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.

Source: AFPrelaxnews