[Autoblog] Mini partners with DSQUARED² for the latest Life Ball special



For the past 11 years Mini has supported Life Ball, the biggest HIV/AIDS fundraiser event in Europe, teaming up with world-renowned designers to come up with a special one-off auctioned for the cause.

Previous collaborations have been realized by such fashion labels as Gianfranco Ferré, Versace, Diesel, Agent Provocateur, Kenneth Cole and Calvin Klein. This year's brings on board the talents of Canadian twins Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED². And while the event is still three weeks away, Mini and DSQUARED² have released a couple of renderings showing us what to expect.

Based on the Mini Cooper S, the design is apparently inspired by Mini's new World Rally Championship team, and features rugged off-road gear and a Canadian flag motif for the designers' home country. Don't ask us what the deal is with those raccoons holding on to the roof yelling "Yuuuppy!", but we suspect those furry little bandits won't be part of the finished product. Have a closer look in the gallery below and follow the jump for the full press release.