Dean and Dan Caten, better known as the Canadian designer duo Dsquared, have
unveiled their exclusive Life Ball MINI 2011 in Vienna. The twin brothers
refashioned their MINI Cooper S to ensure that it would be armed for adventures
of all kinds. Among its striking features are the front guard, rally headlamps,
tinted side windows with grilles and the spare tire on the tailgate.
But
that's not all: the vehicle's raised chassis and deep-tread all-terrain tires
instantly evoke a sense of adventure. When it came to the interior, our two
designers similarly scrutinized every detail. If road signs are unclear, there's
a compass to help you head in the right direction, while floormats made of
structured aluminum sheeting protect the inside from dirt. The trademark
Dsquared maple leaf on the leather head restraints and the side doors rounds off
the cabin of this robust MINI with a stylish flour.
Dean and Dan are
delighted with the result: "Our MINI 'Red Mudder' is 100 per cent Dsquared."
Tonight this one-off will be gliding along the red carpet at the legendary Life
Ball.
MINI Supports AIDS Charity
This year sees carmaker
MINI supporting Europe's biggest AIDS charity event for the 11th time. Each year
a one-off MINI is created for the Life Ball, the proceeds of which support
projects combating HIV/AIDS. Since 2001 more than half a million euros has been generated by these specially styled Life
Ball MINI models on behalf of Aids Life.
Gery Keszler, the founder and
organizer of the Life Ball, is impressed by this longstanding collaboration:
"MINI has been a partner of the Life Ball for 11 years and each year it
demonstrates anew its creativity, enthusiasm and passion for this good cause.
This year's Life Ball MINI designed by Dsquared provides further persuasive
evidence of this."
In previous years, designers such as Agent
Provocateur, Donatella Versace, Diesel, Missoni and Gianfranco Ferré obliged
with their own designs for a Life Ball MINI.