One of the international fashion industry’s most highly sought-after photographers has brought his art to life in the form of the 2007 Life Ball MINI.

The theme of this year’s annual charity Life Ball, to be held on 26 May at the Vienna City Hall, is “Celebration of Life”, which has a universal appeal.

This year’s belle of the ball is a new MIIN Cooper. Finished in Astro Black it bears the dramatic pyrotechnic artistry of Pervuian-born, London-based celebrity and fashion photographer, Mario Testino.

The bonnet and roof of the black MINI Cooper are decorated with explosions of fireworks against a black night sky – finished with gold and glitter effects.

Mario explains the creation of the fiery MINI, to be auctioned on eBay after the AIDS benefit ball, as his contribution and tribute to those who help less fortunate and sick people.

“I feel that the fireworks are a celebration of life. By choosing the fireworks theme I wanted to convey a very positive message as the whole work against AIDS reflects that life is a valuable thing worth fighting for.

“This is the first time I have designed a car. I found it really challenging to apply a photograph to an object full of different shapes and curves, to exploit a photo in a 3D way,” Mario said.

A sophisticated process has been used on the MINI chrome parts, such as the radiator grille and the door handles, and the wheel rims to give them a shiny black finish. Another unmistakable detail is the special “Mario Testino” badges on the outside of the vehicle and special entry bars on the driver and passenger side.

“I am a great admirer of those who dedicate so much of their lives to other people and to charitable causes. It makes me very happy to know that the Life Ball is such a success and I am thrilled to contribute to its success.

“I chose AIDS benefit as one of the main charity causes to support since a good friend of mine died of AIDS years ago.”

At its first public appearance, Mario will drive “his” MINI along the red carpet at the start of the grand opening show – through a shower of fireworks, of course!

This unique MINI will be auctioned on eBay (www.ebay.at) worldwide from 31 May to 10 June 2007. Proceeds will go to the Life Ball, as in previous years.

Mario Testino was born in Lima, Peru. Arriving in London in 1976, he is now best known for exotic, bright and highly-styled photographs of couture, socialites and celebrities. Recent high-profile work includes the portrait of HRH Prince Harry’s 21st birthday, while the 1997 Vanity Fair cover portrait of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is perhaps his most widely known work.

MINI has been a proud sponsor of the Life Ball for several years. Key European artists in many spheres have contributed designs to MINIs, all of which have been sold off to raise money for AIDS research.

Last year’s MINI Cabrio by DIESEL earned euro 38,150 at auction on eBay, while the Donatella Versace MINI Cabrio earned a massive euro 120,150 in 2005.