(May 20, 2012) VIENNA — A special car to befit a special occasion — Franca Sozzani, chief editor of Italian Vogue, has designed and presented her very own Mini model exclusively to mark the 20th anniversary of Life Ball, the charity event of AIDS LIFE.

The model in question is a Mini Roadster, the first open-top two-seater in the brand’s history. The one-off creation, which went under the auctioneer’s hammer at the AIDS Solidarity Gala and raised a donation of 54,000 euros for HIV projects.



Since its market launch in 2001, Mini has been a regular partner of the Life Ball. In previous years numerous celebrities have left their stylistic imprint on an exclusive Mini model, among them the design team DSQUARED2, star photographer Mario Testino and designer Angela Missoni.

Ms Sozzani decorated the roof of the 184-horsepower Mini Roadster in a stylishly intricate floral design which, in combination with very “of the moment” Deepest Purple matt paintwork and gold hallmark Mini rally stripes, produced an impressively complete work of art.

Inside the car, lavishly printed leather for the instruments and brass-colored touches on the circular elements add the icing on the cake. The most influential woman in the Italian fashion scene, herself an avid Mini driver, gave her creativity free reign in the design of the special one-off model.

“The concept behind the Mini customization is inspired by the beautiful and elegant women who in the past used to wear a scarf draped around their head when driving a convertible,” says Ms Sozzani, citing her inspiration. And, as the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Fashion 4 Development adds: “Flowers are a symbol of joy and life. And the Life Ball is always fighting for life and joy.”

“Thanks to the visual signature of Franca Sozzani, the this year’s Mini designed specially for the occasion has similarly become a lifestyle and design highlight in the name of this good cause,” said a delighted Gery Keszler, founder and organizer of the Life Ball.

Former President Bill Clinton was among the international celebrities attending this year's function.