Lux Lifestyle Magazine Logo

Past meets Present

Colleen Richmond • January 21, 2023

Once Upon a Time...

There was the future Orient Express Train



The inside of a train car with tables and chairs

Photos by Maxime d’Angeac Martin Darzacq



140 years ago, Georges Nagelmackers turned his dream into reality by launching the first luxury Orient Express trains. Today, the legend continues with the unveiling of the future Orient Express train. Completely re-imagined, the old historic

carriages, disappeared, forgotten, and then found again, are back in service. For years, several vintage Orient Express train carriages lay, forgotten, at a small railway station on the border between Poland and Belarus. Arthur Mettetal, a French railway fan spotted the distinctive blue carriages in a YouTube video, kickstarting a journey across Europe to track down the lost trains in 2015.

Hospitality group Accor purchased the rediscovered carriages and enlisted Parisian architect Maxime d'Angeac to meticulously restore them, ready for operation on a Paris to Istanbul rail route that's set to operate from 2025. The first glimpse of the renovated interiors suggest a glamorous travel experience. The cars’ decor is inspired by the 1920s glamour, combining Art Deco with modern luxury. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, Accor: “We are proud, today, to reveal the firstimages of the future Orient Express train. A story inspired by a dream, a timeless train, the object of all fantasies and which becomes a reality. Maxime d’Angeac’s design awakens the myth with the revelation of its luxury, modernity, and French elegance. Tomorrow, the Orient Express will shine again, proud of its 140 years of history and looking to the future. The legend continues.” Fascinated by the great revolutionary artistic movements and a lover of travel novels, architect Maxime d'Angeac has been carrying out prestigious restoration and decoration projects for luxury houses such as Daum, Hermès, and Guerlain for the past 20 years. With this project, he writes the new destiny of a myth. An idea born of a dream, he explains: "This is the reinterpretation of a legendary train, conceived as a new embassy of French luxury, sublimated by the know-how and talents of the best French craftsmen”. 



A long hallway on a train with a red carpet and white curtains.

Spectacular and unexpected, the Dining-Car revisits the codes of the Orient Express. Maxime d'Angeac reinterprets the "rail" motif created by Suzanne Lalique-Haviland in the 1930s, which has been reworked on the partitions using the stoneboard technique. Under a mirrored ceiling, crossed by a series of arches, tables and wrap-around armchairs line up, lit by lampshades revisiting the original models. 


A bedroom with a large bed and a mirror on the wall

The Suites invite you into absolute comfort and a functional spirit. Everywhere, the corners are rounded, the partitions are covered with precious wood and leather, the headboards embroidered with wood, mother of pearl and bronze. In a niche, the famous Lalique "Blackbirds & Grapes" panels, originating from the historic train, are displayed. At the time of the "Great Transformation", the large sofas are revealed in the comfort of a large bed. A bathroom and dressing room complete the ingenious layout. 


A book titled fifth ave 200 years of stories and legends
February 18, 2025
Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legends is a masterful blend of evocative storytelling and rich historical insight, chronicling the remarkable transformation of Fifth Avenue from a serene residential street to a global symbol of culture, wealth, and style.This exquisite volume celebrates the vibrant history and timeless allure of one of the world’s most iconic thoroughfares. Featuring a breathtaking collection of images, the visually stunning edition bridges past and present, offering readers a captivating journey through two centuries of evolution.The book provides a panoramic exploration of Fifth Avenue’s transformation, from black-and-white photographs of horse-drawn carriages passing grand mansions to vibrant modern-day scenes alive with energy and sophistication. Archival images juxtaposed with contemporary photography illuminate the Avenue’s enduring cultural, architectural, and social significance, capturing its legacy in every detail.More than a tribute, Fifth Avenue: 200 Years of Stories and Legendsis an immersive experience for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and photography lovers alike. This edition is a must-have for collectors, offering a rare and unparalleled glimpse into the street that has been a cornerstone of New York City’s legacy for two centuries.
A woman in a denim dress is sitting on a wooden bench
By Colleen Richmond February 17, 2025
A Legacy of Love, Grace, and Timeless Elegance
February 16, 2025
Rada, a chic new restaurant in Myers Park, introduces Charlotte to an elevated dining experience with tapas, biodynamic wines, and shareable plates. Helmed by Chef Callan Buckles, formerly of acclaimed NYC spots like Claud, Momofuku, and The Four Horsemen, the menu is a bold fusion of global influences. Owner Eloy Roy envisioned this contemporary American eatery in the former Little Spoon space, creating a cozy yet upscale 50-seat spot with mint green walls and a minimalist aesthet-ic. From a $3 Gilda skewer to a $110 sirloin, Rada’s offerings reflect Buckles’ culinary pedigree and adventurous flair. With dishes like eggplant escabeche and seabass paired with txakolina wine, Rada aims to carve out a niche in Charlotte’s emerging shared-plates scene.Rada blends fine dining with approachability, focusing on flavors that challenge Charlotte’s palate while embracing its neighborhood vibe. Highlights include crispy roast chicken with vegetable farcis and Asian-inspired touches like fish sauce and shio koji. The bar program is equally compelling, featuring a gin martini made with anchovy oil and Basque pepper brine. Roy believes Rada will resonate deeply with diners, offering something fresh yet familiar. This new spot, opened on Selwyn Avenue, invites locals to indulge in innovative cuisine and discover what they’ve been craving all along.
More Posts
Share by: