Each year for the past 12 years since the British MINI brand has been bought by BMW, the automaker presents a one-off MINI designed by some of the most renowned figures in the world of fashion, including Francisco Costa, Kenneth Cole and Calvin Klein. The one-off models are presented and auctioned each year at the Life Ball benefit to support HIV/AIDS research in Europe. This year's model, MINI presented the Floral Inspiration designed by Franca Sozzani, chief editor of the Italian VOGUE magazine.
The one-off model is based on a MINI roadster that has been painted in deep purple featuring golden racing stripes and mirror housings. The roof has been redecorated byFranco Sozzani and features an intricate floral design which contrasts with the color of the car. The Italian Vogue chief editor said that the inspiration comes from "the beautiful and elegant women who in the past used to wear a scarf draped around their head when driving a convertible ".
The interior of the MINI Floral Inspiration is as vibrant as the exterior and features brass-colored elements for the instruments and leather seats that borrow the same floral design as the roof.
The one-off model has been auctioned and raised a donation of 54,000 Euros which will be put to good use as they'll fund the AIDS/HIV research in Europe.
