A new chapter for train travelers is on its way. 140 years after the launch of the first luxury Orient Express train, the legend is officially making its return. The Orient Express Revelation pays tribute to the iconic locomotive by revisiting the decorative style of the early 20th century.
The original Orient Express made its maiden voyage in 1883, leaving Paris and traveling through Europe before arriving in Istanbul. Originally designed for the wealthy and elite, the train became known for its opulent style, glamour, and exclusivity.
French hospitality group Accor acquired a 50 percent stake in the Orient Express brand in 2017. Soon after, it announced plans to restore and reimagine the original luxury convoy, formerly known as the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express.
According to Condé Nast Traveler, the opulent restoration made its debut during an immersive exhibition held in Paris last month. The brand will also showcase the new design at Design Miami from November 30 through December 4.
The 2.0 version of the Orient Express train is reinterpreted as a live experience by architect Maxime d’Angeac as shown in the video below:
Blending the Past With The Present
D’Angeac, known for design collaborations with several French fashion houses, approached the world’s most famous train with the goal of bridging its legacy with the present.
“I had to respect two key elements in this formidable project,” he says. “Extending the spirit of innovation that characterized the original train and reinventing the concept of comfort and luxury for the 21st century.”
“The Orient Express is a legend that has lived on through stories, journeys and years,” says Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of Accor. “The nature of that legacy means that the rebirth of the brand must resonate with both its history and the present day, to create something timeless.”
Passengers can expect the new and improved version in 2025.
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