2011 Life Ball MINI by DSQUARED2

Every year since 1993, one of the biggest and most spectacular annual charity events in the world has raked in money to support those affected by HIV/Aids. The Life Ball has succeeded in raising money for the cause and has also facilitated raising the awareness of the disease. Since 2001, Mini has also taken part in the event by creating a legendary one-off MINI to be placed up for auction to benefit the organization. This year, a Mini Cooper S will be designed by Dean and Dan Caten - better known as the design duo from DSQUARED - and will make its official debut on May 21, 2011 in Vienna.

Last year, the Life Ball Mini designed by Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa was auctioned off for $61,000, but since 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the HIV virus, we expect to see this year’s model bring in much more.

Dean and Dan are thrilled with the assignment: "If we were a car, it would be rugged and robust. Our MINI ‘Red Mudder’ is an accurate reflection of that. With the maple leaf on both doors and the DSQUARED logo on the front shield and wheels, this is unmistakably our style."

UPDATE 05/23/11: The 2011 Life Ball MINI designed by the duo of Dean and Dan Caten was officially unveiled in all its ’Red Mudder’ glory. While we’ve spent the better part of two weeks looking over sketches of the car, these new photos show the special edition Countryman in full battlegear, complete with photos of the car with the proud designers themselves. Check out the new snapshots, folks!