French architect Maxime d’Angeac has been restoring and decoration projects for luxury houses such as Daum, Hermès, and Guerlain for the past 20 years. His designs touch upon a personal interpretation of luxury, drawn from his fascination with the great revolutionary artistic movements and travel novels. A wanderer himself, the architect imagined what it would be like to bring about a contemporary visual for the historical Orient Express.
That imagination turned into a tangible work of design as the architect renovated Orient Express’s interiors 100 years later with Accor Group. The train’s new look is showcased at Design Miami/ in Florida during Miami Art Week 2022, from Novembre 30 to December 4,2022.
Maxime d’Angeac’s design follows the footstep of the rail motif conceived by Suzanne Lalique-Havilandin in the 1930s. The infusion nudged the architect to place mirrors in the ceiling, amplifying the expanse of the space, and line the corridors with a series of arches, tables, and wrap-around armchairs.
The space lights up through the warm lighting oozing from vintage-styled lampshades. The partitions veer from the original layout to make way for d’Angeac’s stoneboard technique. Large domes of light inspired by the Second Empire style ornate the ceilings of the Bar-car, and the glass counter of the bar pays tribute to René Lalique’s signature and craftsmanship.
Entering the Suite, the accommodation invites guests to burrow themselves into the polished-wood ambiance of the room, letting the sens of serenity while on board simmer. Everywhere, the cornes are rounded, and the partitions are covered with wood and leather.
The headboards are embroidered with wood, mother of pearl, and bronze. In a niche, the famous Lalique « Blackbirds & Grapes » panels, originating from the historic train, are displayed. The large sofas brush against the comfort of a large bed, and a bathroom and dressing room complete the ingenious layout.