Get your Christmas shopping on track this December with Orient-Express
7th September, 2011 - Battling the busy high street to find the perfect Christmas gifts during the festive season is not necessarily an experience that can be described as luxurious, but this December Orient-Express’s British Pullman will put paid to that with the brand new Shopping on the Rails trip, a unique twist on Christmas shopping that is designed to relieve those stresses and strains. A host of the very best of British luxury retailers have been invited to display their products onboard the festively decorated carriages and will offer advice to guests looking for inspiration for presents for family and friends or simply to put on a wish list!The inaugural journey of this unique experience will see guests welcomed onboard to enjoy a festive four course lunch whilst travelling through the scenic Kent countryside. Afterwards, they will be free to explore the train to find, set amongst the Art Deco marquetry and brass fittings, iconic and luxurious British brands including Harrods, Brora, Cath Kidston, Ettinger, Miller Harris, Liberty, Holland & Holland, Astley Clarke and Daniel Sandler, all showcasing a wide selection of their products and providing expert advice and inspiration.
Harrods
Iconic British landmark store Harrods, established in 1834, is renowned for its grand shopping space which stocks the very best luxury items throughout its 330 different departments. The famous Food Halls include every gastronomic indulgence imaginable and Harrods expert food buyers source only the highest quality products. Harrods will be exhibiting a selection of the famous Harrods food and wine Hampers and giving advice on choosing the ideal assortment of delectable treats from the Harrods Food Halls to suit individual tastes. www.harrods.com
Brora
Established in 1993 and renowned for their luxury Scottish cashmere which comes in an array of mouth watering colours, and contemporary & classic styles, Brora will be displaying a cosy & colourful collection of the very finest Scottish cashmere including luxurious 4-ply aran knits, toasty warm cashmere socks for men & women and a vast array of fabulous & unique accessories. www.brora.co.uk
Cath Kidston
Founded by its namesake in 1993, distinctive British lifestyle brand Cath Kidston is best known for its vintage inspired floral prints that adorn a wide array of household and fashion products. Amongst the selection on display will be classic Cath Kidston bags and accessories in the new 'British Birds' and ‘tartan’ prints and luxury items such as the beautiful new range of leather bags and printed woven scarves. A range of the Christmas collection featuring a vintage inspired 'Christmas birds' print on an assortment of home items including half aprons, hand painted decorations, Christmas stockings and gift wrap will also be on offer. www.cathkidston.com
Signature Boutique by Orient-Express
Exclusive to Orient-Express is the brand new collection of beautifully designed luxury luggage and travel accessories from Signature Boutique by Orient-Express. Meticulously crafted in Italy to exacting standards, the luggage range has been designed with Orient-Express’ discerning clientele in mind and includes a wheeled suitcase, leather trimmed weekend and cabin bags, a computer bag which includes a 1GB colour coordinated memory stick and wash bag with a cleverly designed removable vide-poche. There is also an exclusively designed ‘Dream funds’ purse created by Anya Hindmarch in collaboration with Orient-Express. The matching range all feature a stunning rubellite lining and are finished with brass fittings that reflect the vintage brass fixtures of the iconic Orient-Express trains. Also on display will be limited edition copies of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient-Express, coffee table photography books, fine china mugs and the Orient-Express teddy bear. www.orient-expressboutique.com
Ettinger
Royal Warrant holding luxury leather goods and accessories company, Ettinger, designs and hand-crafts an extensive range of leather goods items and accessories which are handcrafted in the UK by Ettinger craftspeople and come in a wide variety of leathers and colour-ways. Ettinger will have on display a selection of products from its extensive portfolio of bags, photo frames, leather covered note and address books, jewel boxes and jewel rolls, as well as men’s and ladies’ accessories, wallets, purses, key and card holders, with a 'free delivery offer', from the Ettinger on-line shop and in time for Christmas. www.ettinger.co.uk
Miller Harris
Founded in 2000, by perfumer Lyn Harris, Miller Harris is the culmination of 20 years in the fragrance industry resulting in a signature style defined by a love of naturals and finest quality raw materials combined with a precision in using them that is prevalent in all the creations. With the artistry and instinct of a true perfumer, and whilst respecting tradition, Lyn strives to push the boundaries, creating fragrances that are innovative yet timeless, as a result Miller Harris is the chosen amenities supplier for the British Pullman. Miller Harris will be showcasing a range of fragrances, body products and a luxurious selection of Christmas gifts. www.millerharris.com
Liberty London
Since 1875, Liberty London has been synonymous with luxury and great design. Arthur Liberty’s intuitive vision and pioneering spirit led him to travel the world looking for individual pieces to inspire and excite his discerning clientele. Liberty stands for integrity, value, quality and above all beautifully designed products. A selection of fine scarves, ties, stationery and silk scarf cushions will be on display in the Liberty coupé. www.liberty.co.uk
Holland & Holland
Established in 1835, Holland & Holland offers the ultimate British lifestyle experience, with heritage to prove it. Their guns continue to be celebrated throughout the world as the perfect combination of artistry and craftsmanship – purely designed and simply functional. Holland & Holland offers complete collections of clothing, accessories, and technical products, and can fully furnish a luxurious and adventurous lifestyle.
On display will be an array of gifts and accessories, associated with the shooting world, including a selection of silk ties depicting various British Game Birds and the Stag, silk and cashmere scarves, silver and enamel bangles and cufflinks, shooting books and DVDs, shooting socks, position finders, protective glasses and cashmere blankets. www.hollandandholland.com
Astley Clarke
Embracing the world’s very best in jewellery alongside a generous pinch of British luxury that makes them unique; Bec Astley Clarke brought to life her passion for fine jewellery in 2006 when she founded Astley Clarke. With a vision to celebrate design and craftsmanship in fine jewellery and to reinstate the coloured gemstone as the hero of every stylish woman’s wardrobe - whatever the occasion, Astley Clarke designs its own exquisite jewellery collections in addition to housing the very best edit of international jewellery designers. With a keen VIP following amongst women at the very top of their professional careers in politics, culture or academia, Astley Clarke’s following includes amongst others: January Jones, Nicole Kidman, Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson, Amanda Seyfried, and Olivia Palmero. www.astleyclarke.com
Daniel Sandler
With 20 years experience and an award winning cosmetics range to his name, British talent Daniel Sandler is considered a leader in his field. Daniel has worked on high profile fashion shoots for top glossy magazines, backstage on a number of major fashion shows, as well as with high profile celebrities for red carpet events. Daniel spent over four years developing his self-titled cosmetics range, drawing from his experience as a professional makeup artist to create products of the highest quality that simplify makeup for women of all skin tones. On show will be a range of the new Autumn Winter colour collection along with hints and tips on how to wear it from Daniel himself, as well as Daniel Sandler’s first venture into the luxury candle market with the Daniel Sandler ‘In Love’ candle, made in collaboration with artisan candle crafter Jonathan Ward. www.danielsandler.com
Also joining the impressive line up will be award winning jewellery expert Bill Foreman. With a career spanning 45 years including working for Garrard ‘The Crown Jewellers” and winner of numerous awards including the prestigious Cartier award, Bill will be lending his professional eye, experience and knowledge to guests on board as well as taking commissions.
With such an array of outstanding British brands displayed in the unrivalled setting of the British Pullman carriages, guests will be spoilt not only for choice, but spoilt with the superb service of the liveried stewards, the delicious cuisine and accompanying wines, making this shopping trip one to remember, for all the right reasons.
The ‘Shopping on the Rails’ trip costs £300 per person and departs from London Victoria on Thursday 1st December 2011.
For further details and reservations visit www.orient-express.com/uktrains or call 0845 077 2222
-ENDS-
For media and image enquiries please contact:
Anna Nash –PR Director Orient-Express Trains & Cruises 020 7921 4050 / anna.nash@orient-express.com / Emma Wylde –PR Executive Orient-Express Trains & Cruises 020 7921 4064 / emma.wylde@orient-express.com
Note to editors:
Orient-Express, (NYSE: OEH, www.orient-express.com) the name behind an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world’s most exciting and indulgent train journeys. Today that evocative name also embraces hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 24 countries, across five continents. The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it first purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly afterwards, recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities. Today, the company owns or part-owns and manages 49 businesses, 40 of which are highly acclaimed hotels, each unique in style, from the Mount Nelson in Cape Town and Rio’s Copacabana Palace, to the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg and Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. There are six luxury tourist trains, two river cruise operations and ‘21’, one of New York’s most iconic restaurants.
