Vienna, May 25: More than 4,000 people turned up in drag, transparent costumes, leather straps or simply their underwear in Saturday's Life Ball, Vienna's star-studded AIDS charity extravaganza.
The 11th annual ball, which collects funds for HIV/AIDS projects in co-operation with Elton John's AIDS Foundation, appealed to celebrities from show business and fashion in a bid to raise awareness and funds to fight the disease. The event, opening with a song by Elton John and a speech by Neil Tenant of the pop group Pet Shop Boys, also featured a two-hour fashion show by Italian fashion house Missoni, with models walking down a catwalk in the shape of a red ribbon. "It's a loud yell, a celebration for life against a deadly disease, that's true. And, indeed, it does bring every kind of people together. It does not matter if they are rich or poor, or old or young, or gay or straight," said Life Ball organiser, Gery Keeszler. The ball, which takes place in Vienna's historic Town Hall, included a contest for the most original costume, striptease shows, a kissing corner, massage area and a wedding chapel where heterosexual and homosexual couples could go to pledge their love.


Organisers said they were hoping to top last year's proceeds of almost 800,000 euros, that are distributed to Austrian and international charities and projects fighting HIV and AIDS around the world.


Bureau Report