It was last Fall when Australian model Max Papendieck first came onto my radar. Even though he’s gone from the basketball court to flaunting abs that resemble Brad’s circa Fight Club, he is really approachable. From the moment we met, we were laughing and he even tried to teach me a bit of Australian slang. Not gonna lie, I was hoping he’d teach me the most horrible things you could say to someone because I just think that would be a lot of fun. Just picture it! You’re walking down the street here in New York City and you’re just like “Hey, you! [insert incredibly offensive Australian slang word]!” How baller would that be?
Vulgar slang aside, during that first meeting, I got to know a little bit about how Max transitioned from playing college basketball to modeling across the globe. Now, I get to share with you how he might have gotten food poisoning recently and he reveals his obsession with Usher.
Oh, yeah! And his abs. They’re there, too.
THAT FASHION DUDE: Where have you traveled during the summer season and said “Never will I do this again” once you left?
MAX PAPENDIECK: To be honest [I] haven’t left any place recently with a bad taste in my mouth! Other than this noodle place down the road where I think got food poisoning from earlier this week!
TFD: Do you have a go-to piece in your closet when it gets warm?
MP: Leather Jacket! Had it for years. Leather jackets are like wine. The older they are, the better!
TFD: What is your favorite thing to eat during summer?
MP: Right now I am in Asia so I am trying so much new food and even learning to cook the local food myself. But this summer I have been addicted to eating/drinking coconuts. I used to get them every day in Sydney. The baby coconuts are delicious to drink and once you have finished, you can scoop out the inside.
TFD: Would you pick summer over winter?
MP: Would definitely pick summer over winter. I grew up by the beach in Australia, so obviously summer was a much more exciting time than winter in my city! I also became very accustomed to the beach lifestyle when I [used to live] in Miami. Nothing I love more than lying by the pool, or on the beach, getting a tan. I actually spent the whole day at the beach today on Sentosa Island in Singapore. Beautiful place.
TFD: Let’s say you’re about to embark on a road trip with your best friends. What song or artist immediately springs to mind?
MP: “Scar Tissue” by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Classic song! Instantly makes me think of summer road trips.
TFD: Who is on the playlist you listen to while at the gym to get/keep your summer body?
MP: Well, I listen to a bit of everything but right now here are some of the songs on my workout playlist:
Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo – Let’s Go
Nicki Minaj – Beautiful Stranger
Lil’ Wayne and Big Sean – My Homies Still
Trey Songz and T.I. – 2 Reasons
Usher – 2nd Round
Avicii vs Lenny Kravitz – Superlove
TFD: What’s one song that you currently cannot get enough of?
MP: Usher’s “2nd Round.”
Okay, so he really likes Usher’s “2nd Round.” When you have abs like this…
Photography by Pat Supsiri
…I suppose you can like any damn song you want! Want to know more about Max? Tweet him (@MaxPapendieck) and tweet me (@MrCalvinWalker) for good measure! Oh, and if you’re interested in checking out the results of my first interview with Max, click HERE.