A unique MINI created by Canadian designer twins DSQUARED^² was unveiled at the Life Ball on Saturday night (21st May 2011) in Vienna.

Dean and Dan Caten designed the three-door MINI to be equipped for adventure with protected rally-style headlamps, front guard and tinted side windows with metal grilles. A boot-mounted spare-wheel reinforces the toughened stance that a raised chassis and bulky all-terrain tyres give. Eight extra driving lights - four of them roof-mounted - mean that driving at night should be a breeze.

The inside is just as distinctive with a fitted compass and two jerry cans in the boot as well as structured aluminium floor mats to protect the carpets. A full-length sunroof leaves the cabin feeling airy despite the black interior.

The DSQUARED^² maple-leaf trademark features on the headrests and side doors. Dean and Dan said that they are delighted with the red and black car: "Our MINI 'Red Mudder' is 100 per cent DSQUARED^²."

In previous years, designers such as Agent Provocateur, Donatella Versace, Diesel, Missoni and Gianfranco Ferré have designed their own Life Ball MINI as their contribution to Europe's biggest AIDS charity, raising over half a million Euros in the process.

Gery Keszler, the founder and organiser of the Life Ball, commented on the 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."

Carlton Boyce - 24 May 2011