Keep Your Cool

Carmen Alvarez plays a game of backgammon with Frank “Brandy” Brandstetter in a swimming pool in Acapulco. The photograph of Carmen Alvarez playing a game of backgammon on a floating board with Frank “Brandy” Brandstetter in a swimming pool in Acapulco was taken by Slim Aarons in 1978. The photograph captures a moment of leisurely indulgence and sophisticated playfulness, as the two enjoy the warm sunshine and beautiful surroundings of one of Mexico’s most exclusive destinations.

Carmen Alvarez was a Mexican socialite and a regular visitor to Acapulco, where she was known for her impeccable style and love of the good life. Frank “Brandy” Brandstetter was a wealthy American businessman who also had a love for luxury and leisure.

Frank “Brandy” Brandstetter was born into Austrian-Hungarian nobility on March 26, 1912, He was a U. S. Army intelligence officer, an of unimpeachable integrity, and personal physical and moral courage to the highest degree. These qualities Brandstetter took to the business world, turning a few undeveloped casitas in Acapulco into Las Brisas, the top resort in the world in 1972. A man of action, a great patriot who dedicated his life to the service of his country.