Dimorestudio embraces “refined nomadic spirit” with Orient Express revival

The luxury trainline is making a comeback with La Dolce Vita, a train inspired by the “artistic fervour” of Italy in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Orient Express travel company has announced it will be reviving its luxury trainline with La Dolce Vita, a train that takes passengers around Italy.

It has been over a decade since the last Orient Express-branded train was on the rails, with the 150-year-old company ceasing operations in 2009. However, as the world looks to more environmentally friendly ways to travel, the company is positioning itself as part of the more sustainable “slow-travel” movement.

Milan-based design studio Dimorestudio has developed the interiors for the train, which have been inspired by the “artistic fervour” of Italy in the 1960s and 1970s.

A mix of patterns and finishes

The renders of the train – which will transport its first passengers in 2023 – show that textures and finishes will be mixed and matched throughout the space.

In the onboard restaurant, rattan-style blinds are positioned with glass-topped tables, floral print chairs and marble finish surfaces.

Elsewhere in the public areas of the train, cured banquette seating which contrasts with the straight lines of the carriage itself.

The colour palette throughout is comprised of neutrals alongside deep oranges and reds. In the private areas, this is complimented with jewel-tone greens and blues.

“A sense of sophisticated depth”

Bedrooms continue the theme of mixing patterns and finishes. Graphic patterns and stripes adorn soft furnishings, while textured walls are left plain.

A wide variety of lighting is also used, from art deco-style sconces to hanging pendants and more simple lamps.

“Every element should feel like it has always belonged there, to create a sense of sophisticated depth and visual weights that can be interpreted as layers of exclusiveness,” says Dimorestudio founders Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci.

“Well-curated without being ostentatious”

According to Moran and Salci, the interiors project was a balancing act between the “historical and contemporary”.

Inspiration for the style of the interiors was taken from “masters of Italian design”, such as Gio Ponti and Carlo Scarpa. These ideas were then balanced with more contemporary touches and finishes.

“The spaces are thoughtfully designed and well-curated without being ostentatious,” say Moran and Salci.

This design language will adorn 12 deluxe cabins, 18 suites and one “honour suite”, as well as the onboard restaurant.

“Made in Italy”

Alongside the interiors by Dimorestudio, La Dolce Vita train will also boast a selection of environmentally friendly interventions to ensure the line is sustainable.

Orient Express partner Accor says innovative technologies like hydrogen power will be explored for the trainline.

Meanwhile the “Made in Italy” campaign surrounding the train will see Italian craft prioritised throughout.


What do you think of La Dulce Vita’s interiors? Let us know in the comments below…

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  • Heinz Otte M.A. December 19, 2021 at 7:50 pm

    I see in there a really italian Style. Many details I noticed in the nice made CAD-Images will be not possible to use or will make difficulties when it comes to realisation – if the train should fulfill the European railway-standards and legislation. Maybe things are possible if the train never crosses the borders of Italy. Managing many years ago the design of the InterRegio-trainsystem, Lufthansa Airport Express and others for the German Rail, I know about the obstacles.

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