Life Ball 2011

A posting from Poetry Café

On 21st of May the biggest charity event worldwide took place in Vienna: the Life Ball. This year’s element (the ball already featured the elements water and earth) was “Air” and the accompanying motto was „Spread the Wings of Tolerance!”. Ever since 1993 the Life Ball has greatly contributed to taking the taboo out of the topic AIDS in our society. Celebrating the joy of life and the diversity of cultures, Life Ball unites the Viennese ball tradition with opulence, extravagance, glamour, provocation, fancy performances, committed speeches as well as emotional moments.

For us the most inspiring highlight was the performance of Holly Johnson (from Frankie goes to Hollywood) who learned in 1991 that he was HIV positive. He sang the “The power of Love” and made us very emotional :-)

The Life Ball has always encouraged its guests to wear fancy, unusual outfits that play the lead in the pompous extravaganza, thus contributing to the unique flair of this mega event. The creativity of the costumes is part of the concept – actually there is a so-called “Style Bible” which is issued every year to inspire the guests.

If you missed the show in Vienna (or on TV): this is our personal Life Ball best of…:

You find even more inspiring pictures in the Flickr set of fotographer Philipp Breu – many thanks that we could use some of your great pictures here!

Links
Website of the Life Ball
Stylebible
Flickr set Philipp Breu