auctioned on behalf of the charity supported by the Life Ball, the proceeds going to amfAR (the Foundation for AIDS Research). The previous Life Ball MINIs have never failed to thrill with their outré designs. Indeed, their history reads like a Whos Who of the fashion industry: Missoni (2003), Ferré (2004), Versace (2005), Diesel (2006), Mario Testino (2007), Agent Provocateur (2008) and, last year, The Blonds for Katy Perry. Proceeds now total around EUR 500,000. Life Ball 2010 This years Life Ball will take place against a rather special backdrop, being held to tie in with the 18th International AIDS Conference that starts in Vienna the day after the big event. On 17th July, in addition to Viennas City Hall and City Hall Square, the Burgtheater with its Red Ribbon Cotillion Summer Ball and even the Austrian Parliament " which hosts the amfAR Gala " will be dedicated to the red ribbon cause. Based on this years motto “Sow the Seeds of Solidarity! and the “Earth theme, the 2010 Life Ball will be planting its seeds around the world wherever there is a real need. |