tableware company villeroy & boch’s designs will now be used by passengers dining on the iconic venice simplon-orient-express train.
the exclusive collection features three themes; l’oriental with majestic water birds and oriental reeds, etoile du nord is a floral theme and cote d’azur, which is inspired by renowned glass manufacturer lalique and has the same figures as the walls of the restaurant car.
“the venice simplon-orient express is an institution of incomparable elegance with a long history of tradition that today continues to stand for a luxurious and romantic way to travel that is unparalleled,” says burkhard schmidt, director of villeroy & boch’s hotel & restaurant division. “my team and i have very much enjoyed working on this exciting and successful cooperation.”
the orient-express has been known as the symbol of stylish and exclusive travel since 1883. its vintage carriages remind guests of an age of romance and elegance while its mysterious reputation harks back to the novel murder on the orient express written by regular passenger agatha christie. famous dancers, kings and presidents have also travelled on the train.
“we are very excited by our new range of china for the venice simplon-orient-express,” adds gary franklin, managing director of trains and cruises at orient-express. “we were looking at ways of bringing out the details found throughout the train and villeroy & boch was very imaginative in finding beautiful and creative ways to achieve this whilst also respecting the history and heritage of the train.”
