SimplyAbuDhabi XII

3 7 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I ST DUPONT ORIENT EXPRESS The Orient Express was the title given to a long-distance passenger train service that once scored a path across Europe. From 1883 to 2009, the Compagnie Internationale des Wagon-Lits ran fromLondon to Paris and Istanbul. The route and rolling stock of the train changed many times as it ran across the continent: although the name initially implied an international railway service, the name has come to equate to intrigue, glamour and luxury. It was established in 1865 by a Belgian banker’s son. Georges Nagelmackers invited a series of guests to join him on a railway voyage of 2,000km on his luxury train named ‘Train Éclair de luxe’ (Lightning luxury train). The train left Paris Gare de l’Est one evening in October 1882 and arrived in Vienna the following day before making the return journey. Inspired by his journey, he then went on to found the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. In 1883 the now legendary Orient Express made its first journey. 130 years later, St Dupont celebrates with an outstanding collection. A prestige lighter and pen set forged in pale gold with rich blue and white lacquer, inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The Orient Express assured a link between Paris and the ancient Constantinople, modern Istanbul, serving numerous European capitals along the way. It was the emblem of the Industrial Revolution as well as a symbol of freedom and modernity. This prestigious train has inspired a host of writers,