Vienna's Life Ball: Circuit Hotness, European Glamor, Total Fun

Every year, there are AIDS benefits. Some are modest affairs, as small as a grade school bake sale or a bingo night at a church basement. Some are bigger, such as special nights at bars. And some, like the White Party in Miami, are very big indeed.

But one dwarfs them all. The Life Ball is a massive affair that takes over the entire city of Vienna for a night of glamor, fun and dancing. Very much in the tradition of the Ball Season that has marked Vienna since the days of the Strausses, the Life Ball is to the more formal balls what the Saint-at-Large Black Party is to a rave, or what Folsom Street Fair is to your garden-variety street fair.

This is the true "fancy dress" party in the English tradition, in which everyone--and I mean everyone--designs and crams themselves into a fantasy outfit.

This year, the whole shebang takes place on May 16, and, as in past years, it takes place in Vienna's breathtaking City Hall. Each year, a designer puts on a fantasy fashion show. With predecessors like Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Donatello Versace and Thierry Mugler, it will be interesting to see this year's mega-production.

The party attracts revelers from all over Europe and more and more from the United States. There is at least one chartered plane leaving from New York, but Vienna provides easy access from most major U.S. airports.

The three deluxe hotels Imperial, Bristol and Le M?ridien Vienna, are once again partnering with Life Ball. The hotels provide in-kind with donations to the Life Ball organization. They're also fierce hotels in a city known for its accommodations that combine Old World luxury with up-to-date amenities. Check them out--and plan on going to this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Meanwhile, check this out: Check out this if you don't believe me: