Discover a train like no other: the famous Orient Express, Art Deco

Explore the marvels of an iconic train, redesigned by French architect Maxime d’Angeac: a design inspired by the charm of the 1920s.

If you think about trains, there aren't many that can brag about their international and historical fame. But one of them, known by many, is of course the Orient Express. Proposing a lavish and sumptuous journey from east to west in a period when trains were very trendy and one the most popular and used vehicle, the Orient Express was made to define the very idea of luxury. Sure, nowadays, trains are more functional and perhaps not fancy enough - certainly not the way they were 100 years ago - but who says you can't make the Orient Express functional and fancy? In fact, the newly redesigned train will show a chance to improve rail travel and make it popular once more, like in its golden era. So, take a look inside the new Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express. It's been exhibited at Contemporary Art Week in Paris.

ACCOR commissioned the project and after a lengthy negotiation approach, the train was in good hands: those of Maxime d’Angeac, who restored Maison Guerlain on the Champs-Élysées and who had many collabs with big fashion brands (Hermès being one of them). The final goal was not just to revitalize the renowned train’s look, but also to promote a conversation between its original aesthetics and the 100 years of design that brought progress in the art world. So, the new train was inspired by Art Deco and contemporary styles.

To be in tune with his modus operandi, the designer created a unique and fresh design packed full of sensational components, like the bar and dining cars, the exquisite suites, and of course, the corridor. Making a remarkable reverence is the rail design created by Suzanne Lalique in the 1930s. D’Angeac sees this motif as specially related to contemporary aesthetics and Suzanne's original inspiration is included throughout the new design: you can see it in the wood and leather compartments, and in the dining car design details. But maybe even more incredibly, the new Orient Express train is an exhibition space for some amazing Art Deco elements that if you were to travel to Istanbul a hundred years ago, you would probably see: the authentic Lalique lamps and panels, and the Morrison and Nelson marquetry - yes, it's old, but it is coming back in fashion. Just as wood has a warmness that's hard to beat and is a timeless design element, this train is more actual than ever, but also luxurious and one of a kind.

In terms of the image he wishes to create, the designer admits that this is meant to be a big transformation and to blend two worlds into one, the present and past, the night and day - with new ways - more subtle and witty - of shifting through the decor of the train. Moreover, he mentions a wish to summon the legacy of the French Union of Modern Artists for taking great inspiration from them. Because there are indeed a lot of fans of that era. If you are one of them, you can soak up the vibes of the Orient Express on the rails, because the train is set to transport voyagers from 2024. If you wish to test it and see for yourself how can a new and updated Orient Express train restore the concept of extravagance when traveling by train nowadays, please do try it. We can only hope that with Orient Express, not only the destination matters but the journey as well, making it one of the most captivating travels in the world.