Following the first teaser MINI released official pictures of the 2012 Life Ball MINI, designed by Franca Sozzani of Italian VOGUE. Each year MINI comes up with a one-off model which will be auctioned to raise money for projects fighting AIDS. The designer touch is to make the car look more special, and also grab more public attention.

This year’s car is based on a MINI Roadster powered by a 184-hp engine. Its main highlights include a purple paint job with golden stripes, mirrors and wheels, gloss black detailing and a floral design for the folding soft top.  Inside the cabin, Life Ball MINI features lavishly printed leather for the instruments and brass-coloured touches on the circular elements.

This Roadster might have a weird design and colors, but still it raised 54,000 Euro at the AIDS Solidarity Gala.

“The concept behind the MINI customisation 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 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.”