Schön! 27 | candy rush

Some goals seem out of reach until someone dares to try. For Faith Kipyegon, that dare is a moonshot — bold, improbable, and history-making. This summer, the Kenyan champion and world record holder will attempt to do what no woman has ever done: run a mile in under four minutes. Backed by Nike in a campaign fittingly named Breaking4, Kipyegon’s pursuit isn’t just about chasing a time. Instead, it’s about breaking through a barrier long considered impossible.

“I’m a three-time Olympic champion. I’ve achieved World Championship titles. I thought, What else? Why not dream outside the box?” says Kipyegon, a Kenya native and mother to a young daughter. “And I told myself, ‘If you believe in yourself, and your team believes in you, you can do it.’” To make history, Kipyegon will have to surpass her current world record of 4:07.64 by at least 7.65 seconds. It is a monumental task that would require nearly two seconds faster per lap. No woman has ever come closer, and no challenge looms larger in middle-distance running.

Yet Kipyegon isn’t chasing this alone. Nike, her partner of 16 years, is mobilizing every tool in its arsenal to support her journey — from footwear innovation and aerodynamics to physiology, apparel design, and psychological readiness. The date and location, which is June 26 at Stade Charléty in Paris, have been carefully chosen to align with her peak performance window. The mile is more than just a race. For decades, it has represented the outer edge of human performance that was first shattered by Roger Bannister in 1954 and immortalized in athletic lore ever since. But while hundreds of men have joined the sub-four-minute club, no woman ever has.

Kipyegon’s decision to pursue this feat stems not from necessity, but from ambition. Already the most decorated woman in her discipline, she’s choosing to chase something that’s never been done — not to prove herself, but to expand the horizon for every woman who follows. “I want this attempt to say to women, ‘You can dream and make your dreams valid,’” Kipyegon says. “This is the way to go as women, to push boundaries and dream big.”

Her effort stands as a symbol of freedom and a call to athletes of all backgrounds to take risks, reimagine possibility, and believe in their power to shape history. The moment isn’t just personal; it’s generational. And fittingly, her daughter will be there at the finish line, representing both her inspiration and the legacy she hopes to pass forward.

“Faith is a once-in-a-generation talent, and her audacious goal is exactly what Nike stands for,” says Elliott Hill, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc. “Breaking4 is the kind of bold dream we will do everything in our power to make real — helping both elite and everyday athletes to believe anything is possible.”

Nike’s investment in Breaking4 extends beyond the athlete. It speaks to the brand’s identity — born from runners, built to empower them, and rooted in breaking down limits. From their earliest innovations to defining moments like Joan Benoit Samuelson’s marathon gold in 1984 and Kipchoge’s Breaking2 achievement, Nike has continually pushed the envelope. “Advanced innovation at Nike is driven by a deep commitment to partnering with athletes like Faith, turning dreams into dares and dares into destiny,” says John Hoke, Chief Innovation Officer. “This courageous attempt at breaking a monumental boundary embodies the alchemy of art, science and athlete.”

And though this attempt may not be officially ratified — details around pacers, footwear, and race format are still being finalized — the goal remains clear: set the stage for possibility, not perfection. “Faith epitomizes everything we love about sport and the belief we have in our athletes,” adds Tanya Hvizdak, VP of Global Sports Marketing. “Her moonshot continues our legacy of supporting bold, pioneering pursuits that move the world forward through the power of sport.”

Whether Kipyegon crosses the line in under four minutes or simply comes closer than anyone in history, one thing is certain: she will have already succeeded in redefining what women in sports can dare to dream.

Learn more at Nike.com.

full look. CHANEL

“The world is little, people are little, human life is little. There is only one big thing – desire.” Willa Cather

When looking for inspiration for 48th issue, there was an aspect of creativity which we realised we rarely look at: the initial spark. What moves us, what inspires us and what pushes us to act? At the heart of it all is desire. It’s the inspiration that compels us to create; that sensation of longing for something, the idea which is at the inception of it all. That, dear readers, was the starting point to our issue – the dynamic energy behind all our greatest actions in life.

Desire can be interpreted in multiple ways, as we learnt when we asked our collaborators to embody and represent what the act of desiring was for them. It’s a philosophical question that opens us up to the multiplicity of experiences of human life. From mind and creativity to body and beauty, from concrete IRL love to spiritual longing: desire moves us in many ways.

We start with cover star Emma Myers, captured by Cameron Postforoosh in CHANEL. An example that dreams really can come true, Myers tells us how her childhood obsessions were realised, from working with hero Jack Black and starring in ‘A Minecraft Movie’ to being immortalised as a LEGO mini figure. Meanwhile, model and content creator Calum Harper is soon set to achieve his childhood ambition of becoming an actor, and Stephanie Suganami shares her excitement about her first feature film ‘Opus’.

Accomplished actor Jason Isaacs recounts how he coveted a role in ‘The White Lotus’ and why “having an interesting time at work”, such as in his latest film ‘The Salt Path’, is more important to him than career goals. The desire to weave stories seems to be a common theme; Alicia Von Rittberg entrances in Fendi, as she contemplates her character’s true motivations in ‘Dinner for Five – Killer for One’. Wunmi Mosaku stuns in Pandora, while telling us why discovering new characters, worlds and genres motivates her, including horror film ‘Sinners’. Meanwhile, Zoë Bleu Sidel talks us through making Luc Besson’s ‘Dracula: A Love Tale’ and why it’s less about horror than about a love and longing that transcends lifetimes.

But weaving stories spills into many disciplines. Actor, artist and musician Booboo Stewart explains how art addresses his yearning for greater self-understanding. Kelly McCormack longs for a way back to the truth, which she finds through music. She also tells us what drew her to her new film ‘Sorry, Baby’. Michael Cimino wants to up his game and resonate with audiences through his upcoming music and screen projects “Until Dawn” and “Motorheads”.

Dressed in Louis Vuitton, recording artist, DJ and producer Badchieff tells us how he explores themes of desire and loss. Summer Walker reveals why she’s ready to start a fresh chapter and explore new themes and genres in her music. Both talk us through their new albums.

The multi-faceted Jameela Jamil aims to put “uplifting and positive content out into the world” with movies such as Pixar’s ‘Elio’, while staying true to herself and embracing her imperfections. On the set of a Miu Miu special, author, entrepreneur and sustainability advocate Kiara Nirghin shares why she strives for a future where technology and AI are used for the greater good.

Fashion and desire have long gone hand in hand. In Paris, we shoot the H&M Studio Resort Capsule Collection against the iconic skyline and explore the dynamic energy of movement with the Fall 2025 Collection’s Lifestyle Capsule from Dior Men. In Milan, meanwhile, we enter an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ style universe, with the DEDAR Milano x Westwing collection.

Falling in love with life, exploring new dreams, letting yourself be inspired, opening yourself up to new possibilities; these are just some of the sensations we’d like to conjure within these pages. We hope you’re as inspired as we were making this issue.

Get your print copy of Schön! 48 at Amazon Globally, Amazon Germany, Amazon France, Amazon Italy, Amazon Spain, Amazon Netherlands, Amazon Poland, Amazon Belgium, Amazon Sweden and the UK Schön! store.

Download your favourite cover now at the Schön! store.

This Schön! 48 cover story is produced by

photography. Cameron Postforoosh
fashion. Zoe Gofman
talent. Emma Myers wearing CHANEL
casting. Alabama Blonde @ Strike the Blonde Casting
hair. Jacob Rozenberg @ A-Frame Agency using Oribe
make up. Stoj @ The Wall Group using NARS
photography assistant. Bogdan Kwiatkowski + Evy Sophia
production. Clara La Rosa
location. The Atrium NYC
words. Estefania Hageman

shirt + trousers. SHWETAMBARI
earrings. Amber’s collection of
Native American jewellery designers

Amber Midthunder is currently making a double-impact debut: The high tempo of ‘Novocaine‘ and the quiet depth of ‘Opus‘ prove her versatility from two different ends. With these projects, both released on the same day, Midthunder discusses her collaboration with Jack Quaid, working with A24 and director MAG, the transformation of her acting since ‘Prey’ and the importance of authenticity and cultural storytelling. Whether it’s her inner strength or her explosive charisma, Amber is proving in every form that she is one of the most dynamic voices of her generation – and this is just the beginning.

jacket. SARAWONG
jeans. ICON DENIM L.A.
shoes. KAZAR STUDIO
opposite
jacket. THEO
necklaces. Swarovski

You have two exciting projects releasing on the same day — ‘Novocaine’ and ‘Opus’. How did working on these two very different films back-to-back shape you creatively?

I really appreciate getting a chance to experience variety and I love being challenged – however that may take shape. Novocaine was such a fun role and a little intimidating because I’ve not really gotten to play a character who is so normal, so in a way that was extremely vulnerable but, at the same time, the movie is so energetic and fun that reaching that level of energy was new for me.

Opus brings together an impressive cast and is being released by A24. What can you tell us about your character and what drew you to the project?

This character has almost no dialogue but to still be challenged to create someone with a full life, story and presence was a fun idea to me. I love A24 and MAG is such a talented director, he has so much vision and style and also kindness and he really seemed attuned to something that made me really excited to see and be a part of what he’d do with this movie.

jacket. THEO
necklaces. Swarovski

‘Novocaine’ leans into action-comedy. How was that experience different from your past roles, and what did you enjoy most about working with Jack Quaid?

It was so much fun. Sherry was a fun new challenge, she’s a little guarded but she’s also charming and fun and I liked getting to play with that balance. I could not have asked for a better partner in this film than Jack, he absolutely killed it in this movie.

You gained major recognition for your role in ‘Prey’, which earned you both awards and nominations. How do you reflect on the impact of that performance now, nearly three years later?

I’m so grateful. That movie changed my life in so many ways and just to be able to be a part of showing what Natives have to offer as collaborators and storytellers. I’m so proud and I’m excited to see hopefully what other doors that can open up.

sweater. Michael Kors
necklace. Amber’s collection of Native american jewellery designers
opposite
jacket. SIXDO
trousers. SHAO
earrings. Amber’s collection of Native american jewellery designers

Looking back at ‘The Ice Road’, what was it like acting alongside legends like Liam Neeson and Laurence Fishburne so early in your film career?

I’ve been able to witness a lot of amazing actors and they’ve all been so different. I never went to acting class or formally studied. It’s been like having the ultimate master class in all the different actors I’ve worked with and witnessed.

You’ve taken on physically demanding and emotionally rich roles. How do you typically prepare for a new character? Do you have a process that evolved over time?

It always starts with chemistry. Finding the natural places of connection. I think with every character it’s a little bit different but that’s part of the fun.

How do you balance instinct and technique when approaching a role—especially one that carries cultural or emotional weight like Naru in ‘Prey’?

Honestly, the fact that culture was involved made it so much easier and more fun. I loved getting to learn about Comanche culture and history and have that be a part of my job, I felt so fortunate and I would love to get to do that more.

shirt. AKNVAS

As someone who began acting at a young age, how do you feel your relationship with the craft has changed as you’ve grown and taken on more complex roles?

I moved to LA to pursue acting when I was 17 and I love who I was as an artist then and who I’ve become now and I’m excited to see who I’ll be in another 10 years. I was so serious then, I’ve learned to live with a lot more lightness. That seriousness is still my foundation but if you’re going to do something for as long as I plan to do this you learn that it’s okay for it to take shape in all different kinds of ways. As a person and an artist, you’ll always be transforming and evolving. As an actor part of the job is to translate different life experiences of a character so gaining more life experience as a person has undoubtedly influenced my work.

You’ve worked in both independent film and larger studio productions. Do you approach these environments differently as an actress?

Every project and every character takes shape in its own way. The practicality of working in these environments is different of course but as far as the work itself the approach is consistent.

Being named one of Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch and a TIFF Rising Star are huge industry nods. How did that kind of recognition affect your sense of direction or responsibility as a performer?

It’s hard to say exactly. It’s an honour to be included and it’s definitely affirming and I’m so grateful and at the same time, that’s not what I’m doing it for. This job has so many different facets and areas but it’s nice to be out there and feel seen.

sweater. Michael Kors
skirt. SCULPTOR
necklace. Amber’s collection of Native american jewellery designers
opposite
shirt + trousers. SHWETAMBARI
shoes. KAZAR STUDIO
earrings. Amber’s collection of Native American jewellery designers

Representation is still evolving in Hollywood. As an Indigenous actress, do you feel the kinds of roles being written today are changing—and do you see yourself influencing that shift?

I think some people are starting to get it, while others are still catching up. There’s still a lot to be done but I’m so proud to see so many of my (native) friends and all of their successes and that we get to come up and celebrate together. I think what’s important is that while we celebrate we also continue to apply pressure and keep the growth going.

What’s something you hope audiences take away from your work—whether it’s in genre films like ‘Prey’ or more grounded dramas like ‘The Wheel’?

Every project has a different purpose. I always want people to feel something, to walk away having some sort of conversation whether that’s something fun like Novocaine or emotional like The Wheel or all of the cultural conversations that came out of Prey, which obviously matter to me the most. I think they all fill a different spot.

jacket. SIXDO
trousers. SHAO
shoes. VANDA NOVAK
earrings. Amber’s collection of Native american jewellery designers

‘Novocaine‘ and ‘Opus‘ are both out now.

photography. Tyler Nevitt @ Kate Ryan
fashion. Karolina Frechowicz @ Hype Creative
talent. Amber Midthunder
hair. Kat Thompson @ The Wall Group
make up. Amber Dreadon @ A-Frame Agency
set design. Jason Jensen @ Art Dept
interview. Alper Kurtel