Cavalli joins such past notable designers as Franca Sozzani (2012); DSQUARED² (2011); Diane von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole and Francisco Costa (2010), Diesel (2006) and Versace (2006). All have one common theme, however: their one-off creations are auctioned to the highest bidder, raising money for AIDS research.
MINI has helped to raise over a half-million euros ($750,000) through its participation in the event, while further helping to raise AIDS and HIV awareness through its efforts. Now in its 20th year, the theme for the 2013 Life Ball in Vienna, Austria, is “1001 Nights,” though it’s not yet clear if that will factor into Cavalli’s MINI Paceman design.
Of his work with MINI, Cavalli said, “Designing the MINI was a very fun, exciting and stimulating experience. I had to create a car which not only respected and conveyed my fashion, but also my lifestyle: an unusual challenge, but surely a fascinating one.”
Look for sketches of the car in the coming weeks, followed by a reveal ahead of the 2013 Life Ball. Last year’s MINI Cooper Roadster S, redesigned by Franca Sozzani, drew a winning bid of 54,000 euros (then $68,866), which sets the bar for pricing on Cavalli’s Paceman.
