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“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” MU H A MMA D A LI

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investing, and building a world-class collection of the ﬁnest wine

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HELICOP TER S The coolest,

fastest and most expensive helicopters are the ultimate mode of VIP transport

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has grown to become world’s hottest new spirits category, and how to drink it

Gavankar, who stars opposite Ben Afﬂeck in the sports drama The Way Back, steals hearts and scenes

SPIRITS Here’s why mezcal

COLLECTING A look at

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WINE

IN VINO VERITAS Collecting ﬁne wine can be a rewarding pastime in more ways than one Te x t b y D U N C AN Q U I N N

deaux. For many, it is seen as the wine of choice for investors. A 1982 Château Margaux for instance, or a 1983 from its next-door neighbor at Château Palmer. Both of these wines are on the list that is one of the foundations of basic wine knowledge. And both are banner years. Epic years. Wines that dreams are made of. It was in 1855 that the French classified the wines of Bordeaux into a premier league table of sorts. Napoleon III wanted to showcase the very best French wines to be presented at the Exposition Universelle de Paris. So the 60 or so top properties for red Bordeaux wine were ranked by the leading brokers of the day. Price was used as a proxy for quality, and rankings ranged from Premier Cru (First Growth) to Cinquième Cru (Fifth Growth.) The rankings have remained mostly the same ever since, with the notable exception of Château Mouton Rothschild which was added in 1973.

COURTESY OFLUCAS NOONAN

I fell in love with wine from afar. Watching one of the coolest guys I ever met entertaining on the terrace of his old rectory up in the hills behind Nice in the South of France—technically the Côte d’A zur in Provence. Of course, it was preceded by the clanking of freezing-cold ice cubes into long glasses, soon filled with syrupy green Pernod Ricard Pastis 51, which smelled of licorice and added gasoline to the conversational fire. Aperitifs over, the cicadas raised their calf-rubbing to a crescendo, the air resonated with pine sap, and the wine began to flow with the first course of dinner. Sometimes a petit vin de table, sometimes a classified Bordeaux, or fine Burgundy. Of course, at the time I knew nothing. In fact, less than nothing, as I had never so much as sipped a spiked punch. Let alone dreamt of lunches at Balthazar in New York City, fueled by some of the finest wines known to man, many of them classified Bor-

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global arbitrage opportunities to turn profits on the fly. Wine auctions, like the Hospices de Beaune auction curated by Christie’s, and moreover, those of other independent auction houses have been posting record growth of late. Zachys Wine Auctions in New York sold $121.5 million worth of wine at auction in 2019. Nearly half this amount was accounted for by sales of individual collections. And over 12% of the 34,616 lots sold in 2019 set world records. But not everyone has the palate, wits, or wherewithal to afford the luxury of amassing a collection such as that of Ian Mill, QC. The English barrister’s wine collection, including countless bottles of the finest Burgundy, was sold by Zachys Wine Auctions in October 2019 for just shy of $7.8 million. Nonetheless those in the know seem to be stocking up. With the U.S. preposing tariffs of up to 100% on imported French wines (at press time), the smart look may be buying up offerings now. Apparently bids were up 10% at one Zachys event since possible tariffs were announced. As for what to invest in, and how, Raj Vaidya, Head Sommelier at the legendary two Michelin-starred restaurant Daniel in New York City, says, “Focus on young vintages and age them into maturity as investments. You should always buy wines which are produced in tiny amounts. The vast majority of wines that appreciate well do so on account of rarity more than quality. And if you need something in your collection to appreciate quickly, just pay some fancy sommelier to post it on Instagram.”

“FOCUS ON YOUNG VINTAGES AND AGE THEM INTO MATURITY AS INVESTMENTS”

Top: Raj Vaidya, Head Sommelier at the legendary two Michelin starred restaurant Daniel in New York City; Above: The annual Hospices de Beaune auction curated by Christie’s in France is one of the wine collecting calendar’s yearly highlights 11

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But many true wine aficionados will eventually admit that there is only one grape for the serious wine lover: pinot noir. And that of all the pinot noir in the world, it is that which is grown in the sometimes tiny plots of Burgundy that is the very best. This certainly seems to be the case from an investment standpoint. In a recent study conducted by The Economist, a collection of the most expensive red Burgundy auctioned online since 2003 would have yielded a whopping 497% by late 2018 if you hadn’t inhaled it. Not only impressive, but also nearly twice the S&P 500, which grew 297% in the same period. Perhaps surprising to those who know nothing about wine. This would also have been shocking news to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy from 1419 to 1467. In 1443 the wine capital of Burgundy, Beaune, and its environs were in a state of emergency. Although the Hundred Years’ War with the dastardly English had been de-escalated by the signing of the Treaty of Arras, pillage, plunder and general mayhem continued. So to help out his destitute subjects, Duke Philip’s chancellor commissioned the building of the HôtelDieu de Beaune, a hospital and refuge for the poor. This hospital is better known as the Hospices de Beaune. Over the centuries, grateful families and benefactors have donated precious vineyards that led to the Hospices having its hands on some of the finest wine land in the world. They started auctioning off the annual wine production in 1859. So if you can get yourself to town on the third Sunday of November, this is one of the most fulfilling ways to fill your cellar and invest in something special—by the barrel (288 bottles after maturation) at a time, if you like. But if collecting for fun is not your thing, then caveat emptor. Like any opaque, secretive, market, the wine market can be a dangerous one to dip a toe into. Fine and old and rare wine is a murky place of intermediaries, sharp operators, and professionals with serious insight, inside information, and relationships built over decades. Nothing has a price, other than the price a willing buyer is happy to pay a willing seller. And people’s motives are often not clear. Like Forex trading on margin, if you are not careful you can lose your shirt faster than the blink of an eye. Cash and government bonds may offer low or negative interest rates, but money is flowing into wine trading funds. Some trade in the cracks, taking the spread on

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HELICOPTERS

HIGH ALTITUDE

The world’s coolest and most luxurious helicopters are the ultimate modes of VIP transport

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copters, which was rebranded from Eurocopter in 2014. Sikorsky may sound like an exotic name but the brand is based in Connecticut and is the maker of the aircraft bearing the famed Marine One call sign, flown by the U.S. Marines to transport the President of the United States, as well as the famed Black Hawk (and, with Boeing, its much-anticipated potential replacement, the 287-mph SB>1 Defiant), among others. It was founded in 1923 by Russo-Ukrainian immigrant and engineer Igor Sikorsky, widely credited with building the world’s first practical helicopter in 1939—though he worked on a prototype rotor system as early as 1909. At about $17.6 million, the VIP version of the Sikorsky S-76D is

C O U R T E S Y O F A S TO N M A R T I N

wning one of the world’s coolest and most luxurious helicopters, which can easily cost several million dollars, is reserved for the world’s elite. Whether it’s a necessity or an indulgence, a high-end heli is a piece of exquisite machinery far beyond the realm of even the most exalted hypercar. While there are workaday versions that can move you efficiently from point A to point B, as well as businesslike birds designed to simply get the job done, executive and VIP choppers remain objects of envy for all but the relatively few for whom they are the ultimate privilege. In the world of VIP helicopters a few names fly well above the rest, such as Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company; Bell; and Airbus Heli-

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Te x t b y JAR ED PAU L S T ER N

The awesome ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is a collaboration between the famed British automaker and Airbus Helicopters

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“IN THE WORLD OF VIP HELICOPTERS, SIKORSKY, BELL AND AIRBUS FLY WELL ABOVE THE REST”

Above: The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is designed along the same lines as Aston Martin’s supercars; Opposite: It’s based on Airbus Helicopters’ ACH130 executive chopper, which costs about $3.5 million

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victus and V-280 Valor are strictly military-focused at this point in time, a Bell rep tells us that the the V-280 might someday be available in a commercial version, which would make it the most badass business whirlybird in the world. Bell says the V-280’s capabilities range from air assault, rapid combat and special ops to medevac missions, which could translate to a host of corporate applications as well. Meanwhile the Bell 525 Relentless—Bell really does have the most Bond-worthy aircraft names—is already a top contender for the spot, having been in development for the past several years. Even with a reported price tag of $15 million, we expect Bell’s order book will fill up even in advance of FAA certification. The 525 Relentless boasts an 88-square-foot cabin giving it enough space for up to 16 passengers, though with VIP seating that figure could obviously decrease, as well as a 184-mph top speed. The London Daily Mail has reported that Bell is after the head of state trade as well, so Sikorsky had better watch its tail rotor. Bell has touted its fly-by-wire system featuring side-stick controls and a fully integrated touchscreen Garmin flight deck. Though legendary French fashion and luxury goods house Hermès once collaborated on a luxe chopper with Eurocopter, designer editions are not as common as they are in the world of private jets. However in December, Aston Martin and Airbus announced a joint venture to produce a customized version of Airbus’s ACH130, one of the coolest corporate helicopters on the market, and one of the bestpriced at about $3.5 million. Expect to pay a significant premium for the limited edition Aston Martin version, dubbed the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition, but for the extra cost, you get the design expertise of Aston’s all-star team in the UK, as well as supercar-style finishes and flourishes. Designers for both brands worked on the project for more than a full year, merging the very best of both automotive and aeronautical expertise and refinement. “We have our own set of automotive design principles but in recent years we have been learning how to apply our

C O U R T E S Y O F A S TO N M A R T I N

one of the most expensive and well-appointed helicopters in the world. “For more than four decades, corporate executives and heads of state have recognized the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter as the standard of excellence for personal transportation,” says Audrey Brady, Sikorsky’s VP of Commercial Systems and Services. The company states that at least 10 countries rely on the S-76 series to ferry their heads of state in suitable style. “The spacious, comfortable cabin has been refined to meet the exacting needs of the Fortune 500 business traveler,” Brady tells us, and it can be customized using the finest materials, fabrics and finishes, including wood and leather, with seating configurations ranging from five to eight passengers. “Years of evolution and refinement” have resulted in what Brady calls “the safest, most reliable, most efficient helicopter in its class [for] clients who demand nothing less.” Bell Textron Inc., founded as the Bell Aircraft Corporation in 1935, has long been an industry leader as well; the Airwolf helicopter from the famed 1980s TV series was a Bell 222, and a Bell 47J Ranger was featured in the classic James Bond film Thunderball. The company, based in Fort Worth, Texas, is at the vanguard of military helicopter design and engineering, with cutting-edge technology that is expected to eventually revolutionize the business aviation sector as well. The company describes the new Bell 360 Invictus, “designed to provide attack, reconnaissance, and intelligence to shape the tactical environment and deliver operational overmatch in highly complex multi-domain operations,” as: “Versatile. Lethal. Sustainable.” Change “lethal” to “luxurious” and it could easily give the S-76D a run for its money. The new Bell V-280 Valor meanwhile is a tiltrotor, or vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), aircraft that can convert from vertical to horizontal flight, and is capable of an eye-popping speed of more than 345 mph, with an equally astounding range of up to 800 nautical miles in its initial design. With these impressive numbers, tiltrotors could be where the future of business helicopters is headed. While the 360 In-

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Above: The powerful and versatile Airbus ACH125 is nimble enough to land on the deck of a yacht; Opposite, top and middle: The Bell 525 Relentless,reported to cost $15 million, can carry up to 16 passengers in style; Opposite, bottom: The Sikorsky S-76 series is used by several countries to transport their heads of state 18

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“A HIGH-END HELICOPTER IS A PIECE OF EXQUISITE MACHINERY BEYOND THE REALM OF EVEN THE MOST EXALTED HYPERCAR”

embossed on leather surfaces as well, while each example will come with a plaque on the instrument panel engraved with the partnership logos, the edition number and the owner’s name. “James Bond” would look perfectly fine.

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principles to other areas of design, such as architecture, motorcycles and now helicopters,” comments Aston Martin Lagonda’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman. “This first application of our design practices to a helicopter posed a number of interesting challenges, but we have enjoyed working through them. Beauty is of vital importance to Aston Martin and to our customers and we think the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is an inherently beautiful machine. It provided a wonderful canvas for our team to work on.” Frédéric Lemos, Head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters, says the chopper will appeal to owners who also enjoy flying their own aircraft. “The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is optimally positioned in the market for hands-on owners who draw satisfaction from personally piloting their aircraft and it generates strong brand loyalty,” he notes. “In the same way, Aston Martin’s products are cars for drivers who relish being at the wheel, and they inspire a comparable attachment to the brand.” It will initially be available in four external liveries with complementary interiors. A Stirling Green-themed design scheme, shown on the very first example of the aircraft unveiled in the French Alps, features a “painted gradient, which fades down into Jet Black on the underside of the helicopter with Skyfall Silver around the cowlings,” Aston reports. Other exterior paint job offerings include Xenon Grey, Arizona Bronze or Ultramarine Black. Inside, the automotive-inspired cabin is trimmed in Pure Black Ultrasuede with contrasting leather available in Oxford Tan, Pure Black, Cormorant and Ivory. The rear of the front seats displays the same brogue detailing found in the Aston Martin DB11 while the doors are also leather-trimmed to “provide passengers with comfortable touch points during their flight.” Aston Martin’s winged logo is

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MAR/APR 2020

SPIRITS

SPIRIT OF THE GODS

As mezcal becomes the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trendiest spirit, we travel to Oaxaca in search of its origins and authenticity

C O U R T E S Y O F D E L M A G U E Y S I N G L E V I L L A G E M E ZC A L

Te x t b y N I CO L A S S T EC H ER

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P h o t o g ra p h e d b y FER ARCE Sustainability is a key component of mezcal production. Del Maguey, the prestigious and proliďŹ c American-founded mezcal brand, prioritizes the health of both the agave plants it harvests and the people who harvest them MAXIM.COM

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ll too often ignorantly dismissed as tequila’s “smoky cousin,” mezcal remains one of the most nebulous and misunderstood spirits in the canon of alcohol. The mythology of Mexico’s indigenous Zapotec people tells of a lightning bolt striking an agave plant, releasing its cooked and enhanced juices for the people to enjoy ever since. To this day its divine origins explain why indulging in mezcal does not make one drunk (in theory) but rather brings one closer to god. Even the agave plants themselves are fundamental to indigenous life: Dried leaves used to thatch homes, stalks and stems with which to sew and hunt, and fibers for clothing and rope come from some species. No wonder its magical juice is also said to be imbued with powers of healing. Walking the streets of Oaxaca city, the sense of authenticity is impossible to miss; antiquity and primitive spirituality bubble from the cobblestones. Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s poorest states, and also home to the largest percentage of the Zapotecs. A visit during Día de

los Muertos (Day of the Dead), the homage to those who have passed, and the ancient festival’s connection to the great unknown— never mind the spectacular costumes and villagers dancing in the streets—radiate a vibe like you’re on a beautiful but alien planet. Visiting Oaxaca’s palenques, or primitive mezcal distilleries, only strengthens that feeling of terroir. The clay ovens and mule-powered tahonas crushing agave strike a stark contrast to the gleaming modern tequila factories just a couple of states away. Mezcal can only come from this nation’s arid soil; you get the indelible feeling its plants are the Earth’s gift to the people. For nearly half a millennium, mezcal has been a fundamental manna of the country’s indigenous people, yet it was tossed aside as provincial or even a lesser swill by the uninitiated. But in less than two decades that perception has changed dramatically—not only in the Instagram-worthy bars of Mexico City but across the planet. By now, dimly-lit mezcalerías have taken root in culture capitals across the globe; but recently even smaller towns and villages are sprouting dedicated temples of agave. Since 2009, mezcal sales in the U.S. have exploded nearly 10 fold (from fewer than 50,000 to 445,000 cases, equal to $90 million in revenue, in 2018). No other spirit comes close. Think of this as a primer to the spectacular holy nectar—the how, what and why. But it’s critical to note that as agave acolytes spread to the far corners of the world and sales skyrocket, mezcal’s popularity

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF MEZCAL Deriving from the Nahuatl words metl and ixcalli (“cooked agave”), mezcal was historically a catchall term used across Mexico for any spirit distilled from agave (or maguey). Historically, this has included tequila for hundreds of years, but the denomination of origin (DO) laws scripted in 1974 finally defined tequila in a more specific manner—only distilled from blue agave in five states, centering in Jalisco—from the larger mezcal category. Twenty years later, mezcal carved out its own rules: distilled only from varieties of the agave genus, in several states centering on Oaxaca. The new DO drew a thick, controversial line in the desert sand between mezcal and the much more popular tequila. From there things get pretty wild. More than 200 types of agave grow worldwide, but fewer than a quarter or so can be used to make mezcal. Production varies immensely from village to village, mezcalero to mezcalero, palenque to palenque. The terrain in many areas is so rugged and remote that nearby hamlets are cut off from one another, creating pockets of deeply insular culture. Plant species, length of fermentation, type of still and fermentation vats, number of distillations, airborne yeasts, soil conditions, and climate are all variables in the alchemy of a mezcal maestro. The wild variety of variables in the mezcal algorithm creates a polychromatic stew allowing for arguably the most far-flung flavor profiles of any single spirits category. In fact some experts claim that mezcal is the largest DO in the world. There are processes and agaves that yield delicate notes of chocolate and mint; others are herbaceous and piney, or fragrant with bursts of orange blossom. If you stop at “smoky” you’ve totally missed the point. “Agave spirits are a beautiful rainbow that I’m excited to look at,” notes Arik Torren, cofounder of Fidencio Mezcal and importer of a portfolio that includes several agave spirits under the Fidencio Spirits banner. “As you travel through Mexico you see big variations on all of these influences which result in a wonderful opportunity for exploration.” This multiplicity results in a wide swathe of product. In 2020 alone, Fidencio Spirits will feature 20 producers, and 24 unique species in its portfolio including agave and sotol (distilled from desert spoon, a plant related to but not agave) using 18 unique types of stills. “Mexico,” Torren gushes, “is amazing.” If you love that copita of mezcal in your hand, cherish it—you’ll probably never taste it again. Because of the artisanal aspect of the spirit, the alchemy of the maestros and the various wild card elements, it’s nearly impossible for the same batch to ever be exactly replicated. And that ephemerality is part of the potion’s sorcery: Espe-

Opposite: Celebrating with Montelobos Mezcal during the Día de Los Muertos festivities in Oaxaca, the heart of mezcal country MAXIM.COM

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brings with it both wild benefits and unexpected challenges to those who have been conjuring this spirit for around 450 years. Here are the basics.

CO U RT E S Y O F M O N T E LO B O S

cially in comparison to corporate spirits that have been formularized to death, mezcal is, for now, anyway, closer to an esoteric art than to a science. “We believe the history of our family, the legacy of their past and present work, proves mezcal is not based on a chemical or botanical study but rather in our observations of nature every day,” argues Graciela Angeles Carreño, who is from the fifth generation of a family of mezcaleros and the general manager of Real Minero. “The challenges are with ourselves: perfecting the knowledge they left us, constantly questioning what we do [and] why we do it.”

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TO BE OR NOT TO BE MEZCAL Of course there are agave-based spirits not distilled in states included in either the tequila or mezcal DOs, which further expand what were once all collected under the mezcal banner. The Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM) commenced certification operations in 2003 to set some order to this madness, to ensure mezcal’s continued quality and protect its producers.

COURTESY OF FER ARCE

A GUIDE TO AGAVES Some silvestre, or wild agave, can take up to 35 years to mature so sustainability is certainly an issue—especially as these more rare (and expensive) plants are over-harvested and/or poached. Entire books can be written on the subject, but many labels like Ilegal, Montelobos and others are pledging to use only cultivated agaves, while others have policies of replenishing three or more agaves for every plant harvested. Award-winning Sombra Mezcal favors sustainability efforts that go so far as upcycling agave fibers and byproducts into bricks for building homes; Banhez is a cooperative owned by more than 35 mezcalero families themselves, meaning they pilot their own futures. With dozens of agave varieties used across Mexico to create traditional mezcals, the color palettes attainable from these plants is kaleidoscopic. Espadín is the most widely cultivated and therefore popular (and sustainable), although Montelobos has flourished with tobalá as well. When you create an ensamble, or blend of two or more agaves, the palate blossoms into even wider spectrums of flavor. All which is to say there are a lot of magical, mind-meltingly delicious agave distillates worth hunting for like the yeti. There is no magical formula for divining a good mezcal, although maestros can discern a lot about quality and ABV just by shaking the bottle and examining las perlas, aka the bubbles, like reading tea leaves.

“I disagree with most of the application of the denomination of origin,” states David Suro Piñera flatly. “The problem isn’t necessarily about who the DO is protecting, but rather, who it is not protecting. The focus of the DO should only be on protecting the interests and well-being of the producers.” Having opened the Mexican restaurant Tequilas in Philly in 1986, Suro Piñera’s agave obsession led him to start importing rare and small-batch mezcals, including acclaimed labels like Mezonte, Siembra Spirits (of which he is founder and president) and Don Mateo de la Sierra. Now Suro Piñera takes the health of the agave personally. He elaborates that DO rules for mezcal were essentially copied and pasted from those of tequila, and fears the same corporatized standards that adulterated a once-great spirit could do the same to its so called smoky cousin. “That,” he argues, “is the wrong direction.” Cinco Sentidos’ founder Jason Paul Cox, whose delicious spirits cannot be labeled mezcal because they lack the CRM’s blessing, describes bureaucratic interventions like forcing the distilleries he sources from to modify their recipe, or endure visits from CRM inspectors as a nuisance for his producers. “The last thing I want to do as a brand owner is to force a mezcalero to change a centuries-old family recipe in order for their mezcals to comply with some arbitrary certification standards,” he explains. “Some of these producers have been distilling for over four decades,” Cox points out. “Just because their spirits may not comply with a lab test doesn’t mean that they aren’t exceptional.” At the end of the day the industrialization of a traditionally artisanal activity needs to be carefully strategized—both for the preservation of spirit’s quality and for the livelihoods of the maestros and families that preserved this art form for nearly half a millennium.

THE FINE PRINT Certainly there is quality in larger mezcal brands, with resources available to invest great time and energy into producing the finest nectar. So while it is critical to support the small artisanal mezcalero, don’t let that stop you from enjoying a sustainably sourced espadín from a nationally distributed label. But one thing many mezcaleros argue for, whether artisanal or high-volume, is promoting transparency in the industry—both holistically and in labeling. Many brands have unofficially united in a pledge to clearly state the most pertinent info on their labels, and this is something to look out for when perusing unknown bottles on a shelf. Pay attention to elements like: who (distiller, family); what (agave species, type of still, mashing style); where (village or city, state); and how much (quantity produced). Other details like cooking process, fermentation, and postdistillation adjustments may also be displayed. While this level of transparency certainly is not a flawless guarantee of quality, chances are that if producers are willing to be this forthright, then they consider their product a badge of pride.

Top: Andrea Gandarillas sips mezcal at La Mala Cantina y Comedor in Oaxaca. Bottom: Photographer Fer Arce poses in front of his portrait of maestro mezcalero Pedro from Santa Catarina Minas at an exhibition in Mexico City

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COLLECTING

MODERN CLASSICS A look at investing in the cars you once dreamed about and hung on your bedroom walls

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Te x t b y D U N C AN Q U I N N

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“Thirty to 40 years is roughly the time it takes for a 15-year-old with a poster of a car on his wall to go through school, get a career, maybe start a family, and eventually have enough time and disposable income to buy a collector car— the one he or she lusted after as a teen.” Eric Minoff, a Senior Specialist at Bonhams auction house and Head of Sale at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance is telling us why the “modern classics” of the 1980’s and ’90s have been shooting up in value of late. Savvy investors who aren’t already in on the game are taking note. The roll call of these dream cars, whose value has been increasing over the past decade or so following (for the most part) years

of depreciation and decline, includes the Lamborghini Countach and Diablo, Ferrari Testarossa and F40, Jaguar XJ220, Vector W8, Porsche 959, Bugatti EB 110 and McLaren F1, among others. And while some are worth more than others according to their rarity, even the value of cars produced in series for several years such as the Testarossa and the Countach—which in fact originally debuted in 1974 yet has become the quintessential ‘80s exotic—are benefiting from the bedroom poster syndrome. Its successor, the Diablo, equally bonkers and mind-blowing, finally appeared in 1990. In 1992 Jaguar produced the XJ220 which at 220 mph, was, albeit briefly, the fastest production car on Earth, and carried an ap-

The value of the Ferrari Testarossa, which debuted in 1984 and was made popular by the 1980s TV sensation Miami Vice, has started to increase in recent years MAXIM.COM

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“VALUES HAVE INCREASED OVER THE PAST DECADE FOLLOWING FOR THE MOST PART YEARS OF DEPRECIATION AND DECLINE”

T H I S PA G E TO P : T K T K T K T; B OT TO M C O U R T E S Y O F R M S OT H E BY S . O P P O S I T E : C O U R T E S Y O F R M S OT H E BY S

Above: The Lamborghini Countach is an icon of the era. RM Sotheby’s auctioned one for a record $1.3 million in 2015; Below: RM Sotheby’s auctioned a 1994 Bugatti EB 110 Super Sport for a record €2 million (about $2.2 million) in 2019

propriately hefty price tag. A carpet firm in Cardiff, Wales, were so convinced that buying and holding the supercar was the best investment ever, that they bricked one up under the staircase in their shop in 1993. Unfortunately they went bankrupt ten years later and liquidators auctioned it off for a mere $190,000. Had they been able to hold on to it until 2019, it would have been worth more like $439,000—the price fetched for a Le Mans Blue example at the Silverstone Auctions’ Heythrop Classic Car Sale and Sale of British Marques. As reported in The New York Times, a recent study done by Hagerty, which specializes in collector vehicle insurance, showed that in 2018, Gen Xers and millennials, for the first time ever, became the predominant generations in the classic car market. The appeal of ’80s and ’90s cars to these younger buyers resulted in a huge surge in values for those modern classics, the study noted. Of course for some the investment potential is merely a fringe benefit. Many people have historically bought such cars for their beauty, and some for the sheer bravado, while others coveted the purest ecstasy that only breakneck speed could provide. Most then found themselves fighting spiritedly against the back end swinging round, the cops catching them, or in the case of Richard Gere and the Lotus Esprit in Pretty Woman, simply getting the damned thing into gear. Sometimes they succeeded. Sometimes they didn’t. Somewhere in the 1980s the Vector W8 arrived on the scene; like a supervillain from the planet Giedi Prime. 625 hp of twin turbo charged American V8 muscle catapulted it to 60 mph in less than four seconds. And catapulted one of them to a reported 242 mph down the Bonneville Salt Flats. Brute force and ignorance it may have been in comparison with the refined engineering of the Porsche 959. But by God did it look the Devil’s dangly bits and go like a bat out of hell. So few were made it is unlikely you will ever see one. And little wonder Lamborghini’s parent company bought

Top: A 1994 McLaren F1 ‘LM-Speciﬁcation’ set a world record when it sold at RM Sotheby’s’ Monterey sale in 2019 for $19.8 million; Middle: The Lamborghini Diablo replaced the Countach in 1990; Below: A 1993 Jaguar XJ220 sold for $479,000 at RM Sotheby’s’ Abu Dhabi sale in 2019

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versions sitting in a barn, it could earn you more than three times that. And then Enzo Ferrari’s F40 arrived with a roar in 1987. It was the last car Enzo ever personally supervised, and the first production road car in history to sport composite body work. Initially priced at just under $400,000, after a dip to around half that in the early 2000s, it would set you back not far short of $1.5 million today. The crowning cars of the era though have to be two phoenixes which rose from the ashes of their respective marques: the Bugatti EB 110 and McLaren F1. Supercars that Eric Minoff says are perceived as “being more ‘analog’,” as they can provide “viscously fast performance but without all of the electronic nannies that newer cars have,” giving drivers, “a more connected and tactile experience.”

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Vector out and closed them down in the mid-’90s. Had they not done so, Porsche’s 1986 Group B rally-inspired 959, and Ferrari’s track-inspired F40, would have done in the W8 eventually. Both were the technological wunderkind of their years. The 959 came equipped with with a 444 hp 2.8L biturbo flat-six engine featuring water-cooled 4-valve cylinder heads, an electronically controlled chassis and an all-wheel drive system, as well as an aerodynamically optimized body, not to mention the “G” gear for any off road low gearing requirements. Tipping the scales at a whopping $225,000 in 1986, one was sold at auction in Pebble Beach by Gooding & Company in 2015 for a little over $1.7 million. If you have one of the special Paris-Dakar rally

The stunning Ferrari F40 from 1987 is one of the most valuable cars of the era and is widely considered one of the most beautiful modern Ferraris ever made 30

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These two precious models resurrected their marques and stole the hearts and minds of car fanatics everywhere. And they both raced at Le Mans to prove their mettle. In 1994 the Bugatti EB 110 SS was the fastest qualifier in its class at Le Mans. And in 1995 the McLaren F1 GTR won outright. Both forewarned of the return to the pinnacle of the automotive hierarchy of Bugatti and McLaren. Had you purchased an EB 110 SS for $350,000 in the early 1990s, you could have sold it for over $2 million in 2019. Or better still, had you parted with an eye-watering $815,000 in 1994 for a McLaren F1, you could have sold it in LM (Le Mans) spec in 2019 for $19.8 million—which was the highest price paid at auction for a car that year. Now, where is that barn full of supercars gathering dust again…?

“THE APPEAL OF ’80S AND ’90S CARS FOR YOUNGER BUYERS RESULTED IN A HUGE SURGE IN VALUES FOR MODERN CLASSICS”

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INFLUENCER

CROWN JEWEL lnstagram beauty Kara Del Toro creates eye-popping content on a daily basis Te x t b y ZE Y N EP Y EN I S E Y P h o t o g ra p h y b y JAM E S M AC AR I

rop-dead gorgeous model and social media influencer Kara Del Toro isn’t just one of the hottest Instagram sirens to grace the internet since the dawn of the Instamodel—she’s also a full-fledged goddess with her glossy honey-brown hued locks, pouty bee stung lips, and jaw-dropping curves that make you thank God for creating women. An L.A.based Texas native, the bodacious bombshell is signed with Pretty

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x Elite and has starred in multiple campaigns for names like Guess and Beach Bunny Swimwear. But above all, she makes heads spin with her sizzling Instagram feed @karajewelll, where she showcases her insane physique to her devoted following of 1.2 million and counting. Here, the rising star tells Maxim about her early start in the modeling industry, the life of a social media influencer, when she feels sexiest, and what’s next for the ambitious beauty.

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This page: Top, BRANDY MELVILLE. Opposite page: Dress, WE ARE LEONE.

How did you become a model? I went to a local modeling school when I was 13. I know most of them turn out to be scams, but they sent me to the agency and I started working. I did campaigns with Guess and Beach Bunny Swimwear and my social media grew a ton. Real modeling is dying and it’s all about social media, and it’s cool because it gives you so much more control.

What’s your favorite sports team? I’d have to go with the Houston Texans because that’s my home team and my dad would hate me if I said anything else.

What’s a typical day like for you? I don’t really have a typical day. Right now my career is 50% modeling and 50% social media. I live in Los Angeles but travel at least once a month for work, so when I’m not shooting for a campaign I’m out creating content for social media. I love it.

What’s your mantra? Alignment over effort, always.

Who’s your biggest celebrity crush? I love Emily Ratajkowski. She’s so hot and I love her unapologetic attitude.

Who is your favorite author? I like self-help or metaphysical books -- Wayne Dyer, Esther Hicks and Eckhart Tolle. I’m not as much into fiction...I feel like it’s a waste of time. I like to read, I just suck at finishing books.

What’s on your playlist these days? My playlist is so eclectic. I hate having to play it in front of anyone because one minute it will be ’90s hip-hop, the next it’s EDM and then Chopin. I do love ’90s hip-hop though. I never get tired of Snoop Dogg and Biggie.

What’s your absolute favorite food? You can never go wrong with a good pizza and some chocolate cake.

How can someone catch your attention? I think humor and humility are both very important. I hate when a man is too cocky.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure? Chocolate… lots of chocolate, and long baths. I don’t know the meaning of moderation.

What’s the worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard? I had a well known soccer player write me the other day. He just messaged me a period. Literally just a dot. I mean come on, you’ve got to put in more effort than that.

What’s your favorite way to kick back and relax? Lay out on a beach and drink coconut water all day.

When do you feel sexiest? When I’m sun-kissed and wearing something minimal or nothing at all.

Favorite travel destination? Anywhere hot and sunny. I went to Positano this past year and loved it, it’s such a magical place. I can’t wait to go back.

What’s your favorite thing to wear? Anything satin.

What’s your sign? I’m a Leo and most definitely resonate with the lion...rrrroar.

What turns you on the most? Good manners, affection, and attention.

Are you a spiritual person? I am a very spiritual person. I believe in

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“I AM A VERY SPIRITUAL PERSON. I BELIEVE IN ENERGY, MANIFESTATION, AND POSITIVE THINKING”

credit, BRAND. Fash This page: Swimsuit, HAUS OF PINKLEMONAID. credit, BRAND. Opposite page: Swimsuit, COSABELLA

energy, manifestation, and positive thinking. Everything is energy, and the energy you put out is the energy you’re going to get back.

ambitious is not the same thing as being thirsty, it’s okay to have goals and desires.

What’s your favorite season? I love winter because I take time off and see my family for the holidays, but as soon as the holidays are over, I’m ready for summer. I thrive in the heat.

What are your goals for 2020? I just want to continue living my best life! I’m a big believer in goal setting and I have tons of goals for 2020! Every year I make a list of what I want to accomplish, but I also believe in not telling everyone. Have you heard the saying “Hustle in silence and let your success make the noise”?

What are some fun facts about you? I collect crystals, I have a rescue dog named Sabie, and when most people meet me they’re surprised by how much of a dork I am. I’m much cooler on the internet. What’s something you wish you knew when you were younger? That it’s okay to tell people “no” with no excuse or reason. Also that being

What would you do if you weren’t modeling? I’d love to be a designer. Where do you hope to be in five years? I want to keep modeling but I also want to have my own business. I want it all.

Stylist, Rafael Linares at Art Department. Hair and Make up, Stephanie G-M at Art Department using Omorovicza and Innersense Organic Beauty.

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CO TK G U TUTRETRE SCYR EODFI TPSE T E R M O R N I N G / R E D B U L L C O N T E N T P O O L

ADVENTURE

CLIFF HANGER

A superstar of freeride mountain biking explains the method behind the apparent madness Te x t b y K EI T H G O R D O N

Freeriding is just one category within the mountain biking world. Another discipline, slopestyle, typically focuses on the most extreme tricks riders can perform on a predetermined course. “Slopestyle is more manicured features,” explains Semenuk. “It’s very trick-based and you’re judged mainly on tricks and less on your line, because typically a lot of the events only have one line.” The greater challenge, and source of excitement, for Semenuk and his peers is the annual Red Bull Rampage event. Instead of all riders taking the same path down a manicured route, competitors arrive a week or more ahead of the competition to scout the rock face and design their own unique line to the bottom. Competitors are allowed to build, alter and dig out trails and features to enhance their run. “I would call it the most core freeride event,” says Semenuk. “Because you build your own line, you look at the hill your own way and every rider has a different line. It’s not just tricks, but how you ride the line, how fast and fluid you ride the line. Trick selection, line selection…it’s a broader range of what’s considered by the judges.” Rather than identifying the safest or most obvious path down the course, competitors search for ways to showcase their skills to their absolute limits. According to three-time champion Semenuk, “You want to pick the gnarliest line down the hill that’s something you think you can ride. A part of the challenge is looking at the hill and then shaping it into something that actually is what you envision and what you feel like your abilities allow.” This pre-contest “shaping” is a huge aspect of the contest and riders’ preparations. Competitors have the freedom to build the ultimate line from top to bottom, a vital yet straining aspect of success in the Rampage. “When we show up to the mountain, we get a scout day, so

COURTESY OF BARTEK WOLINSKI / RED BULL CONTENT P OOL

L E F T TO R I G H T: C O U R T E S Y O F PA R I S G O R E / R E D B U L L C O N T E N T P O O L

As Brandon Semenuk dropped into his contest-winning run at this past October’s Red Bull Rampage mountain biking event, those unfamiliar with the sport might view it as a reckless, if not suicidal, endeavor. After all, the steep and treacherous mountainside he was about to attack would not look out of place covered in climbers, hooked into safety ropes, trying to ascend the same route he was about to descend. But for Brandon, and his fellow competitors, Rampage represents the pinnacle of the freeride mountain biking competitive calendar. As Semenuk tore down the rock face, launching backflips off of jumps and 360s over gaps in the rock, what should seemingly be an act of pure survival took on the rhythm and poetry of a choreographed routine, albeit one that some would consider death-defying. Completing his run flawlessly and with a heavy dose of style, Semenuk had secured his third victory at Rampage, cementing his reputation as one of the world’s best freeride mountain bikers. Semenuk’s coronation at the top of his sport was decades in the making. “I grew up in Whistler, British Columbia, which is sort of a mecca for mountain biking,” explains the 29-year old Canadian. “When I was growing up it was a great place to ride…there were these crazy circuits of mountain biking trails just all over the place. So it was pretty accessible to me.” Following in his older brother’s footsteps, Semenuk began in cross country racing before discovering other mountain bike disciplines. He recalls that, “After racing a bit, it developed into just trying some other avenues, having opportunities to do other contests and travel for riding. I just fell into this freeride category and that’s what I fell in love with.”

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takes issue with this categorization. “I really don’t consider myself an adrenaline junkie. I grew up skiing and skateboarding and stuff like that, and I’ve done a lot of rally driving in the last decade. But it’s not really about the adrenaline to me. It’s a challenge and there’s a kind of a weird sense of slow, when you get into a rhythm with these sports. It’s sort of peaceful even though people from the outside might not think that. It’s just you and you’re focused on one thing. Everything else melts away.”

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we’ll actually walk around the mountain for an entire day and just figure out how we can align top to bottom, because the mountain is huge,” describes Semenuk. “It’s really hard to actually connect things and make it down, because you’ll find stuff you like but then you’ll just run into a huge cliff…so it takes a while to negotiate your way down the hill.” Beyond a bike, helmet and padding, the most utilized tool in Semenuk’s collection is surprisingly a shovel. “After the scout day we get eight days to dig and practice,” he points out. “I would say 90% of those days go to digging. We dig up to the very last minute and if we’re lucky we get to hit everything once or twice. What makes Rampage so special is it’s such an experience and everyone is building their own line. There’s also a sense of community amongst competitors. “The freeride scene is all the people I’m competing with. They’re people I ride with on a daily basis. A lot of them, when we see each other, we’re just stoked to hang out and ride outside of the contest as well when we get that opportunity. It’s really cool especially in a Rampage environment or when building lines we’re all hanging out in the same area for 10 days in close quarters doing this extremely terrible labor. But it’s super fun. You’re with all your friends and everyone’s having a good time. It’s a really big reason I love this sport because you can take all the fun out of it if you can’t enjoy doing it with the people around you.” Despite the obvious risk and dangers from bombing down a mountainside, Brandon has been fortunate to avoid the worst-case scenarios. “Obviously, injury is a big part of it,” admits Semenuk. “I’ve had a fair share of injuries, but I’ve been fairly lucky. Just a handful of broken bones, some bruises and sprained ligaments. But nothing that’s put me off for too long. I would say I’ve definitely been pretty lucky.” Those unfamiliar with the sport might label Semenuk and his peers as mere daredevils, or even adrenaline junkies, but Brandon

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ATHLETE

LOVE, ACTUALLY

There’s more to NBA All-Star Kevin Love than slick moves and supermodels Te x t b y T I M S T R U BY

othing should be hard for Kevin Love. First, there’s his career. Since nabbed as the fifth pick in the 2008 NBA draft, the 31-year-old has become one of the NBA’s elite. In 12 years as a pro he’s averaged 18.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game (as of mid-January), earned five All-Star nods, made four straight finals (2015–2018) and taken home the NBA championship in 2016 with his current Cleveland Cavaliers team. Next? The money. He recently signed a four-year, $120 million dollar contract extension, and combined with an annual $4 million in endorsement deals from companies including Nike, Old Spice and American Greetings, the Oregon-raised athlete pocketed a cool $28.4 million in 2019, earning him a spot on Forbes’s annual world’s highest paid athletes list. And let’s not forget the talent. Since childhood, the 6′8″ power forward has been a multi-tool player, combining big-man dominance on the boards with a deadly sharp-shooter’s touch. “The big thing in the league is the All-NBA Team,” longtime NBA play-caller Mike Breen tells us. “And Kevin’s made that twice. He had good numbers early in his career and turned them into spectacular numbers.” There are also the Hollywood heartthrob looks and classic, refined style that regularly lands him on the pages of fashion magazines; a guy who can as easily break down the nuances of the perfect pick-and-roll as discuss the subtle beauty of his favorite Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch. Lastly, there’s his girlfriend, Canadian supermodel and current Maxim cover girl Kate Bock, whom he’s been dating for nearly five years—not that the busy couple has been able to spend all that much time yet at the house he recently bought in New York. From every angle, Love appears to be runner-up to Tom Brady for the winner of the Best Pro Athlete Life Ever award. But life isn’t as it looks on Instagram. Pro athletes might be superstars but they’re not superheroes. While Love is both grateful and humbled by his professional and personal fortunes, he has faced—and continues to face—very real struggles both on and off the court. Love’s most obvious battle has been with his body. A fractured hand. Toe surgery. A bad left knee. Chronic back issues. Over three seasons, the Cleveland forward missed 105 games. Then there’s the matter of his team. Number 0 signed his latest contract with the understanding that he was the foundation for the soon-to-be rebuilding, and LeBron-less, Cavs (James left for the Los Angeles Lakers in July 2018). Those building blocks, however, have yet to materialize. But arguably the biggest challenge Love has ever faced has been coping with his mental health. “I’ve always felt those dark clouds, that anxiety,” he admits. “I never to talked to anyone about it. Even

P h o t o b y D ER EK K E T T EL A

my best friends didn’t know. And it never really went away, but I kept it at bay.” Through it all, Love could have easily hid behind his PR people or fired off a few all-too-typical famous athlete platitudes. But what he eventually did makes him a unique modern sports star. He opened up. Addressed the issues. Owned them. In March 2018, he penned a nowfamous story for The Players’ Tribune chronicling a 2017 panic attack that forced him to leave a game against the Atlanta Hawks. “I didn’t want anyone to tell my story but me,” says the All-Star. In it, Love discussed his trouble dealing with those dark clouds. He admitted he went to therapy. He blew up the traditional notion of the athlete—the stoic warrior who doesn’t ever speak about feelings, emotions and fears. In essence, the story was Love’s public admission that he’s still a work in progress, a man grappling with his own evolution. The repercussions of Love’s groundbreaking story still resonate today. In September 2018, he announced the launch of the Kevin Love Fund, a trust dedicated to helping people with their physical and mental well-being. The most significant change came from the NBA itself when, prior to the start of the 2019-2020 season, league officials adopted a new rule requiring all 30 teams to have at least one licensed mental health professional—a psychologist or behavioral therapist—on their full-time staff. “I’m still surprised,” says Love about the outpouring of support since the article came out. “I couldn’t believe the vast number of people affected.” As for his ongoing journey, Love has incorporated a variety of practices that bolster his personal wellness. Therapy. Meditation. Travel to destinations like Southern Utah, the Philippines, and the Cascade Range not far from his childhood home. “Kate and I are both from the Pacific Northwest,” he says. “And the outdoors allows us to take a breath, keep moving. It’s great for both the mind and body.” This work he’s doing on himself is paying off. After some recent frustrationinduced incidents (one involving his GM and another during a game against Oklahoma City), Love once again showed a maturity not often seen in pro sports. “I wasn‘t acting like a 31-year-old, I was acting like a 13-year-old,‘‘ Love told reporters. ‚‘That was childish of me, and just goes to show you, I‘m an unfinished product, like anybody. I know I can get a lot better, and that can‘t go on here, especially when you have young guys that you are trying to help.” With his fame, fortune, supermodel girlfriend, and assured place in NBA history, it’s easy for people to dismiss Love’s difficulties. Yet it’s precisely his considerable advantages that will enable him to help make the NBA, and the world at large, a better place.

”LOVE IS A MULTI-TOOL PLAYER, COMBINING BIG-MAN DOMINANCE ON THE BOARDS WITH A DEADLY SHARP-SHOOTER’S TOUCH”

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MAR/APR 2020

LEADING MAN

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Actor Matt Czuchry’s starring role on The Resident is set to launch him into the stratosphere Te x t b y J O R DAN R I EFE P h o t o g ra p h y b y M A ARTEN D E B O ER /

T H E L I C E N S I N G P R OJ EC T

att Czuchry is not a lawyer, but he plays one on T.V. Well, he used to, anyway, though you can still catch him in reruns of The Good Wife, in which he stars as attorney, Cary Agos. The thing is Czuchry might have been an attorney instead of an actor, had he received a higher score on the LSAT back in his college days in Charleston, South Carolina. One of his brothers is a psychology professor and researcher, and Czuchry tanked. But not really.

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Landing the role of wealthy but troubled Logan Huntzberger on Gilmore Girls, then transitioning to the acclaimed series, The Good Wife could hardly be considered a failure. And here’s the other thing about Czuchry—he’s not a doctor, but he plays one on T.V., on FOX’s hit series, The Resident. “Health interconnects us all, that was one of the main things that connects me to the show,” he tells us about a role he prepared for by interviewing doctors and nurses, as well as plowing through reams of research. “All of us go through struggles, and Conrad is someone who goes through those same struggles. One of the things that drew me to this character is his willingness to fight for his patients. If it comes to breaking rules, he’s kind of Machiavellian that way. He’s going to break those rules in order to do the best thing for the most amount of people. If he has to go against the system to do that, then he’s going to do that.” A more understated connection is a personal one for Czuchry, one that drew him to the pilot where Dr. Randolph Bell, played by Bruce Greenwood, loses a patient due to medical error, which happened to the mother of one of Czuchry’s friends. “I thought if I had a personal connection, how many other people have this kind of connection,” he recalls about reading the script. “It shows us that none of us are immune to making mistakes. And it shows these human qualities and what healthcare professionals go through on a daily basis in terms of what they have coming through the door and how they compartmentalize these aspects to move forward.” Moving anywhere for Czuchry is becoming a greater challenge as more and more fans stop him in public. Because they watch him in their living room every week, many feel they know him intimately, sometimes getting a bit too close. “They will come up and hug you and talk to you about how you impacted them, and then they’ll give you a hug and come back in for another hug,” he laughs, adding with characteristic understatement, “The interaction with someone I don’t know but they feel they know me makes an interesting dynamic.” And then there was the time a fan asked him to sign her boob. “You just politely decline on that one,” he grins. Having grown up in Johnson City, Tennessee, Czuchry studied history and poli-sci at College of Charleston, which he attended on a tennis scholarship. Captain of the team during his last two years of college, he nonetheless left the game behind the moment he graduated. As good as he was, he never aimed to go pro. His goal was to be the first from his area of Tennessee to win the state high school championship. “That is one thing I point to as one of the greatest moments in my life,” he sighs, looking back. “For me, once I knew I could never reach the same level again, I kind of put that in the drawer. That explains a little bit of my personality. I dedicated myself completely to that, did the best I could, achieved my major goal. Let’s put that to the side, and now it’s onto the next thing.” The next thing, of course, was acting. At the ripe old age of 22, he was already busy landing bit parts on Freaks and Geeks and Opposite Sex before getting cast as Sean McGrail, baseball playing boyfriend of Bella Banks (Kate Bosworth), on The WB’s Young Americans. Work, including some films and T.V. guest roles, was fairly steady over the next few years, and then he was cast as former conman Jamie Farrel on Hack. Gilmore Girls followed and there was no looking back. About a year after tanking the LSAT (despite taking a Kaplan prep course), and right before moving to L.A. to become an actor, Czuchry bumped into his Kaplan LSAT teacher. “He asked me how everything was going. I said, ‘Well, I did terrible on the LSAT.’ And he said, ‘Sorry my instruction didn’t help you out.’ And then I told him about my plans to go to L.A. to pursue acting. And he said each of these things happen for a reason. That path opened you up to a new path. It’s him reaffirming that sometimes the obstacles are actually opportunities. It’s a pretty cool moment considering I was about to embark on a new journey.”

MAXIM ART BASEL ISSUE PARTY WITH COVER MODEL JASMINE SANDERS & G-EAZY AT DELANO SOUTH BEACH

S E T H B R O WA R N I K / W O R L D R E D E Y E .C O M

Maxim hosted our annual Art Basel Issue Party in Miami on December 7, 2019 at the Delano South Beach. The party was hosted by Cover Model Jasmine Sanders with a special performance by rapper G-Eazy. Maxim and the Delano collaborated with Miami artist Alexander Mijares whose work was seen throughout the hotel. Mijares also created a special painting inspired by Sandersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Maxim photo by Gilles Bensimon. Guests experienced an epic night of fun thanks to partners including Maestro Dobel Tequila, Truly Hard Seltzer, Beam CBD and Canadian lifestyle publication HOLR magazine.

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LEADING LADY

“IF YOU WANT TO OCCUPY SPACE IN ANY INDUSTRY AS A WOMAN, YOU HAVE TO DO IT WITH COURAGE”

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Actress and musician Janina Gavankar is about to break out in The Way Back Te x t b y J O R DAN R I EFE

P h o t o g ra p h y b y T I Z I A N O LU G L I

t’s not the fact that Janina Gavankar is drop-dead gorgeous, a gifted musician and world class thespian that makes her irresistible. No, it’s not her turn as the alpha lesbian, Papi, on Showtime’s The L Word, nor her current role as the estranged wife to Ben Affleck’s struggling alcoholic in The Way Back, set for release this month. What makes Gavankar so enchanting is the fact that she’s a selfproclaimed gamer geek. Just ask her: “I’m a pretty hardcore gamer,” she tells us. “I have my fist in the air for story and game. The other thing is that I’m a geek. People know this about me. This is not news.” What is news is just about the biggest role of her career in The Way Back. “He’s one of the smartest guys I’ve ever worked with,” she says of Affleck. “I learned so much from him in other areas in the conversations we had making this movie. He’s a highly intelligent artist.” Gavin O’Connor, who directed Affleck in The Accountant, is reunited with the Oscar-winning actor for the new film in which he plays a former high school hoops star, Jack Cunningham returning to his alma mater to coach the team. Gavankar plays his wife who has been living apart from him on account of his alcoholism. She worked with O’Connor to establish a backstory for her character—therapy, church groups and Al-Anon. “She’s found ways to make sure that she’s okay, and Jack just hasn’t done that yet. We made a decision that she has worked the program and it’s worked for her,” Gavankar explains. These days, she finds herself surrounded by “highly intelligent” artists not only on The Way Back, but on her day job, the Apple TV+ acclaimed new series, The Morning Show with Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell. Gavankar plays Alison Namazi, co-host on the show’s weekend edition along with ambitious Daniel Henderson, played by Desean Terry. “Jen and Reese said even seven years ago people said to them, ‘Oh, you want to produce, that’s cute,” Gavankar says of her celebrity co-stars who also happen to be executive producers on the show. “It’s kind of shocking to hear legends say this, people who have been not only working but have been very famous for a very long time.” Sure it aggravates her, but she has learned to keep a level head through her experience as a vocal member of the gaming community where female voices are not always welcome. In 2017, she voiced the character, Iden Versio, the protagonist of the video game Star Wars Battlefront II. It received major backlash upon its release by fans frustrated over microtransactions that appeared to be money grabs, loot boxes, character progression and what many deemed pay-to-win meHair, Bradley Leake; Makeup Merav Adler; Styling Victor Blanco

chanics, prompting changes by gamemaker Electronic Arts. In the end, Gavankar emerged from the scandal unscathed. “I know what nerd rage is. I have it. I feel it all the time. It’s mostly attached to things where I feel like somebody is ruining that thing I love. I have a lot of love for the game industry as a whole and I’m very lucky I’ve been spared, to some degree,” she says of gamer trolls who target women. “But we will outlast all of those people. If you want to occupy space in any industry as a woman, you have to do it with courage. That’s the entire world.” And no, she isn’t through with the Star Wars galaxy just yet. “I have been able to do so many strange little things here and there around the galaxy that people don’t even know about yet,” she says, teasing future appearances. “When you’re part of the galaxy and you’re heart is in the right place, you really join a family of nerds and it’s like a nice big hug.” Born of an Indian father and a half-Indian, half-Dutch mother, Gavankar grew up in Joliet, Illinois, where she assiduously practiced piano, percussion, and classical voice, (drum corps was her passion). Graduating the University of Illinois at Chicago as a theatre major with a music and psychology double minor, she maintained a career in music, being signed to Cash Money Records in the U.S., and collaborating with Indian recording artists throughout the subcontinent. Gavankar took notes, directing and producing music videos for herself and others, then co-directing her first short film last year, Stucco, which will be shown at SXSW. “My mission statement as an artist is to examine the part of ourselves that we’re not proud of. And that is exactly what everything on my slate does. And ‘Stucco’ does that as well. It’s highly autobiographical,” she says of the film she describes as an exploration of mental health, anxiety, and guilt, which she made with her creative partner Russo Schelling. In a move that flies in the face of industry practices, she self financed the film. But she also took a tip from her The Morning Show bosses Witherspoon and Aniston—rather than wait for someone to cast her in an interesting role, create your own and cast yourself. It turns out that the indie game space and the indie film space have several things in common, chiefly the fact that monetary reward is minimal, but artistic fulfillment can be sublime. “As an artist, you have to leave money on the table. That’s terrifying. But one of my biggest goals is to have a really diverse career. And I want to make sure I’m okay with my career at the end of my life.” MAXIM.COM

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COVER STORY

NORTH STAR The gorgeous Kate Bock warms our hearts with her Canadian charm and superstar looks

Photography b y GILLES BENSIMON Styling b y CAROLIN E CH RISTIANSSON Te x t b y THOMAS FREEMAN Opposite page: Top, Ã&#x2DC;UD Shorts, MES DEMOISELLES... PARIS Bra, ZANA BAYNE. Boots, CHROME HEARTS Belt, ERICKSON BEAMON Jewelry, STONE PARIS This page: Dress, PAULE KA Jewelry, STONE PARIS MMAAXXI IMM. C . COOMM

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know Kate Bock is going to be friendly before we even speak. I am not the first person to tell her this. “Everyone I meet that finds out I’m Canadian is like, ‘Oh! Canadians are so nice!’” she says. We are speaking a few days before Christmas. “People like you before they even know you because you uphold a great reputation.” More people are beginning to like Bock, 27, who has around 610,000 followers on Instagram and is already a veteran in the industry. At age 12, someone who knew a modeling agent spotted her at a swimming pool in her native Vancouver. A week after signing with her mother agency, she was in Santa Barbara shooting for Abercrombie Kids. At 18, she left Canada for Paris. “I went to French immersion school in Canada, and so I came out of school speaking fluent French,” Bock says of deciding on Paris. “I started slow and steady. I wasn’t someone that walked in the first day and was booking every job. I definitely had to earn it.” By the time Bock relocated to New York, she was modeling regularly. Her golden blonde hair, lithe figure, and elegant bone structure have made her a favorite of brands like Victoria’s Secret, Guess, Brooks Brothers, and Ralph Lauren. She has also graced the covers of Ocean Drive, Fitness, and Elle Canada. A lot has happened in her recent life. In 2016, she began dating Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they recently bought a home in New York. Here, Kate Bock tells Maxim of her early interest in sports, globe-trotting with one of the biggest names in the NBA, and a rafting accident that left her with six staples in her head.

means you’re never not kind of being seen, or never not feeling the pressure to constantly update your image. You kind of always have to be out there, but it’s pretty cool that now people are interested in the charities you’re interested in, or your family or where you’re from or what you love to do [and] not just your face. How often do you visit Cleveland? I fly back and forth all the time. [Kevin] travels a lot with his work schedule, so I meet him sometimes on the road, or he comes to New York a few times in the season. I’m so lucky that [he] got a couple of days off that we are able to spend in New York and finally move into our new apartment. We’re so excited to do Christmas in New York and live out our Home Alone dream—without the robbery. Tell me about your recent whirlwind trip with Kevin. We had a long summer for the first time since we’ve been dating because he was in the NBA Finals so many years in a row. It was something we wanted to take advantage of because, hopefully, he’ll never have something like that again. We ended up having almost five months. We traveled as much as we could and really caught a bug. We went to Thailand, Whistler [British Columbia], Athens, Utah, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We loved everywhere. What was your favorite destination? Phuket, Thailand. I love the place, the food, the smells, the beach. I could not get enough of the Thai food. If you wanna stay in the country, I loved Utah also. The canyons and Lake Powell are so beautiful. The Navajo influence is amazing. The dry climate is

How does it feel to be on the cover of Maxim? To work with Gilles Bensimon has been a dream of mine for so long. I’m such a huge fan of his, and I’m always excited to see who he shoots and how it comes out in Maxim since it’s always so creative and beautiful. Olivia [Culpo], Jasmine [Sanders], Emily [DiDonato], Sara [Sampaio]—I know a lot of them, so it’s pretty cool to join the graduating class of Maxim cover models. A lot of friends of mine have been on [the cover]. Whose careers do you admire? I love Elle Macpherson, Amber Valletta, Heidi Klum, Christie Brinkley, and Kathy Ireland. There are so many women that have had successful careers and have parlayed them into empires. Now, it’s not like there’s a drop-off once you turn a certain age. Has social media completely changed how you promote yourself? For sure. [Models] didn’t really promote ourselves before. It’s totally different. You would wait to hear from your agent, or you would go in and ask them what people thought, or what you should do or how you should dress. It was all kind of in your agent’s hands to promote you the way they felt was right. And now you have this tool that allows you to promote yourself and really show more than just your style or your face. Now you can show your personality and what you love and what you’re passionate about, and it gives [you] such a voice outside of what your agency can do for you. It’s also a double-edged sword, where it Blouse, MOLA WALKER Bra, LIVY G-string, COSABELLA

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amazing for my hair. You were in a rafting accident in Wyoming. What happened? We went glacier rafting, and there was the one big rapid called Big Kahuna. Right before we went over it, our guide said, “This is a big rapid. It’s like an airplane, so I like to go over the safety recommendations, but [mishaps have] never happened, so don’t worry.” We went over all the safety stuff, and five seconds later, we flipped on the rapid. The rapids are pretty strong, so we got flung down the water. I hit my head a little bit, but I just had a little cut. Got a few staples along the way. I was fine. You got staples in your head for just a little cut? What’s the opposite of hypochondriac? In basketball, these guys get injured where they get stapled regularly. So [Kevin] said, “Oh, it’s fine. It’s just a few staples!” and I was like, “Oh, okay!” I was more cold because it’s glacier water, and I was in there for like 10 minutes. I think I was in shock. But then we had a delicious sushi dinner and relaxed, and we thought it was a really funny story. Then I told other people, and they said, “Wait, you got six staples?” and I was like, “Oh, is that a big deal?” Were you a basketball fan when you first met Kevin? No, I had never watched basketball at all. I had never heard of him. I asked if his name was a stage name. I asked him, “What does the 24-second clock do? Why is it counting down?” He was like, “Wow, you know nothing.” I was gifted Basketball for Dummies for Christmas the first year I met him, so I feel like I’ve learned a lot since then. I watch every game. I listen on the radio if I’m on a plane and can’t watch livestream. I’m a very dedicated fan, and I think I’m doing a lot better now. What other sports do you enjoy? I was always in different sports growing up. I was a swimmer, I

“WORKING WITH GILLES BENSIMON HAS LONG BEEN A DREAM OF MINE. I’M SUCH A HUGE FAN, AND I’M ALWAYS EXCITED TO SEE WHO HE SHOOTS.... IT’S ALWAYS SO CREATIVE AND BEAUTIFUL” played soccer, and I played baseball. My brother and dad watched hockey all the time, and my cousin played pro. That was our sport of choice, but my dad has now converted to a basketball fan. I’ve been an avid snowboarder for years now, and I’ve just decided that I needed to become a really good skier also. I have a few more years before [Kevin] retires, and he’ll be better than me in one try. I’m trying to get better at skiing before he catches up with me. Lastly, what’s the secret to Canadian friendliness? Maybe the fresh air, the outdoor activities, or just in the way we speak. When someone bumps into you or when you misspeak, you apologize. Sooorry, not sorry. I love New York, but New Yorkers are a lot more intense. The more I travel and spend time with other people, I find I’m very laid-back. So stay positive and just be a good person. There’s no secret pill.

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CAPRI

DOLCE VITA

Italy’s most luxurious getaway has played host to everyone from Roman emperors to Kylie Jenner

or all of the luxuries of Monte Carlo, the extravagance of Macau or the lifestyle of Miami, perhaps there is nowhere on the planet that has been a draw for the rich and powerful for as long as the island of Capri in Italy. Located on the Bay of Naples, Capri has had a magnetic pull for millennia. From the ancient Greeks to Augustus, the first Roman emperor, the island has been a haven and idyllic escape throughout history, one which still draws visitors from around the globe for its unmatched beauty, luxury and romanticism. It also offers a rare combination of modern amenities on par with those found anywhere in Europe, with the antiquities, ruins and historical narrative sure to intrigue curious visitors to the island. Of course, being Italian, the island has a world-class culinary

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scene, but there are plenty of extraordinary experiences to be had between these sumptuous meals. In fact, there’s something for every kind of luxury traveler on this idyllic island. Perhaps the most iconic of Capri’s attractions is the world-renowned Blue Grotto. Most of the island of Capri is framed by steep cliffs rising from the ocean, pocketed with caves and grottos carved by centuries of ocean waves, but none are as jaw-dropping as the Grotta Azzurra. Named for the glowing blue water inside the grotto, the result of refracted sunlight within the cave being reflected off the white sand seafloor, the grotto is Capri’s most popular tourist destination, and thus can be quite crowded. Nonetheless, it’s a must-visit due not only to its mesmerizing, otherworldly blue glow, but its history. Inside the grotto, visitors can sup-

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Te x t b y K E I T H G O R D O N

The ruggedly beautiful landscape of Capri on the Bay of Naples has drawn the rich and powerful for centuries

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CAPRI

each taking full advantage of the spectacular views and lush flora of the island. Or visit the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo, a baroque-style church built in the 18th century with a tiled floor depicting a scene featuring Adam and Eve, an artistic and religious creation that wouldn’t be out of place in Florence or Vatican City. Of course, being an island that for centuries has been renowned as

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posedly still make out remnants of the quay built circa 30 AD by Roman emperor Tiberius as a shrine to water nymphs. Tides and rough ocean conditions can make access to the grotto difficult, but for those able to explore its interior, there’s likely no question what has made it a source of astonishment for visitors for over thousands of years. Be sure to plan ahead as high tide, or inclement weather, can close down the landmark as the entrance falls too close to the waterline. While the Blue Grotto’s reputation is well-deserved, don’t miss out on the countless other grottos, fissures and rock formations that form the perimeter of the island. Charter a boat for a luxurious tour around the island and let your adventurous side loose while exploring other fascinating sites like the Natural Arch, the Faraglioni rock formations, Green Grotto, White Grotto and the Punta Carena lighthouse. Each is a photographer’s dream, in addition to being a stunning backdrop for a relaxing day on the water. Two mountains, Monte Solaro and Monte Tiberio, provide epic views of the surrounding coastline and are also mandatory experiences for any visitor to Capri. Monte Solaro, the highest peak on the island, can be hiked for those aerobically inclined, but most tourists choose the available chairlift to whisk them to the top of the 589-meter peak. Looking down from these heights, guests can fully appreciate not only the surrounding radiantly blue sea, but the rocks and green flora that make Capri one of the most verdant and beautiful natural landscapes in all of Italy. Of course, with its extensive history as a destination for the rich and powerful, there are an abundance of jaw-dropping villas and historical properties that have survived the years and provide a stunning immersion for both history aficionados as well as those who value the villa’s architectural and artistic magnificence. There are ancient ruins such as Villa Jovis, the largest of Emperor Tiberius’s 12 villas, and still offering wonderful insight into life and luxury in times of antiquity. There are also more modern masterpieces, such as Villa Lysis with its Art Nouveau flourishes, and the 20th century Villa San Michele,

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Top: A tranquil vignette at the Capri Palace, Jumeirah; Above: The captivating entrance to the Capri Palace; Opposite: The Bar degli Artisti at the Capri Palace offers more than 200 types of gin

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Above: Instagram inďŹ&#x201A;uencer Natasha Oakley (@tashoakley) sunning herself in Capri wearing Monday Swimwear; Opposite: A scene at the hotel Punta Tragara captured by Oakley

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ist Velasco Vitali. Situated at the foot of Monte Solaro in the secluded town of Anacapri, it’s blessed with panoramic views of the Bay of Naples and Ischia. The posh retreat, which has now been rechristened Capri Palace, Jumeirah, features 68 impeccable guest rooms and suites; a private beach club, Il Riccio, with a Michelin-starred restaurant, the only one of its kind according to the property; the acclaimed L’Olivo restaurant, which is also Michelin-starred (it has two of them); the Bar degli Artisti, whose drink menu features 210 types of gin and 30 different tonic waters; and the aforementioned swimming pool set within manicured grounds. At Il Riccio you can select freshly caught sea urchins, lob-

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a luxury escape, Capri has no shortage of world-class accommodations that will satisfy the demands of even the most scrupulous of guests. In April, Capri’s most famous hotel, the Capri Palace, is set to reopen under the auspices of Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, the Dubai-based global luxury hospitality group. Designed in the style of an eighteenthcentury Neapolitan palazzo, with a distinctly Mediterranean flair, it was originally called the Europa Palace when it debuted in 1960. Renamed the Capri Palace in 1975, it soon became a mecca for contemporary art, dotted throughout the hotel and grounds, and renowned for its partially transparent pool which affords those walking through the hotel an underwater view of both swimmers its mosaics by Italian art-

Opposite: The iconic Capri Palace is now part of the Jumeirah Hotels portfolio; Top: A tempting spread at the Capri Palace; Above: The alluring Penthouse Acropolis with Priate Pool and Terrace at the Capri Palace

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mend reserving one of the chef ’s tables that provide intimacy for the most romantic of evenings. For those looking for dining excellence outside of these elite hotel properties, foodies and other visitors can try standout options like Mammà, another Michelin-starred recommendation, which brings a new level of refinement and quality to traditional Mediterranean offerings, in addition to favorite selections from Naples.

T H I S PA G E : C O U R T E S Y O F J . K . P L A C E C A P R I . O P P O S I T E PA G E : C O U R T E S Y O F C A E S A R A U G U S T U S

sters, octopus and more at the fish counter and then watch the chefs prepare them in the open kitchen. The property’s exclusive Capri Beauty Farm spa, with medicalgrade facilities, is overseen by Professor Francesco Canonaco, an “international figure in the world of wellness,” the hotel states, and is home to the well-known Leg School that aims to improve circulation and lymphatic flow, as well as prevent cellulite and boost metabolism. Just the thing after all that Michelin-starred cuisine and rounds of G&Ts. Also atop many lists sits the J.K. Place Capri, a property where no detail has been overlooked and the design and décor are unrivaled. Those fortunate enough to secure one of the hotel’s 22 rooms will find themselves ensconced in extreme luxury and comfort, while the hotel’s JKitchen is one of the most celebrated restaurants on the island, specializing in refined versions of traditional Mediterranean cuisine. Perched high overlooking the Faraglioni rock formations, a former private villa turned five-star hotel, Punta Tragara provides jaw-dropping vistas in all directions. With the Tyrrhenian Sea expanding out to the horizon, guests can indulge themselves in the luxury and beauty that encouraged American armed forces to use the property during World War II. In fact, the room you stay in may very well have been used by General Eisenhower or Sir Winston Churchill while they helped oversee the Allied campaigns in Italy. The hotel also is the home of Le Monzù Restaurant. The establishment is named in honor of the great French-influenced chefs who worked for Neapolitan aristocratic families between the 13th and 19th centuries (“monzù” is a play on the oft-mispronounced “monsieur”). Historic dishes are given the finest modern treatment, as the traditional Caprese and Neapolitian culinary traditions are preserved and even elevated by Executive Chef Luigi Lionetti and his team. With mesmerizing views of Capri, the rock formations and the surrounding blue sea, it is a fittingly incredible setting befitting the world-class offerings that emerge from the kitchen. The Caesar Augustus hotel, built on a cliff’s edge 300 meters above the sea on the slopes of Monte Solaro, provides a similar level of luxury but with a slightly more relaxed vibe. Views of the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples are extraordinary, and at Chef Eduardo Vuolo’s sublime Restaurant La Terrazza di Lucullo, diners can enjoy a regional menu focused on the freshest and most local of ingredients. We recom-

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Top and Above: Scenes from the posh J.K. Place Capri hotel; Opposite: Arriving in style at the hotel Caesar Augustus

The Pink Palazzo One of Capri’s most legendary estates can be yours

COURTESY OF VILL A BISMARCK

Now named after American socialite and fashion icon Countess Mona von Bismarck, who acquired it in the mid-1900s, the origins of Capri’s Villa Bismarck date back to the late 1700s and it has long been one of the island’s most illustrious landmarks. She often played host to her circle of famous and influential friends including aristocrats, politicians, artists, designers, actors, and writers, and called the nine-bedroom, 10-bath residence “Il Fortino,” or The Fortress. Famous guests included Benito Mussolini, the Kennedys, Winston Churchill and an assortment of European nobility. Such was Bismarck’s fame that Salvador Dalí painted her portrait and Cole Porter immortalized her in song lyrics, while in 1933 she became the first American to be named Best-Dressed Woman in the World by a panel of top couturiers including Coco Chanel.

Villa Bismarck, totaling nearly 11,000 square feet, was listed for sale at press time via Italy Sotheby’s International Realty for approximately €24 million, or about $26.8 million, according to the Financial Times, awaiting a new chapter in Capri’s stylish history at the hands of a well-heeled buyer. Said to be built on the ruins of a Roman Emperor’s palace, the lushly landscaped property has two large terraces overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, one with a stunning swimming pool, as well as a dock and Jacuzzi perched on the rocks. Indoors it features a circular library with Corinthian columns and a fireplace (one of four in the house), a nearly 20-ft. high vaulted ceiling in the dining room, a massive master suite with two panoramic windows, one of which overlooks a yacht-filled harbor, and an en-suite bathroom clad in precious marble, among other features. The most notable original contents of Villa Bismarck, acquired by its namesake who was a world-class collector of art and objets, were auctioned off in 1987; but that just gives you a clean slate to work with. By Jared Paul Stern

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CAPRI

Coffee Table Capri Assouline’s book is the next best thing to an actual visit Rarely does a book capture a unique destination as perfectly as Capri Dolce Vita from luxury publisher Assouline. Over the course of 272 pages adorned with over 200 images, author Cesare Cunaccia brings the island and its colorful history to life. Cunaccia, a writer, lecturer, curator, and journalist, was editor at large for Vogue Italia and L’Uomo Vogue as well as the antiques consultant for Architectural Digest Italy, and he seems to know his subject intimately. Cunaccia traces Capri’s status as a retreat for the well-heeled back to the height of the Roman Empire, and proceeds to encompass such figures as French New Wave film director Jean-Luc Godard, who used it as the setting for his 1963 film Contempt; literary icons like Oscar Wilde and Graham Greene; designers such as Valentino and Giorgio Armani; jet-setters such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Jacqueline Onassis; celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Clark Gable; and their modern-day counterparts who frequent it to this day. “Capri is an accumulation and an oxymoron,” Cunaccia writes. “An entity with precise and elusive contours. A rock–solid certainty veined by a net of questions, mysteries, and doubts…. [It] is demanding and folksy. Insular and cosmopolitan. A supranational melting pot that is constantly evolving.” In a word, Capri, he declares, “is modern. Modern in

Capri by Air and Water

dia personality and entrepreneur reportedly chartered the 300-ft. superyacht Tranquility, which can accommodate about two dozen guests, for a floating party off the coast of Capri. Most major yacht brokerages will have charter vessels, such as the Mondango 3 from Burgess yachts, a stylish 185-ft. sailing superyacht built by Alloy Yachts of New Zealand, available in the Mediterranean. Furthermore, most of the elite hotels can probably arrange for a private helicopter to bring you to the island or return you to the Amalfi Coast, ensuring that your entire Capri experience is of unrivaled luxury and comfort from beginning to end. Simply put, Capri has been the luxury escape of choice for the wealthy for thousands of years, and it doesn’t appear to be losing that title anytime soon. By Keith Gordon

T O P : C O U R T E S Y O F A S S O U L I N E . B OT T O M : M O N D A N G O

For decades, Capri has been a popular honeymoon and romantic destination, with its combination of natural beauty, world-class accommodations and of course culinary options that stand out even amongst the numerous offerings elsewhere in Italy. There are countless day trips on offer to explore the island, but if you’re going to reward yourself with five-star accommodations and culinary offerings, we highly recommend chartering a yacht of your own to properly experience all that Capri has to offer without sacrificing any luxury or comfort. If you want to go ultra high-end, just follow the lavish example set by Kylie Jenner. For her 22nd birthday, the billionaire social me-

constitution, in the ability to be outrageously, provocatively visionary.” Fitting enough, as a number of visionaries have sunned themselves there over the years, though not all have embraced the constant evolution Cunaccia expounds upon. As one of the most impressive, legendary Italian playboy-industrialist Gianni Agnelli, once the chairman of Fiat, Ferrari’s former parent company, had lamented: “I used to go [to Capri] when the contessas acted like whores, but I don’t go now that the whores act like contessas.” By Jared Paul Stern

Opposite, top and bottom: The Villa Bismarck is one of Capri’s most luxurious and expensive estates; This page, top: Images from Assouline’s must-have book Capri Dolce Vita; Bottom: The sleek sailing superyacht Mondango 3 is the perfect craft for sailing the Mediterranean MAXIM.COM

M A R / A P R 2 019

SUPERCAR

SUPER VELOCE

On the road in Joshua Tree in the incomparable Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster Te x t b y N I CO L A S S T EC H ER

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ster’s top is off, beckoning me into its cozy jetfighter cabin. Resistance is futile. To hell with the 10—I’m taking the long way home. I pop up the scissor door and slide into the black-and-orange Alcantara-wrapped cabin, the race seats wrapping me in a maternal embrace. Pressing Lambo’s iconic ICBM-style start engine button, the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 whoofs to life and fills the tumbleweed-quiet Joshua Tree streets with threatening barks. Passersby stare; giddy kids wave. I pull the right magnesium paddle shifter and slip the SVJ into drive, slowly easing it through the deserted western town; the SVJ Roadster doesn’t like the lollygagging one bit, lurching clunkily on the low-gear shifts like pulling the reins of a bull.

COURTESY OF L AMBORGHINI

’m flattening out a paper map of Southern California over a wooden table at the Crossroads Cafe in Joshua Tree. Eschewing my iPhone, Google and Waze, the old-world relic of cartography leaves little doubt the quickest way home is to head south and jump on Interstate 10—a thin blue line shooting due west from Morongo directly back to Venice Beach. As I sip coffee and consider my options, something glimmers from the corner of my eye. There on the curb outside the Crossroads’ window, the eggshell blue paint of the Aventador SVJ Roadster (for Super Veloce) tugs at my attention like an unwelcome solicitor. Its geometric surfaces shine in the light like facets of a diamond; the desert morning air is crisp, but the Road-

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster’s top speed is a blistering 217 mph MAXIM.COM

MAR/APR 2020

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Finally I turn right onto Old Woman Springs Road and drive into the open desert towards Lucerne Valley. Eyes squint, grin widens, foot grows leaden. The ridiculous 770 horses awaken and we take off. Tuned to explode from 0-62 mph in a time-warping 2.9 seconds, in a blink we’re slicing through the boulder-strewn landscape in a blur of exploding pistons, screaming exhaust ports and delirious, infantile chortling. Twice on the long desert drive I have the opportunity to jump onto a highway and shorten my trip by over an hour. Twice I opt for the long road, cruising behind the San Bernardino National Forest, first on the 247 and then taking the Pearblossom Highway that connects the creaky outposts of Victorville with Palmdale. If you don’t know this road, it’s just a single ribbon of straight asphalt carved on once-open desert, zero turns. But it’s never boring in the Lambo as the dips and undulations make it so you’re never staring straight ahead; while peak power comes at a redline-screaming 8,500 rpm, and its velocity ceiling is a withering 217-mph, you’ll never come close to approaching either of these limits on public roads, even ones as empty as these. Regardless, the joys of running the Lamborghini in these environments are impossible to explain—especially the gut punches of accelerations (courtesy of 531 lb-ft of torque) used to overtake caravans of slothing semi trucks. After all the Aventador SVJ is one of the most powerful nonelectrified roadsters ever made, a vehicle of great exclusivity—one of only 800 ever to be built. It is currently the Raging Bull’s flagship vehicle, until the even-more exclusive Sián [see sidebar] hits roads later this year. I guess I could take this thing all the way to Malibu, see how the topless Lambo looks against the crashing waves of the Pacific. If it were up to me this road trip would never end.

COURTESY OF L AMBORGHINI

“IN A BLINK WE’RE SLICING THROUGH THE BOULDER-STREWN LANDSCAPE IN A BLUR OF EXPLODING PISTONS AND SCREAMING EXHAUST”

The Aventador SVJ Roadster boasts 770 hp and can do 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds

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MAR/APR 2020

GREEN LIGHTNING

COURTESY OF L AMBORGHINI

In the dialect of Bologna, the home of Lamborghini’s factory and HQ, it means “thunderbolt”—a fitting moniker as the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 is the marque’s fastest and most powerful production car ever. We always expected Lamborghini would roar into the world of hybrids when it decided the time was right, and the Sián, which cranks out 819 horsepower thanks to a V12 engine combined with an electric motor, with a top speed greater than 217 mph, is vociferous indeed. Only 63 examples will be built at a price of $3.6 million, and all of them have been spoken for. With a carbon fiber body inspired by the iconic Lamborghini Countach, which debuted in 1974, the Sián sits above the Aventador in Lambo’s lineup, and it shares its 6.5-liter V12 engine with the supercar. But the 48-volt electric motor is what boosts the output to the record numbers, which include 720 Nm of torque. Key elements are “its speed, its impetuous beauty, the close ties with the Bologna area, and its explosive arrival in the world of super sports cars,” as the legendary Italian marque puts it. Acceleration from 0-62 mph in under 2.8 seconds is also pretty news-

worthy, while titanium intake valves, active aerodynamics and rear wheel steering aren’t to be overlooked either. Its geometric LED headlights and other design cues also owe a debt to Lamborghini’s electric Terzo Millennio concept. The vehicle’s exterior can be spec’d in unpainted carbon fiber, with custom colors, shaded paintwork and bespoke racing liveries available as well. Myriad options also exist for the interiors and trim. In keeping with its cutting edge tech, the Sián was first previewed through Lamborghini Unica, a smartphone app exclusively dedicated to Lambo owners. “The fastest Lamborghini must be a visual and symphonic feast,” as the company’s head of design, Mitja Borkert, puts it, “as remarkable to those who see it pass by as those privileged to drive it.” Of course we hope to be among the latter. Next up in this sphere, and given the Sián’s success, we might expect to see a hybrid version of Lamborghini’s super-SUV, the Urus, which accounted for over half of all new Lamborghini sales in 2019. There’s currently a waiting list for one, but if the Sián is any indication, a hybrid Urus could have a much longer one, even at a significant premium over its $207,000-plus sticker price. —Jared Paul Stern

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FAST TIMES Roger Dubuis and Lamborghini collaborate on an impressively racy timepiece collection When it comes to watch and sports car partnerships, some brands play it too safe, while others treat the timepieces more like souvenirs whose buyers will never actually own the vehicles they’re supposed to evoke. A notable exception is the collection produced by Swiss watchmaker Roger Dubuis, part of the Richemont luxury goods group, in collaboration with Lamborghini. Dubuis, which combines both traditional watchmaking techniques and avant-garde horological engineering, produces 11 different versions of its acclaimed Excalibur skeleton-dial watch based on some of the fastest supercars in the Italian marque’s stable. The Lamborghini Squadra Corse collection pays tribute to Lamborghini’s motorsports division, which organizes its own competitions such as the Lamborghini Super Trofeo and also fields race cars in various events. There are Excalibur watches dedicated to the Huracán Spyder, Huracán Performante, and Aventador S, some echoing Lamborghini’s paint schemes. Also in on the act is Pirelli, the high-end Italian tire company that supplies Lambo’s race cars with their competition tires. In this instance Pirelli has collaborated on a custom rubber watch strap inlay for the Excalibur Huracán Performante, limited to just 88 pieces, which completes the motorsports homage (the company produces Pirelli-branded watches as well). Also unique to the Lamborghini collection is an in-house automatic movement from Dubuis, the caliber RD630, which powers the Excalibur Huracán model and was developed specially for these pieces. Most

strikingly it features a distinctive 12º tilted balance wheel and a strut barshaped bridge echoing the design of the roaring V10 engine found in the Huracán road and race cars. A honeycomb structure also echoes one of Lamborghini’s signature elements, while the date window is styled like the ones on the Italian marque’s digital speedometers. The skeleton dials display Dubuis’s horological feats to advantage, while the oversized 45mm case and razor-sharp looks are fully in line with the gorgeous lines of the Huracán itself. Materials including titanium, rhodium, and PVD-coated 18K gold are on par with the high-tech components used by Lamborghini, such as carbon fiber, to make its cars lighter, stronger and faster. While the timepieces in Dubuis’s Lamborghini-inspired collection start at around $47,000, a one-off version was reportedly sold to a collector in Singapore for $1 million—sight unseen—after a prototype was shown at the SIHH (now Watches & Wonders Geneva) watch show in Switzerland. Dubuis’s devotion to beautiful cars isn’t purely theoretical. The watchmaker is one of the main sponsors of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, a Lamborghini-only race series, and helps stage the annual Run to Monaco. Last year’s exclusive supercar rally took drivers, including several Lamborghini owners, on a thrilling and scenic route from Paris to Monaco. One of the pilots was “friend of ” Dubuis Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, the quadruple middleweight boxing world champion from Mexico, who drove a Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. “Like Lamborghini Squadra Corse, [we are] firmly committed to cutting-edge performance, ferocious groundbreaking technology and super-sleek aesthetics,” the brand declares, “all fueled by a high-impact R&D [research and development] vision and focused on delivering bold customer experiences.” Mission accomplished. —JPS

BULLISH FUTURE

COURTESY OF ROGER DUBUIS

While long coveted for its futuristic, genre-defining profiles and unbridled V12 power plant, in recent years Lamborghini has been trailblazing in the world of bleeding-edge technology. Under the leadership of Chief Technical Officer Maurizio Reggiani, a slew of ingenious innovations and a collaboration with MIT has borne some next-level tech, spurring Lambo’s overnight success in motorsports. Here are four recent breakthroughs ensuring the Raging Bull’s continued place on the podium—and in your garage: ALA WING Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva (ALA) is a revolutionary active aero system using actuators to open flaps in the massive rear wing: when open the air moves through the wing, minimizing downforce for optimal velocity; closed it moves around, maximizing downforce and braking for optimum grip. Furthermore, while cornering ALA allows the wing to generate downforce on only the inside half, creating what engineers dub aero vectoring. LDVI Think of Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) as a singular über-brain, ingesting a torrent of data from the Huracán EVO’s manifold complex systems, processing it all at supercomputer speeds,

and adjusting performance accordingly every 20 milliseconds. In totality the LDVI not only lets the car react faster than any Lambo ever has—via external data, driver inputs and driving modes—but it can actually predict the supercar’s needs. SUPERCAPACITORS Unveiled theoretically in the otherworldly Terzo Millennio concept, Lambo’s real-world usage of high-performance supercapacitors will debut in the ultra-exclusive Sián hypercar. Soon they could be implementing an even more explosive version of the technology, as their collaboration with MIT produced a patent for a synthetic material that could serve as the foundation for an entirely new generation of supercapacitors—potentially increasing energy density by up to 100%. ENERGY STORAGE Another collaboration with MIT is experimenting on new design principles that integrate high-performance battery materials into the actual vehicle structure. Via 3D printing and nanotechnology, copper wires are infused into the carbon fiber weave that could allow chassis and body panels to pull double duty as energy storage. Batteries are heavy, so reducing lithium ion packs could delete precious pounds from future Lambos. —Nicolas Stecher

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MAR/APR 2020

AIR FORCE

How basketball star turned entrepreneur Michael Jordan became a billionaire Te x t b y T I M S T R U BY

O Â

ne evening last September, 250 guests packed Catch Steak, the slick New York City Meatpacking District hotspot. As the deejay spun, a bevy of A-listers including Spike Lee, Michael Strahan, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Les Twins ate, drank and grooved. But the supernova amidst the stars

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was the one-and-only Michael Jordan, five-time NBA MVP, sixtime NBA champion, owner of 10 NBA scoring titles, and according to ESPN, among others, the greatest athlete of the 20th century. The occasion on this night had nothing to do with sports, however. The bash was the official launch party for Cincoro Tequila, the

A D R I A N D E N N I S /A F P V I A G E T T Y I M A G E S

TITAN

all-new ultra-luxury tequila brand in which Jordan is a pivotal partner. Three years prior, he’d had dinner with some fellow NBA team owners: Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens, Lakers lead owner Jeanie Buss, and Celtics lead owner Wyc Grousbeck, with his then-girlfriend (now wife) Emilia Fazzalari. The talk turned to tequila, said to be MJ’s favorite libation. “It was a great night,” Fazzalari, cofounder and CEO of Cinco Spirits Group and Cincoro Tequila, tells Maxim. “We discovered we all had this shared passion for tequila and we saw an opportunity in the market.” By the night’s end, the seeds were planted for Michael Jordan to get into the tequila business. There’s no shortage of celebrities who have played the tequila game. The spirit has attracted marquee names such as Sammy Hagar, Adam Levine, The Backstreet Boys, The Rock and most notably George Clooney and Rande Gerber, whose Casamigos brand was bought by spirits behemoth Diageo for a staggering $1 billion in 2017. Yet it isn’t likely that Jordan is daunted by the competition. Throughout his career, both on and off the court, the 57-yearold’s business savvy has been almost as impressive as his stat sheets. Sixteen years after last stepping on the hardwood as a pro, his projected 2019 earnings were $145 million, more than the $127 million of Barcelona star Lionel Messi, the year’s highest paid athlete. In fact, Jordan’s $1.9 billion net worth made him the highest paid athlete of all time, according to Forbes. His present day empire began as soon as he left the University of North Carolina after his junior year. As the number three pick in the 1984 draft, the star shooting guard inked a $6 million dollar contract with the Chicago Bulls. More importantly, Jordan chose Nike as his shoe sponsor. The Beaverton, Oregon company was not only offering a five-year, $500,000-a-year deal, but something almost unprecedented for an NBA rookie: his own sneaker. That fall, his Airness stepped onto the court against the New York Knicks in the first Air Jordans, a black and red high-top, and the athletic footwear industry would never be the same. Jordan’s human highlight-reel skills, determination and endless ability to come up with the buzzer-beating shot or the dominating performance turned him into a global cultural icon that transcended sport. In 1997, Nike announced the Jordan Brand, a subsidiary that in addition to Jordan footwear would include apparel. For the fiscal year ending in May 2019, that brand generated $3.14 billion in revenue. “Michael’s story is about success, hard work, winning, failing some and winning more,” says Patrick Crakes, of Crakes Media Consulting. “Those are all touchstones of what make us Americans.” Most Americans might have been satisfied with the steady stream of cash from Nike. Not Jordan. Four years after acquiring a

minority share in the Charlotte Hornets (then the Charlotte Bobcats), MJ bought the team in 2010 from BET’s Bob Johnson. At the time, the move didn’t make a tremendous splash. The Hornets were a smaller market outfit valued at a mere $175 million. But like any visionary, Jordan saw immense potential. And in less than a decade, bolstered by the NBA’s $24 billion TV deal, skyrocketing global popularity (especially in China) and increased revenue sharing, the Hornets were valued at $1.3 billion. Throw in Jordan’s other ventures—his longtime endorsement deals with Hanes, Gatorade and Upper Deck, plus other business interests that include several restaurants, a car dealership and investments in the tech sector—and his Airness continues to prove that it’s just as easy for him to win off the court. Although the Cincoro Tequila venture might appear to outsiders as a vanity project or a whim, Jordan has every intention of winning the tequila wars. He has partnered with seasoned and wealthy executives on the brand. The industry itself is booming; in 2018 the United States knocked back more than 18 million cases, or more than half of the global consumption, and high-end tequilas sales have risen almost 20% every year since 2013. And Jordan is certain to apply the same intensity and dedication that made him the NBA’s most feared competitor. It’s already evident in his devout, hands-on approach. “Michael’s been an integral part of the team since the beginning,” says Fazzalari. “He’s one of the key tasters when exploring and evaluating the tequilas. He approves every batch.” That meant the team tested over 1,000 different samples in order to help find the perfect blend and balance for their four Cincoro expressions: blanco, reposado, añejo, and an extra añejo (which is aged for up to 44 months and retails for $1,600 a bottle). Jordan also spearheaded the ever-important bottle design, enlisting Mark Smith, Nike’s VP of Innovation Special Projects and MJ’s longtime collaborator. “Mark said that MJ had called him and said, ‘I need a tequila bottle,’” recounts Fazzalari. Something “sleek, contemporary and unique.” The two men more than delivered, as the statuesque glass bottle is a semi-masterpiece onto itself. Turn it to its side and it resembles an agave leaf. It’s crafted with 23° angles as a nod to MJ’s jersey number. And if one lines up 23 bottles from top to bottom, they’ll not only form a perfect circle, but its diameter will be about the same as the center on a basketball court. Signs already point to Cincoro Tequila taking off. According to Fazzalari, the brand sold out in some of the 12 states where it launched and expansion is imminent. “We hope to be in at least another 15 states in 2020,” says the Cincoro CEO. After that, the team will be looking towards international markets and perhaps another round of global domination for Michael Jordan. Just as he likes it.

J E F F S I N E R V I A G E T T Y I M AG E S

JORDAN’S $1.9 BILLION NET WORTH MAKES HIM THE HIGHEST PAID ATHLETE EVER

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MAR/APR 2020

MAXIM COVER GIRL

TOP MODELS

Kalyssa Alynn Having placed in the Top 4, Kalyssa is a small-town girl with big time goals. The 5’2” stunner is a newcomer to the modeling world, though she’s anything but an amateur. Alynn got her start in the spotlight as a professional NBA cheerleader for the Oklahoma City Thunder, before moving on to the famed Dallas Cowboys, and appearing on the reality TV series Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. She has also been featured in multiple national and international magazines. In her free time, this southern charmer enjoys

hiking, paddleboarding, baking, reading, playing video games and going to plays. “I grew up in the South so I’m not afraid to get my feet in the dirt sometimes,” she laughs, noting, “my most unusual talent is painting. I have loved art ever since I can remember!” She adds that “anything is possible as long as you honestly want it and work for it. Because of these two things, I have been able to live by this motto and accomplish many things that I set my mind to,” including becoming one of our Finalists.

C O U R T E S Y O F R O C K Y B ATC H E L O R

Meet our fetching competition Finalists who are destined for great things

C O U R T E S Y O F I S A I A H M AY S

Sherry Nelson Confidence, philanthropy, and connections are three of Sherry Nelson’s favorite takeaways from the Maxim Cover Girl competition, where this dark-haired bombshell also placed in the Top 4. “This competition was so much bigger than I ever anticipated,” she tells us. “I have made so many new friends and am inspired to reach out and pursue new avenues that I never thought were possible.” Modeling has given her a platform to share with other women that “we are all vibrant in our own way and that age is only a number—don’t let it define you.” Nelson strongly believes in taking care of her body, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Canadian babe also loves her chihuahua, en-

joys reading books with strong female characters, and watching the Los Angeles Dodgers. She says her most unusual talent is “market analysis and picking stocks!” Through the Maxim Cover Girl experience, Nelson received worldwide support and plans on paying it forward by helping where she can through her astute use of social media and burgeoning international network. Nelson was able to live out her childhood dream of becoming a model through this competition. “As a young girl, seeing beautiful and confident women on magazine covers such as Maxim was very inspiring,” she notes. “I had a fantastic support system of lifelong friends, but the generosity, support, and kindness of strangers from all over the world truly amazed and humbled me.” MAXIM.COM

MAR/APR 2020

Daniella Salvi She may be an established model, signed to Washington, D.C.’s Kingsley Model + Talent Management’s Commercial division, but Salvi is much more than a pretty face—she’s also blessed with a tender heart, a loving demeanor, and an authentic personality. As a model, actress, and Instagram influencer with more than 400,000 followers, Salvi finds these high-profile platforms are a means to spread encouragement. “My true goal is to be able to share my experiences and be a role model,” she says. “I want to be that person to tell you that you are perfect just as you are. I feel that there is too much pressure nowadays to look a certain way. I refuse to live up to those standards of beauty. I think everyone should be themselves! Individuality is beauty in my opinion. I want to be that person who tells you that you are good enough.” When she’s not engaging and motivating people, you can find Salvi traveling, at the gym, reading, or watching a movie.

Iryna Korolenko

TO P TO B OT TO M : C O U R T E S Y O F M C L A R E N R AY; M I C H A E L M O O R E

Sophisticated, smart and savvy, Iryna Korolenko sailed into the Top 8 with poise and grace. The Ukrainian goddess describes herself as “an ambitious jetsetter with a complex personality. I am fluent in several languages, but sensuality is the one I am most proficient at.” Less a model than an entrepreneur, Korolenko prioritized her education from an early age. “I have two master’s degrees, in International Economy and Psychology, and have built a successful career. I never wanted modeling to be my routine, but it is my passion, it brings me joy, and that is why I am good at it!” Whether working within beauty, business or technology, Korolenko sets out to impact, inspire and empower women to be both beautiful and successful. “You do not have to choose one way or another—be your most complete self,” she advises. When not traveling or working on her startup beauty app, Korolenko likes to go to the opera, cook, hike and travel by air.

TO P TO B OT TO M : C O U R T E S Y O F PAT R I C K TATO P O U L O S ; K I M B A L L V. R E G I E R W I T H C H E L P H OTO

McKenzie Westmore You may recognize L.A. native Westmore as the host of the special effects/makeup reality show Face Off on Syfy. The daughter of famed Star Trek makeup artist Michael Westmore, she turned her knowledge of Hollywood makeup into her own cosmetics company that has created some acclaimed items in the health, beauty, and wellbeing industries. On top of being a successful entrepreneur, she can be seen in a handful of films and on popular TV series including a 10year run as Sheridan Crane on the daytime drama Passions. When not working hard in front of and behind the scenes, Westmore loves to be active and artistic—she can sing opera and hopes to make it to Broadway. The Westmore family has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Cruising into the Top 8 of the Maxim Cover Girl competition, Westmore aims to use this platform to help others find their own dreams and passions in life.

Sandra Lyn Nelson If you would have told Nelson that she was going to make the Top 8 of the Maxim Cover Girl competition three years ago, she would have raised an eyebrow. It’s been that long since she made some dramatic changes in her life that included adjusting her diet, eliminating bad habits, and training hard. “I wanted to age gracefully and feel healthy and feel good about myself,” she tells us. “I eat only healthy foods, and have eliminated milk, wheat and many carbs. I started working out and saw amazing results quickly. I hired a trainer and results came even faster. I am now 45 years old, and I feel like I am 25.” With the remarkable ability to understand, relate to, and communicate with people, Nelson has found a place on the world stage as an audience of thousands supported her throughout this journey.

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CREDITS COVER: Blouse ($6,000), skirt, ($16,000), belt ($1,370) and shoes ($1,360), ALAÏA, maison-alaia.com. COVER STORY: P.48: Top ($500), ØUD, oud-paris.com. Shorts ($300), MES DEMOISELLES... PARIS, mesdemoisellesparis. com. Bra ($325), ZANA BAYNE, shop.zanabayne.com. Boots ($2,315), CHROME HEARTS, chromehearts.com. Belt ($750), ERICKSON BEAMON, @ericksonbeamon. Earrings, necklace and ring (price upon request), STONE PARIS, stoneparis. com. P.49: Dress ($1,000), PAULE KA, pauleka.com. Three-tier necklace ($4,620), rosary necklace ($1,760), choke chain necklace ($2,365), cross ball bracelet ($1,390), and chain mail bracelet ($4,565), CHROME HEARTS, chromehearts.com. P.50: Bodysuit ($320), MARTA MARTINO, martamartino.com. Liquid bracelet ($10,340), and roller link belt ($9,130), CHROME HEARTS, chromehearts.com. P.51: Blouse (price upon request), MOLA WALKER, molawalker.com. Bra ($165), LIVY, li-vy.com. G-string ($19.50), COSABELLA, cosabella.com. P.52: Top (price upon request), WEER, weerhouse.com. Spider pendant (price upon request) , MENE X LOUISE BOURGEOIS, mene.com. Jeans ($415), LOVE MOSCHINO, moschino.com. P.53: Sunglasses ($350), CELINE, celine.com. Bow belt (price upon request), DAVIDE BAZZERLA, @maisondavidebazzerla. Shoes ($750), GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI, giuseppezanotti.com. P.54-55: Python skin and organza trench dress ($9,100), Alaïa, maison-alaia.com. P.56: Denim jacket ($955), VERSACE, versace.com. Spider pendant (price upon request) , MENE X LOUISE BOURGEOIS, mene.com. P.57: Bomber jacket ($175), NO/ONE PARIS, no-oneparis.com. Cotton bodyshort ($34.50), COSABELLA, cosabella.

MAXIM (ISSN 1092-9789) Mar/Apr Issue, Volume 23, Number 8 is published bimonthly in Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/June, July/Aug, Sep/Oct, and Nov/ Dec by Maxim Inc., 121 West 36th Street #327, New York, NY 10018. One-year subscription rates for U.S., $24.97; for Canada, $30.97; for all other countries, $36.97 in prepaid U.S. funds. Canadian GST Registration #867774580, Publications Agreement number 40031590. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Maxim, 121 West 36th Street #327, New York, NY 10018. We sometimes make our subscriber list available to companies that sell goods and services by mail that we believe would interest our readers. For subscriptions, address changes, adjustments, or back issue inquiries, or if you would rather not receive third-party mailings, please visit us at Maxim.com/ customerservice or write to Maxim, 121 West 36th Street #327, New York, NY 10018, or email customerservice@mastcircgroup.com. Copyright © 2020 Maxim Media Inc. Maxim ® is a registered trademark owned by Maxim Media Inc. All rights reserved.

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A ﬂeet of Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadsters awaits a rip-roaring ride through the Californian desert

COURTESY OF L AMBORGHINI

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