Ep 4. The Orient Express

Art Deco Icons is a fascinating show that explores the aesthetics and influences of the Art Deco era, a time period that shaped the world of design and culture we see today. Season 1, episode 4, titled The Orient Express, takes the audience on a journey through the luxurious and iconic train that represented the height of Art Deco design and glamorous travel.

The episode begins with a brief history of the Orient Express, an international passenger train service that ran from 1883 to 2009. The train was known for its opulence and style, with a clientele that included royalty, aristocrats, and famous personalities. As the train traveled through Europe, the luxurious Art Deco design of its cars and stations became synonymous with high-class travel.

The show highlights the work of several influential designers who were commissioned to create the interiors of the Orient Express. The first was René Prou, who designed the dining car with luxurious finishes such as polished wood veneers, bronze finishes, and stained glass. The design was inspired by the Art Deco movement's fascination with luxury and opulence.

Another designer highlighted in the episode was Gustave Eiffel, who was responsible for several of the train's grand stations. Eiffel is best known for designing the Eiffel Tower, but his work on the Orient Express stations was equally impressive. The stations featured ironwork and architectural flourishes that reflected the Art Deco style.

The episode explores the attention to detail that was crucial to the design of the Orient Express. From the custom fabrics and finishes to the carefully chosen color palette, every element was considered in creating an elegant and cohesive Art Deco aesthetic.

The crew of the show dives into the personal stories of some famous passengers of the Orient Express. The audience is reminded of the train's significance to the world of cinema. As this train has been featured in many iconic movies from history, including the likes of James Bonds' From Russia with Love, or the more recent, Murder on the Orient Express, and so many more.

Throughout the episode, the hosts travel from station to station, admiring the intricate art and design that made the Orient Express such an iconic symbol of the Art Deco era. They showcase the grandeur of the train through the intricate floral designs, made-up of vivid colors and curved lines painted on the wagon doors and car interiors.

The highlight of this episode, and the series, is the sheer beauty and elegance of the Art Deco era. It provides a sharp contrast to the modern era and instigates awe and fascination in whoever watches the show. The team, through their journey, provides an insight into the Art Deco artifacts and explains how they were created, what inspired the creation and how they paved the way for the progress we see today.

In conclusion, The Orient Express episode of Art Deco Icons is a captivating watch that showcases the glamour, elegance, and timeless beauty of Art Deco design. The episode perfectly captures the aura of the period, and pays homage to the creativity and artistry that went into creating one of the most iconic symbols of the Art Deco era. This episode is a must-watch for design enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection between art, design, and culture.