The brothers behind Canadian fashion label Dsquared2 have unveiled a fashion project of a rather different kind, dressing up a Mini Cooper S in aid of charity.
Dean and Dan Caten, familiar fixtures on the global fashion circuit, unveiled the exclusive Life Ball Mini 2011 in Vienna, the latest in a series of designers to have added their touch to the iconic car.
The twins' model has been "armed for adventures of all kinds," with a large front guard, rally-style headlamps and a spare tire mounted to the tailgate.
The chassis has been raised further from the ground, and new all-terrain tires with a deep tread have been added, while the interior has been revamped with aluminium sheeting for floormats and a mounted compass.
The trademark Dsquared2 maple leaf is also prominently visible on the head rests and side doors.
The overhaul of a Mini is conducted annually by a different designer for the occasion of the Life Ball, Europe's largest AIDS charity event, held May 21 - in previous years, Agent Provocateur, Donatella Versace, Diesel, Missoni and Gianfranco Ferré have all added their unique style.
More than half a million euros has been generated by the models over the past 11 years, according to Mini.
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