What does the word ‘craft’ mean to you? Maybe it evokes memories of when you dabbled with a new hobby, like crochet or painting ceramics. Or perhaps you refer to the dictionary definition – a level of skill or experience, especially in relation to making objects – but consider that a thing firmly rooted in the past.
In a world that has become dominated by mass production and the disposable, it’s easy to forget that there are artisans and creatives out there producing and curating items – but also places and spaces – that still inspire awe and that will stand the test of time. In our third issue of Schön! alive, we wanted to explore the concept of craftsmanship in its many forms, from those evolving from centuries of tradition to those emerging from recent innovations.
At OMEGA, we learn why a watch is not just a watch because, for an athlete like Jutta Leerdam, a millionth of a second could decide an Olympic outcome. At Montblanc, we discover why a pen is not just a pen, and the experimentation behind every Meisterstück (or masterpiece). Meanwhile, at Marshall, we lean into the rock and roll legacy and engineering expertise that is enabling a new generation of recording artists.
Celebrated perfumer Francis Kurkdjian explains why creating fragrance is as much about intuition as science. We delve into the Dior archives to discover how Christian Dior’s legacy has – and continues to be – conserved for those that follow, from Azzedine Alaïa to Jonathan Anderson and beyond. Meanwhile, Dior Maison’s Artistic Director Cordelia de Castellane builds on a Rothschild legacy to design The Paris Society’s first country retreat.
As you contemplate your next escape, perhaps consider destinations that deliver not only sunshine and sundowners, but also those that offer a bespoke experience informed by integrity and roots that run deep. From the vines at the award-winning Abadía de Retuerta in Spain, to those in Portugal’s Douro Valley, we show you less-travelled pit stops on your wine route.
One of the few remaining Maestros del Ron Cubano takes us behind the scenes at Havana Club. For those who choose to abstain, we showcase Michelin-starred restaurants such as noma with non-alcoholic pairings on a par with any wine list. Chef Endo Kazutoshi explains why, when it comes to omakase, one must always “listen to the rice” because beauty is not always in the fancy flourishes presented on the plate. In The Menu, we take your culinary skills to the next level: the recipes are crafted by top-level chefs from The Peninsula Hotels and take inspiration from French haute cuisine to Thai traditions.
But craft need not be tied to heritage alone. At Potato Head Bali, minimalism and modernity meet mindfulness and comfort. Coral Gardeners, meanwhile, is restoring reefs across the globe using a combination of community action, social media strategy and pioneering technology. Lunaz turns the concept of the classic car on its head by transforming collectables of the past into future-proofed vehicles, and Fondation Cartier talks us through its new, more urban and inclusive location.
Our team has covered many miles to discover unrivalled expertise and exquisite craftsmanship. It’s a journey that I hope will inspire you as much as it has inspired us. Creativity comes in many forms, but learning from the past while looking to the future seems to us like a formula that is built to last and hard to beat.
