Innholdsfortegnelse for November/December 2023 i Maxim

In a small village in post-war Surrey, England, a young boy found himself enthralled with visions of rocket ships and had “a dream looking up to the stars.” Despite grappling with dyslexia and academic challenges, the child’s imaginative spirit was irrepressible. His headmaster predicted that he’d either end up in prison or become a millionaire. Of course, the headmaster was wrong. The young boy wouldn’t be a mere millionaire, but a billionaire of global renown and impact. To understand Sir Richard Branson, currently estimated to be worth just shy of $3 billion, one must imagine a lifetime of audacious aspirations and relentless ambition, where the impossible was merely the improbable. From a teenage magazine venture to spearheading adventures in space, his trajectory is emblematic of true entrepreneurship and a willingness…

A report published earlier this year by market research firm Fact. MR estimated the current value of the luxury cigar market to be around $4.7 billion, and forecasted a $5 billion growth over the next decade. There are a number of factors that will likely contribute to higher numbers a decade from now; but one of the more interesting is the rise of what we might call Unicorn Smokes—incredibly rare and exclusive cigars costing $100 or more apiece. Once quite difficult to find, and only available from the most iconic makers, lately more and more luxury cigar brands have been delving into their storehouses and offering these gems for well-heeled connoisseurs. To create these special editions and limited releases, brands are making use of the best tobacco in their stocks; and…

The sunsets in the Bahamas are like no other, casting a rosy, golden glow over the crystalline waters of the Atlantic. Nestled amidst the vibrant city of Nassau lies a place where history, glamor, celebrities, fine wines, and cigars convivially—and sometimes sinfully converge—the storied Graycliff. Built in 1740, this enchanting colonial mansion was once the private residence of Captain John Howard Graysmith, a notorious pirate who prowled the Caribbean. Over the centuries, it has transformed from pirate’s hideaway to naval garrison to a haven for nobility, including British royalty such as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, who lived next door at Government House during World War II when the duke was Governor of the Bahamas. In 1973 Enrico Garzaroli bought the the property and turned it into a luxury…

As a hushed haven for the world’s elite, Lyford Cay’s illustrious history is as vivid and vibrant as its turquoise-tinted Bahamas backdrop. Lyford Cay’s story begins in 1966 when E.P. Taylor, a Canadian brewery tycoon, purchased the island. It quickly became a sanctuary for global celebrities, politicians, and business magnates. The privacy-seeking likes of Frank Sinatra, Sean Connery, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco were known to favor the island’s shores. Lyford’s members have included a smattering of Greek shipping heirs, Henry Ford II, the Aga Khan, the Paleys, and the Bacardis; and all of their peers to this day keep to themselves, even in the era of social media swirling back on the continent. The world-renowned gated residential community lies on the western tip of New Providence. Real…

COVER: FeatherBolero, RACHELGILBERT, www.rachelgilbert.com. Heels, RENECAOVILLA, www.renecaovilla.com. Tights, FALKE sold at VICTORIA’S SECRET, www.victoriassecret.com. Panty, VICTO-RIA’S SECRET, www.victoriassecret.com. Necklace, H&M STUDIO, www.hm.com. Page 60: Vintage sweatshirt, GUESS, www.guess.com. Dress, ATELIER CILLIAN, www.ateliercillian.com. Earrings and ring, H&M STUDIO, www.hm.com. Gloves, PLT, www.prettylittlething.com.Page 63: Leather jacket, H&M STUDIO, www.hm.com. Panty, VICTORIA’S SECRET, www.victoriassecret.com. Tights, FAL-KE sold at VICTORIA’S SECRET, www.Falke.com. Rings, DINH VAN, www.DinhVan.com. Earrings, H&M STUDIO, www.hm.com. Page 64: Trench, AVEC LES FILLES, www.aveclesfilles.com. Panty, VICTORIA’S SECRET, www.victoriassecret.com. mBracelet DINH VAN, www.dinhvan.com. Bracelet, model’s own from CARTIER, www.cartier.com. Earrings, H&M STUDIO, www.hm.com. Page 65: Feather Bolero, RACHEL GILBERT, www.rachelgilbert.com. Heels, RENE CAOVILLA, www.renecaovilla.com. Tights, FALKE sold at VICTORIA’S SECRET, www.victoriassecret.com. Panty, VICTORIA’S SECRET, www.victoriassecret.com. Necklace, H&M STUDIO, www.hm.com. Page 66: Sweater, PHILIPP PLEIN, www.plein.com. Glasses, CHROME HEARTS, www.chromehearts.com. Necklace, H&M STUDIO,…

“As a young kid I always had a strong need to take things apart to see how they were made and how they worked, ranging from simple toys to my little bike,” recalls Timothy Somers, Founder and Design Director of Dutch motorcycle and design studio Powerbrick Performance. That innate curiosity led Somers to university in the Netherlands where he studied Industrial Design, Engineering and Product Design, eventually earning a master’s in Product Design. But the young creative soon realized the corporate world shackled him to project management instead of actual design—a common trap for those with both an independent and creative streak. Then inspiration hit in the form of two wheels. “I remember walking by a mildly customized BMW K100 on a daily basis during my studies in Delft, and…

At one time it might have seemed unthinkable—an all-electric Rolls-Royce? Abandoning the iconic, handcrafted V12 engine—one of the very last in the industry—to rely on a bunch of batteries and a brace of electric motors? Borrowed from the Germans? Sacrilege, sir. Scandalous even. Indeed, such was the initial reaction in some quarters to the announcement of Spectre, the first-ever all-electric Rolls-Royce, a twodoor “super-coupé” designed as the spiritual successor to the Phantom Coupé, ushering in a brand new era of electrification at the legendary marque—some years earlier than expected. How could an electric car possibly have the same presence, puissance, and pedigree of a proper Rolls-Royce? Wouldn’t a compromise on the order of Lamborghini’s Revuelto, a “V12 hybrid plug-in” or some such, have made more sense? Hedge your bets, old…

Emilia Fazzalari co-founded Cincoro Tequila in 2016 and serves as CEO. Her co-founders are NBA team owners Jeanie Buss (LA Lakers), Wes Edens (Milwaukee Bucks), Wyc Grousbeck (Boston Celtics), and Michael Jordan (Charlotte Hornets). In 2022, Emilia was honored by Forbes as one of the “50 Over 50” most accomplished female executives and change-makers, along-side Abigail Johnson, Jeanie Buss, MacKenzie Scott, and Kris Jenner, to name a few. Emilia previously spent 21 years at Bloomberg L.P., often working directly with Michael Bloomberg conceiving and implementing challenging and ultimately successful projects. She was Head of Commodities Product Development, Head of Product Strategy, Head of Global Trading and Portfolio Systems, and deeply involved in the startup of Bloomberg Media. She is a Trustee of Giving|Grousbeck Fazzalari, a charitable foundation focusing on helping abused or disadvantaged women and girls, healthcare, and education;…

The Bahamas might be best known for its picture-postcard private islands and pristine white-sand beaches. But that’s only part of the attraction equation. The country also boasts extremely low taxes, as well as one of the highest GNPs in the region; and it’s home to “over 270 licensed banks and trust companies, including seven of the world’s top eight private banks and 35 of the top 100 global banks” plus “in excess of 800 funds” according to International Investor. Business or pleasure? If your destination is the Bahamas, there’s obviously no need to choose; and it’s no wonder that scores of yachts and private jets regularly set course for the Caribbean idyll. “The Bahamas is an archipelago of 700 islands and cays ideal for yachting and private aviation tourism, and…

In the heart of the Caribbean, where azure waters merge with cerulean skies, lies a sanctuary of sophistication—the Ocean Club, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary. This luxurious haven embodies the essence of elegance by the sea, setting a new standard for sun-kissed holidays starring sparkling surf and pristine sand. East Coast winters have a way of turning the snow logged into a seaboard of muffin tops—carb-bloated waistlines and walking-dead complexions. One way to reboot your system and give you enough juice for that final, blustery lap? A spa break in a sun-filled destination like the Ocean Club. Unlimited vitamin D included. Upon arrival, one is greeted by a breathtaking landscape of immaculate beaches and lush tropical gardens. Here, nature’s artistry seamlessly merges with human-scale hospitality. The Ocean Club’s meticulous attention…

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Tadao Ando–designed mansion is about to get smoked. On setting records that is. Casa Encantada, a 40,000-sq.-ft. Los Angeles estate, has twice become the most expensive home sold in the US; first in 1980, and here we are again. With a $250 million asking price, it would surpass the state record set by the Carters’ crib—which claimed the distinction for most expensive home in California history just this past spring—as well as the national record, currently held by hedge fund kingpin Ken Griffin. Built in the 1930s on 8.5 prime Bel-Air acres, Casa Encantada rises like a reverie right out of Brad Pitt’s fever dream in Babylon. How fitting Peter Marino, the “leather daddy of luxury”, was tasked with elevating the interiors. Indeed, this is as old…

“In equal measure elegant and provocative, dynamic and cool, creative and trend-setting—renowned British photographer Rankin’s work is multifaceted, and he has long been considered one of the most sought-after and influential photographers of our time.” Leica, the world’s most famous and prestigious camera brand, founded in Germany in 1869, knows a thing or two about iconic images; its cameras have been favored by the likes of Walker Evans, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Diane Arbus, Robert Frank and Annie Leibovitz over the years, to name but a few. Add to that list Rankin, the brilliant British photographer born in 1966 who is the subject of a recent exhibit staged at the Ernst Leitz Museum in Leica’s hometown of Wetzlar. The words at the beginning come from Leica’s homage to the one-named lensman, who…

A-listers arrive in the Bahamas in style via private jet, and increased demand has led Jet Aviation Nassau to establish a fixed-base operation in Nassau with full executive privileges that can accommodate everything from a small plane up to a Boeing 747 or 777. In January 2020, the company rebranded as Jet Nassau and maintains its status as an Air Elite brand. Charles Bowe, Head of Operations, Jet Nassau, tells us, “The Bahamas is a popular destination for the wellheeled, corporate, entertainment and sports world and the demand for private aviation services is at its strongest level for years. Jet Nassau offers first class aviation services, family owned and operated, and the company is proud to be the first Fixed Based Operator (FBO) in the Bahamas that is fully owned…

Although the date on my iPhone reads mid-July and the sun shines brilliantly overhead, the wind surging through the cabin of this Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato feels as crisp as an autumn day. As we climb towards Independence Pass—the fourth-highest paved road in all of Colorado—the sensation unsettles, but in a positive way, as if the body is caught off guard. The paradox reminds me of off-roading across the Altiplanos of Chile; extreme altitudes create a bizarre and unique visceral experience where the bright sun juxtaposes against surprisingly cool and thin air. It makes you feel alive in a way few climates can. The curving State Highway 82 ahead looks like someone dropped a bag of giant Skittles on the asphalt, as I’m mid-phalanx in a line of other rainbow-colored Lambos…