High-life
Read / Dream
In 1883, Georges Nagelmackers created a legendary train: the Orient-Express. On the journey from Paris to Constantinople, High-Life magazine was distributed to travelers, and focused on the cities of the world, artistic life and craftsmanship.
Today, High-Life has come back to life. Inside, find an exploration of the world through the eyes of a new generation of artists and photographers, intimate interviews with artisans and travel lovers, stories that take a long day’ s journey into night and after midnight, stories reserved for the dreamers among us.
Embark on your Italian Journey: Reservations Opening this April for La Dolce Vita Orient Express
La Dolce Vita Orient Express announces today that sales will officially open this April, marking an important milestone for an unparalleled travel experience in one of the world’s most cherished destinations: Italy.
All aboard! Travel through time with the new Lego Ideas Orient Express set
The LEGO Group today unveils the LEGO® Ideas Orient Express – a beautiful brick recreation of the one of the world’s most luxurious and legendary forms of travel. Known as a ‘rolling palace’ the Orient Express was the world’s first international luxury train that carried thousands of passengers across Europe to Istanbul from 1883 to […]
Giampaolo Ottazzi appointed as General Manager for the first Orient Express Hotels in Rome & Venice
Orient Express has appointed Giampaolo Ottazzi as General Manager of the first two Orient Express Hotels in Italy: Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice. Ottazzi will be responsible for the strategic positioning, development, and operations management of both hotels, which are set to open in 2025.
Orient Express Celebrates its 140th Anniversary, embarking on ‘Beyond a world of dreams’
In a tribute to the past, celebration of the present and looking toward the future, Orient Express proudly marks its 140th anniversary today, October 4th, 2023. Commemorating the very moment when Georges Nagelmackers’ Orient Express embarked on its inaugural journey from Paris to Constantinople in 1883, Orient Express is not merely celebrating a legacy, it […]
Behind the Scenes of Orient Express x Montblanc High Artistry Collection: A Journey on the Orient Express
The exceptional Montblanc High Artistry A Journey on the Orient Express collaboration features 7 exclusive limited edition writing instruments crafted in the tradition of the finest artisanal techniques and savoir-faire. Thorsten Hering, director of Mont Blanc’s Artisan Atelier, shares 7 insider secrets behind the collection’s technical and creative challenges and manufacturing methods. By Alexis Chenu. […]
Orient Express Silenseas: The legendary train heads out to sea as the world’s largest sailing ship is unveiled
140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the Orient Express legend continues with the unveiling of the world’s largest sailing ship, Orient Express Silenseas. This revolution in maritime history is an ambitious undertaking that pushes the limits of what is possible. The result of a unique French partnership between world leader in […]
Orient Express Revelation Travels to Design Miami
One month after its Parisian launch, Orient Express Revelation: Once upon a time, there was the future Orient Express train is heading to Miami from November 30 to December 4 for the 18th edition of the international Design Miami/ show. Guests will discover the legendary train via an original immersive experience complete with the exclusive […]
ONCE UPON A TIME… THERE WAS THE FUTURE ORIENT EXPRESS TRAIN
This is the story of a train born from a dream, one that defies time. Today it has been reimagined by architect Maxime d’Angeac. An original design, inspired by the 1920s, created with the codes of contemporary luxury. On the occasion of Contemporary Art Week in Paris, Orient Express will unveil the design of its […]
The French architect is behind the design of the future Orient Express train presented in October in Paris and at the next Design Miami
A lover of adventure and travel literature from the stories of Paul Morand and Henry Miller to Ernest Hemingway, Joseph Kessel and Blaise Cendrars, Maxime d’Angeac is a Romanesque architect. After journeys to the ends of the earth and exploring every continent often by train, he answers High-Life’s “Travelers” questions. By Alexis Chenu.
Orient Express entrusts the interiors of its first hotel in Rome to architect & designer Hugo Toro
Orient Express, artisan of travel since 1883 and brand of Accor, and Italian group Arsenale S.p.A, experts in luxury hotels and hospitality, have chosen architect and designer Hugo Toro to adorn the new Orient Express La Minerva hotel in Rome.
The legendary train, returning soon to railways
Orient Express, artisan of travel since 1883, announces the return of its legendary train in a new and unique format.
“My best travel companions? My dog, Marlene Dietrich, Björk and Merlin the Magician.” – Romain Brau
A witty and facetious comedian, founder of the “Madame Arthur” troupe and revealed on the big screen in the recent French film Les crevettes pailletées (English title: The Shiny Shrimps), Romain Brau has reinterpreted a joyful and languorous remix of the adored French song, Voyage, Voyage on the mythical train itself. Watch the video here.
Casarialto, excellence “made in Italy”
Founded by Catherine Urban, Casarialto works with top Italian artisans, including the famous Murano master glassmakers. This precious savoir-faire is highlighted in the House’s Steam Dream collection of travel items created with Orient Express.
A night with Thierry Wasser, Perfumer
10:30 pm. Suite 706 at the Hotel Rochechouart in Paris. A rendez-vous with the famous perfumer Thierry Wasser, creator of the fragrance Trudon X Orient Express. A tape recorder, a Château Sainte-Marguerite Côte de Provence rosé to share, and the whole night to talk.
Charlotte Siepiora : “ The music of Duke Ellington and Philip Glass makes my train journeys more beautiful”
Charlotte Siepiora is a dancer. A student at the Conservatoire Supérieur de Lyon, she broke onto the scene in ballet performances with Angelin Prejlocaj, for whom she has devoted a large part of her career. Called upon to dance on the most beautiful stages, from the Maestranza theater in Seville to the famous Mariuski in […]
Cashmere Express
Eric Bompard and Orient Express share a common heritage. Two houses born from a maiden voyage between the West and the East, united by the same affinity for savoir-faire, style and elegance.
Emiliano Salci of Dimorestudio : “In my dreams, I would invite on board: David Bowie, Coco Chanel, Eileen Gray, Hedi Slimane, Miuccia Prada…”
Emiliano Salci is one of the brains behind the Dimorestudio duo alongside partner Britt Moran. Together, they dream up the decor of apartments, villas and hotels like the greatest scenes in a movie. Their spaces are full of soul, always chic and fuse vintage spirit with contemporary creation. A fan of Carlo Scarpa and Gio […]
A Grand Return to Italy With La Dolce Vita Train
150 years ago, Georges Nagelmackers turned a dream into a reality when he launched the first luxury Orient Express train. Soon, Orient Express will head back on track to offer travellers an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most beloved countries: Italy.
Bang & Olufsen, the design of sound
As a specialist in luxury audio-visual products, Danish brand Bang & Olufsen is resurrecting old glories from its collections through its Classics program. By Alexis Chenu.
Maison Bonnet, the history of luxury eyewear in 9 photos
A family eyewear manufacturer that has passed from father to son for 4 generations, the Bonnet story began in the early 1930s. For almost a century, the family has been crafting exceptional eyewear according to the rules of “la grande mesure”.
Tag to the Future: The lost art of luggage labels
Telling all or part of a traveler’s story, the luggage label continues to fascinate the world with its codes and creative audacity. By Pierre Léonforté.
Express Cocktail
21h. Time for a rendez-vous at the Orient-Express bar. The decor and glassware are all in Art Deco style. And the cocktails are good enough to enjoy deep conversation with fellow passengers until the end of the night.
THE LEGEND OF SAMARITAINE IN 7 PHOTOS
Opened in 1870, Samaritaine has embodied the French art of living for the past 150 years. Born from the genius of Ernest Cognacq and his wife Marie-Louise Jaÿ, this French department store stood out as much by its architecture as by its offerings that brought together the best craftsmen and products of the time. Reopening […]
Fiona Leahy : « I believe in the art of travel and the powerful pleasure of the journey.”
The British designer, queen of tableware and decorative arts, organizer of fabulous dinners and elegant evenings, and expert in “matchimalism” – or the art of delightfully matching decors – loves to travel. From memorable trips aboard the Orient-Express to unexpected encounters, Fiona Leahy also shares her vision of the art of fine dining aboard trains. […]
Hugo Toro: “The future of travel? An intergalactic Orient-Express linking the earth to the moon!”
The French architect and designer is behind Orient Express’ scenography at Samaritaine in Paris. Born on the French-German border to a Mexican mother and a French father, architect and designer Hugo Toro (known for restaurants including La Scène, Perruche and Gigi Ramatuelle, the restaurant at Club Blanche…) has been traveling since he was born. From […]
Au Départ, the art of trunk making
“A beautiful journey begins Au Départ”* declared the advertisement of the weekly magazine L’Illustration at the end of the 19th century. Founded in Paris in 1834, the trunk-maker, which had stores in the Gare du Nord and Avenue de l’Opéra, was resurrected in 2019 with a collection of bags, trunks and small leather goods. […]
Steam Dream, once upon a time, there was a collection…
Artisan of travel since 1883, Orient Express is revisiting its heritage with the creation of its first collection of travel items: Steam Dream. This selection of cultural items, fashion essentials, art, craft and design objects was born from a dreamy journey aboard the famous train and will launch on July 15th.
PROUST IN THE TIME OF DESIGN
Anthony Guerrée's unusual adventure: to design chairs inspired by the characters created by Marcel Proust.
Marisa Berenson: “The Orient-Express, a journey to find peace”
She's "the girl of the seventies". Let's meet with Marisa Berenson in her favourite city, Marrakech.
Saint Petersburg through Viktor Balaguer’s eyes
Viktor Balaguer photographs all the melancholy and charm of St. Petersburg.
Dita Von Teese : “What I miss the most is traveling!”
She’s a glamour icon inspired by Betty Page, the queen of burlesque. Let's meet with Dita von Teese.
Colin de Tonnac & The Art of crafting time
Meet Colin de Tonnac, craftsman and master of "watchmaking upcycling".
When paintings come to life and dance…
High is a space for breathing, dreaming and freedom. In this second episode, discover the organic and hypnotic paintings of Silvère Jarrosson.
In the heart of the Cyclades, the island that never sleeps
From bewitching Rebetiko songs with electronic echoes to torchlit walks, nights on this small island in the Cyclades make people sing out and dance without a care in the world.
Morocco on edge, by Gustaf von Arbin
The adventures of photographer and illustrator Gustaf Von Arbin in Morocco.
Room with a view, La Horde’s hypnotic ballet
High is a space of breathing, dreaming and freedom. Episode 1: The organic dance of La Horde’s ballet.
Eyes Wide Shut
An essential for sleepy travelers, the night mask is the ultimate remedy for tired eyes and pale, fatigued faces. Here are High-Life’s picks for every night of the week.
The jewels of the Orient-Express
In 2011, the SNCF, bought seven historic cars from the 1920s and entrusted Orient Express with their complete restoration. They put the design in the hands of exceptional artisans.
Matisse in 3D
Launched as a way to celebrate the audacity and genius of painter Henri Matisse, Maison Matisse, revived by his heirs, showcases pieces meant to convey all of the artist’s poetry.
Christoph Niemann: “a train transforms chaos into a moment of poetry”
High-Life invites you to discover our global community of Travelers. Our first guest: illustrator Christopher Niemann.
Istanbul and its people by Pierre Belhassen
The story of a photographer in search of moments of grace. The photographer Pierre Belhassen adores Istanbul.
Orient-Express: Relive the legend in 10 photos
Published by Textuel and co-authored by historian Arthur Mettetal and exhibition curator Eva Gravayat, the book “Orient-Express & Co” unveils a never-before-seen photographic archive.