In a remarkable collaboration bridging the worlds of luxury automobiles and high fashion, BMW Austria, in partnership with the internationally acclaimed fashion house ELIE SAAB, has unveiled a bespoke MINI Cooper S designed exclusively for charity. This unique vehicle will be featured in the charity auction at the inaugural amfAR Gala in Austria on August 24, an event celebrating the exceptional synergy between design excellence and global humanitarian efforts.
The specially designed MINI reflects ELIE SAAB’s signature touch, blending exquisite craftsmanship with urban dynamism to create a moving work of art that supports impactful charitable initiatives.
Commenting on the collaboration, Elie Saab said:
"I believe in the power of meaningful collaborations that unite creativity with a noble purpose. For this special occasion, we partnered with MINI to create a unique piece that embodies both artistic vision and shared values, paying tribute to the inspiring work of amfAR, whose dedication has had a profound global impact."
This MINI boasts extraordinary features, resembling a moving sculpture wrapped in a metallic gradient that flows from liquid copper to shades of bronze and nude tones, capturing ELIE SAAB’s deep connection to light, texture, and the passage of time.
Inside, the cabin exudes ultimate luxury, adorned with rich brown leather embroidered with the ELIE SAAB monogram—a refined testament to meticulous craftsmanship and the brand’s heritage. The sensory experience extends further with the inclusion of ELIE SAAB’s signature fragrance, GOLDEN, developed in collaboration with CULTI MILANO. This exquisite scent combines sparkling bitter orange notes with warm cedarwood, perfectly complementing the elegance and allure of the car’s design.
Alexander Bamberger, CEO of BMW Austria, said:
"We are honored to realize this project together with ELIE SAAB and MINI. Design, whether in fashion or automobiles, is defined by emotion, precision, and innovation. This car represents more than luxury—it is a call to action and a celebration of craftsmanship with purpose."
collaboration with MINI. The vehicle features premium fabrics and carefully selected materials, all showcasing ELIE SAAB’s unmistakable aesthetic signature. The sculptural, satin-finished wheels, adorned with the ELIE SAAB logo, complete the design with elegance and a sense of motion even when stationary.
The ELIE SAAB MINI will be a highlight of the amfAR Gala charity auction in Salzburg, organized by the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR). The gala gathers leaders from fashion, entertainment, and philanthropy to raise funds for scientific research and advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, making this MINI not just a masterpiece of design, but also a symbol of global philanthropic impact.
What impresses me most about this collaboration is its seamless fusion of luxury and purpose. This car is not merely a high-end product; it is a work of art telling a story of global humanitarian contribution. For me, this MINI is more than a vehicle—it is proof that design can carry a message and a value that goes beyond form and material.
