Crafting the new Suites
Crafting the Suites
Join us on a journey to uncover the meticulous design and craftsmanship that’s bringing new heights of luxury and comfort to the original legend of the rails. The new Suites aboard Venice Simplon-Orient-Express are the expression of a luxurious vision of art-deco indulgence. Steeped in history and crafted with the utmost respect to the craftsmanship of the 1920s and 30s, meet the creative minds behind the project as they share their vision for the next chapter on board.
Rachel Johnson, senior studio director at Wimberly Interiors’ London office, was tasked with the re-design of the four suites, each one representing a different form of landscape: La Campagne (countryside), Les Montagnes (mountains), La Forêt (forest) and Les Lacs (lakes). Listen as she discusses how her team approached these unique design personalities, while staying loyal to the iconic train’s heritage.
Graduate from the acclaimed Mosaic School of Friuli in Spilimbergo, Italy, join Eloise in her workshop as she talks through the painstaking process of bringing a custom mosaic to life. Marvel at her timeless methods, using a hammer, hardie and her hands to create her large-scale designs that grace the Suites' floors.
Nicolas Diverchy invites us into his glassblowing workshop in France’s Clermont Ferrand, where glass glows red in burning kilns before being moulded into delicate pieces of bathroom glassware. Specialising in interiors and tableware, Verrerie du Marais continuously innovates in its quest to form, shape and celebrate glass in the world of interiors.
This Burgundy-based glassmaker specialises in etching blown glass into sumptuous patterns. With each piece taking around fifteen hours to perfect, discover his process and marvel at the intricate details needed to achieve the desired shape and finish.
Rubelli, a heritage brand founded in 1858, are purveyors of the Venetian art of silk, taking heritage materials and making them relevant for today. Tasked with dressing the new Suites in sumptuous textiles, see how the studio took yarns and spun them on the loom to create magnificent patterns.
A keen marquetry craftsman since his youth, Philippe Allemand guides you through the stages of creating intricate patterns out of wood. Creating the striking headboards that emulate different landscapes, Philippe and his team find excitement in the collaboration between design and handicraft.