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20th Vienna Life Ball Celebrities, Models and Participants
A model walks on stage during the opening ceremony of the 20th Life Ball in Vienna May 19, 2012. Life Ball is Europe's largest annual AIDS charity event and takes place in Vienna's city hall. Reuters

The Vienna Life Ball, the country's annual AIDS charity event, showcased some exclusiveness in fashion and extravaganza presented by over 40,000 people. The theme of 2012 was "Fight the Flames of Ignorance". The previous themes were inspired by natural elements of earth like fire, air and water. The event is held every year to raise money for people living with HIV and AIDS.

The traditional fashion show for the 20th Life Ball was organised by Vogue Italia. Creations by Roberto Cavalli, Vivienne Westwood, Heatherette and Gianfranco Ferre walked the ramp for the exclusive fashion show themed "20 years of Life Ball designs."

Whether it was catwalks dressed in seductive lingerie or extravagant display of fire in the costumes, the celebrities gave a wonderful time to the spectators. American model Amanda Lepore and Lydia Hearst wooed the audience in creations of Agent Provocateur.

Yet another model walked the ramp with fire on her attached wings. French designer Jean Paul Gaultier's beautifully woven costumes gracefully walked the ramp. There was drumming with fire, acrobatics and other variety dances on stage. The Philip Treacy creations stunned the viewers with novelty and innovativeness.

Another participant wore a decoration on his head that had seven eyes. Another lady wore the most voluminous hair while some coloured their hair in bright red and wore huge rings around them. Innovation in costume design was at its peak at the 20<sup>th Vienna Life Ball.

American actress Milla Jovovich, ambassador for the American AIDS research foundation amfAR, and former US president Bill Clinton, were a few of the celebrities who attended the event.

"To be here for the 20th anniversary is just unbelievable. This is one of the most unique and fabulous events ever. What is important ... is that we are here to educate people. That's why we're here, to say what's going on," Jovovich said.

"The rest of the world should be grateful to the people of Austria for continuing to support the AIDS Life Ball because the war against AIDS is far from over," Clinton said. He attended the event for his Clinton Health Access Initiative project.

AIDS