jacket. Salvatore Ferragamo
trousers. C2H4
shoes. Christian Louboutin
ring throughout. Gucci
opposite
jacket. Necessity Sense
top + boots. MISBHV
jumper. Salvatore Ferragamo
jeans. Stella McCartney
jacket. Salvatore Ferragamo
trousers. C2H4
shoes. Christian Louboutin
ring throughout. Gucci
opposite
jacket. Necessity Sense
top + boots. MISBHV
jumper. Salvatore Ferragamo
jeans. Stella McCartney
Credits
“This past year has been a crazy emotional rollercoaster ride for me and this project is something that I have been working on through all of it,” Jacob Sartorius reveals enthusiastically of his latest venture, a project of which the first single, Better With You, unveils today. “I am so grateful to my fans who have been patiently waiting for new music so being able to surprise them with this EP makes it all worth it.”
Following in the footsteps of Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes and Madison Beer, Jacob Sartorius found fame on social media and kick-started a music career long before he could legally drive. On paper, this story is a familiar one but, when speaking to Sartorius, a whole other narrative emerges. His ascent to stardom didn’t come overnight, far from it; it took years, multiple social media platforms and millions of followers to launch him on the road to stardom. With this rigorous work ethic and dedication to self-improvement, the precocious musician is reimagining the American Dream for the Digital Age.
For Sartorius and his peers, a time before the Internet has never existed. A true digital native, he has navigated the sphere of social media from the tender age of 11, platforming his musical and comedic talents across various networks. Starting out with anti-bullying advocacy on Vine, he grew his social media fanbase by posting covers on music.ly and, two years after his Vine debut, released his first single Sweatshirt. Even though Sartorius was only 13 at the time, the single quickly gained traction and landed on the US Billboard Hot 100 before ultimately going Platinum. Documenting his life on social media to over six million followers across Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, it’s almost a surprise to see that he exists in the flesh, away from the glare of a phone screen.
Gen Z-ers and Millennials are often stereotyped as being disconnected from the real world, locked away in a digital prison of their own making, but Sartorius makes it clear that these IRL connections are what matter to him most. “Social media is a great way for fans to connect with you. It gives them a window and a view into your life,” he explains. “Fans can make contact directly by sending you messages, or you can livestream a video and they can comment on it in real time.”
Schön! alive rediscovers the enduring allure of Italy’s heritage and craftsmanship.
The newly renovated Hotel Gabrielli, Venice, opening later this year
The newly renovated Hotel Gabrielli, Venice, opening later this year
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With origins dating back to the late 16th Century, the term ‘Grand Tour’ was officially first used in the 17th Century book ‘The Voyage of Italy’by Richard Lassels, a priest and travel writer.Over time, the Grand Tour was seen as the ‘finishing touch’ for noble and wealthy young men coming of age in England and Northern Europe. They would be accompanied by a ‘cicerone’ (guide), and would typically travel through countries like France, Italy and Greece to help round out their classical education. Now, in the 21st Century, the historic European tradition is being revisited, with Starhotels inviting us to experience some of the Italian destinations at the heart of the original Grand Tour and witness the work of the modern-day artisans that help to keep the energy of these cities alive.
At the time, embarking on a Grand Tour was generally reserved for a privileged few, lasting anything from one to several years, depending on family wealth. The young men were expected to return home with newfound knowledge and maturity, usually laden with an impressive collection of commissioned art, books and luxury goods to symbolise their intellectual growth and cultural sophistication.
left: Fondazione Rubelli, Venice. Right: Hotel d’Inghilterra, Rome
left: Fondazione Rubelli, Venice. Right: Hotel d’Inghilterra, Rome
Credits
But no matter the route, a Grand Tour was rarely completed without a stop in Italy. Many would choose to spend months there, not wanting to miss out on the picturesque canals of Venice, or the chance to absorb the legacy of Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci in Florence.
While the magic of these destinations endures, travel in the 21st Century brings its own unique issues; in Florence and Venice, the weight of modern-day tourism currently threatens the very essence of these cities, as governments and local inhabitants search for a sense of balance.
left: Gucci Osteria, Florence. right: Helvetia & Bristol, Florence
left: Gucci Osteria, Florence. right: Helvetia & Bristol, Florence
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A major project that hopes to address an aspect of this is La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory by Starhotels. Founded in 2019, the contemporary patronage programme is the brainchild of Starhotels’ President and CEO Elisabetta Fabri, alongside Fondazione Cologni dei Mestieri d’Arte, Gruppo Editoriale and OMA – Associazione Osservatorio dei Mestieri d’Arte. Fabri states, “With La Grande Bellezza project, we set ourselves the ambitious goal of giving a voice, space and concrete opportunities to the workshops and enterprises of Italian craftsmanship.”
Recently La Grande Bellezza – The Dream Factory launched Craft Experiences, a new initiative which sees artisans pull back the curtain on traditional craftsmanship by allowing guests of the Starhotels Collezione to enter workshops to experience these historic cities through its artistic history.
Splendid Venice Hotel
Splendid Venice Hotel
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when in venice
Our personal Grand Tour kicked off at the charming and elegant Splendid Venice hotel. Every arrival is celebrated with a gift from the historic Italian leather goods brand Pineider: a gorgeous diary to write down your own travel experiences, like the Grand Tourists before you.
Each craft experience allows you to immerse yourself in the destination, and in Venice, our first took us into the heart of the city to visit Fallani Venezia. The silk-screen printing lab dates back to 1968, and Gianpaolo Fallani was on hand to explain his family’s history, while guiding us in creating our own print as a unique souvenir to take home.
Fallani Venezia, Venice
Fallani Venezia, Venice
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The private tour at Fondazione Rubelli allows visitors to step back in time thanks to the Rubelli Historical Archive boasting more than 50,000 textile artefacts, and more than a thousand pointed papers and preparatory drawings highlighting the creation of the fabrics: an unmissable chance to dive into the intricate craft and the excellence found in Rubelli textiles from 1889 to the present day, five generations later.
Fondazione Rubelli, Venice
Fondazione Rubelli, Venice
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when in florence
Next up? Firenze. Accessible from Venice in just over two hours by train, Florence is also home to Helvetia & Bristol, a recently renovated hotel and part of the Starhotels Collezione since 2016. With a heritage as a hotspot for past travellers on their Grand Tour, the latest updates pay homage to the building’s place in history – with one or two contemporary updates, of course, the Cibrèo Helvetia & Bristol being one of them.
Helvetia & Bristol, Florence
Helvetia & Bristol, Florence
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Already an icon on the Italian food scene, thanks to the legacy of Florentine chef Fabio Picchi, the Cibrèo Helvetia & Bristol Ristorante & Cocktail Bar is a stunning space with high ceilings and decadent furnishings that feels both chic and cosy. But if you fancy something sweet, you can head a few steps further to Iginio Massari Alta Pasticceria, the artisanal high pastry brand next door. It’s also conveniently connected to the hotel and provides the tasty breakfast served up every morning in the sumptuous Tinello (dining room).
left: Cibrèo Ristorante and right: Cibrèo Caffè, both Helvetia & Bristol, Florence
left: Cibrèo Ristorante and right: Cibrèo Caffè, both Helvetia & Bristol, Florence
Credits
So with Helvetia & Bristol as the perfect launch pad to explore the ‘Renaissance city’, we headed to Il Bronzetto artisan workshop, a treasure trove of knowledge and artifacts specialising in decor and lighting in brass, bronze and other metals. The infectious love for the medium shines through in the tour, given by one of the Calcinai brothers, who carry on the legacy that started with their father in 1963. After a demonstration, we were able to create a souvenir to add to our growing collection of Italian artisanship.
To discover why the ‘Made in Italy’ tag is so coveted, take a trip to the Scuola del Cuoio. Founded in a former convent after World War II as a place for recent orphans to learn a trade and earn a living, it now welcomes visitors to watch the leather artisans at work and to make their own creation using knowledge passed down through time. A walk through the building is a reminder of its deep history and a small, curated gift shop allows for a little treat after all your hard work.
Finally, if you’d like to complete your tour with a unique taste of Florence look no further than Gucci Osteria. The Michelin-starred restaurant is the brainchild of chef Massimo Bottura, infusing his vision with the energy embodied in the Gucci philosophy. At the helm in Florence, Co-Executive Chefs Karime López and Takahiko Kondo deliver their own interpretation of contemporary Italian cuisine which they’ve dubbed: ‘Nuove Memorie’ (New Memories). We had the pleasure of being guided through a delicious seasonal menu by expert hosts who enhanced the meal with an element of theatre – as every delicate dish arrived with a story, providing the perfect end to our journey.
Gucci Osteria, Florence
Gucci Osteria, Florence
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when in rome, milan and beyond…
Although we left our hearts in Florence and Venice, your own Grand Tour doesn’t need to stop there. With Starhotels in Rome and Milan, you can curate an adventure that doesn’t just involve returning home with unique and handmade goods but also allows travellers to meaningfully contribute to the local economy in a way that supports these magnificent cities, honouring both their rich history and future.
Hotel d’Inghilterra, Rome
Hotel d’Inghilterra, Rome
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Read more about Starhotels’ Craft Experiences here.
To celebrate this year’s Igloofest happening in Montreal from the 16th of January until 8th of February, Schön! asked three unique and dynamic artists to curate a selection of songs to get a better insight into the music & artists that inspire them. For the final curated feature in support of the festival, we sit down with French musical collective Bon Entendeur who are known for blending electronic music with spoken word elements. With 25 million streams to their name, Bon Entendeur has evolved beyond just music—they’ve built a brand. Their curated events, including the sought-after summer parties at the Parisian “péniche” La Madrague, attract thousands of fans.
Hey, what are you up to right now?
First of all, we’ve been resting as much as possible after a pretty exhausting winter tour (20 shows in 12 countries). We’re also taking advantage of this downtime before our upcoming U.S. tour to spend time in studio.
If someone asked you what your origin story was, how would you describe it?
Two childhood friends (20 years of friendship) who share a common passion for music. Initially, we just wanted to share the music we loved and discovered through a blog, but life had other plans.
Describe your style in 3 words
Sunny, vintage, positive.
What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?
An old 1960 Omega Seamaster that belonged to my grandfather. It holds a lot of sentimental value for me.
What was the last book you read?
“Lucky Luciano Testament”: a journey through 1920s New York, right before Prohibition. It follows the story of poor young Italian immigrants who, without realizing it, create one of the most powerful mafias in the world. The story of Las Vegas, for instance, is intimately tied to theirs… This book must be around 600 pages, and I devoured it in just a few weeks.
If you could play at any venue, which one would it be?
During a sunset at Burning Man.
Where are you happiest?
On stage after a long calm period, and at home in the warmth after a long tour.
Ideal 3-course meal?
It would definitely revolve around the Mediterranean. For starters, an assortment (vine leaves, big Greek olives, tarama, and hummus). For the main course, we head to Italy with a good pasta dish. For dessert, Corsican clementines with Fiadone.
What’s one song that you’d like to listen to the first time again?
“Always On My Mind” by Marbert Rocel.
An underrated song/artist you love?
Pip Millett.
The track that describes your coming-of-age story?
“Machu Picchu” by The Strokes, the Proustian madeleine of the day I got my high school diploma.
An album that you’d put in a time capsule?
“Moon Safari” by Air or “Wolfgang Amadeus” by Phoenix.
A lyric that you love and the song it’s from?
“« Plus on est de fous mieux on évite la camisole » dans « Toucher l’horizon » d’Oxmo Puccino
A track that reminds you of a happy moment?
“Brazilian Soul” by The Knocks.
A song that you discovered recently that you love?
“Pictures of You” by Drugdealer.
Best record to get you out of a funk?
“Daylight Doom” by Moto Bandit.
What’s the last song you searched for on Spotify?
“Perfidia” by Phyllis Dillon and “One” by Harry Nilsson.
Ahead of this year’s Igloofest happening in Montreal from the 16th of January until 8th of February, Schön! hand-selected three artists to curate their own special playlists ahead of the event. First up? Germany’s very own Yulia Niko. Niko has firmly established herself as a key figure in the global electronic music scene, earning recognition through her collaborations with influential labels like Crosstown Rebels and Watergate since starting her journey at just 15 years of age.
Since then, she’s been dedicated to leaning into her love of music. Now a globally celebrated artist with a packed tour schedule and a growing catalog of highly acclaimed releases, she debuted her first album, TWINSOUL, last year and is now ready to grace the stage at the festival.
Hey, what are you up to right now?
Hey there, thanks for having me! Right now, I am on the train to the airport. Somehow I ended up living in a small town in the south of Germany and spent about 2 hours getting to the airport. Sounds fine, but most of the time, German trains are late or cancelled. I guess many people have no idea about the number of problems artists deal with being able sometimes just to play a few tracks at the festival! But in general, all good. The year started very smoothly and I am extremely busy with all new projects, especially my label AXEPT which is insanely growing and allows me to play sets with 90% of only tracks from the label. I feel really proud of that and more inspired to keep building my community.
If someone asked you what your origin story was, how would you describe it?
Well, I’ve said this story so many times. Let me open some new details of it. Since I was little I always felt that I wanted to travel a lot and to be a public person. I was falling asleep with dreams about performing on TV and people clapped for me. A simple girl from a very small town made her dream come true. I started listening to house music when I was 11, and somehow I had this DVD with a set from Bora Bora Ibiza, which I was watching and repeated dance moves of people. I really don’t know how all this came to my life, I think everything happens I can easily prove for a reason and that all is a destiny and we all have prepared trail from the above.
Describe your style in 3 words.
Groovy, happy, funny.
What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?
To me, the most important thing is very comfortable shoes. There were moments when I could not continue to play my set because my shoes were super uncomfortable. I am a really big fan of New Balance, all exclusive models and nothing compares to this comfort. I know they don’t look so sexy but I feel like if I wear a nice top for a show, New Balance will just improve my dance moves.
Which living person do you most admire?
I don’t really have one person, I have multiple inspirations. But in case we are here in a music magazine I would say – Nina Kraviz. It is really funny to see how many female DJs try to copy her. But to me, she is an icon and I really admire how talented, risky, simple and unique. One of the smartest people I’ve met.
What was the last book you read?
I really like to read books about self-improvement, relationships and psychology. The book “Attached” by Amir Levine. I really highly recommend checking it out.
If you could play at any venue, which one would it be?
I got pretty lucky so far and played most of the places I wanted but there is only one place which is for many artists is a challenge! Berlin’s Berghain… For me, that would be Panorama bar upstairs, my favourite room with only “house music.’ I’ve been dancing there many times but never played, it’s such a dream since the very first time I was there. Feels like the best place of freedom and non-judgment.
Where are you happiest?
A very simple question for me after 20 years of travelling – Home! I love to be home, without any stress about travelling, or anything else. I do miss my family so much and of course, it’s precious to be there with them. Especially on weekends which is so rare, you know…because I work mostly on the weekends.
Ideal 3-course meal?
Parmesan with dry tomatoes, soup (always), tiramisu.
Who would play you in the story of your life?
I am a very diverse person and it is hard to point to one person, one place, one moment. I think my mother is a person who gave me such a great education in life and invested in me. I always think about her, no matter what I’ve done, how my mom would like it, how my mom would say. I think idols, friends, and partners can change but mother always will be “the one.”
What’s one song that you’d like to listen to the first time again?
Florence and Machines – “You’ve Got The Love”
An underrated song/artist you love?
Yulia Niko – “Satisfaction” [laughs]
The track that describes your coming-of-age story?
E-xpress – “Lazy”
An album that you’d put in a time capsule?
James Blake – “Overgrown”
A lyric that you love and the song it’s from?
Sade – “Kiss of Life”
A track that reminds you of a happy moment?
Boney M. – “Sunny”
A song that you discovered recently that you love?