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A Glamorous Throwback to the Golden Age of Train Travel
Milanese masters Dimore Studio are lending their theatrical touch to one of travel’s most storied names: Orient Express. The new La Dolce Vita Express is set to transport travelers through Italy immersed in sumptuous 1960s décor celebrating Italian design legends like Gio Ponti and Gae Aulenti. The nine multi-night journeys, which depart next spring, will whisk guests between destinations such as Venice, Portofino, Siena, and Sicily aboard 12 deluxe cabins and 18 suites decked in rich oranges, brass, and fabrics evoking vintage Italian style.
In the train’s bar car, live music sets the mood for classic Italian pastimes like backgammon and the card game Scopa, with classic aperitivo cocktails on pour. In tribute to the golden age of train travel, Orient Express pulls out the flourishes, from East-meets-West soirées replete with handwritten invites and onsite storytellers to choreographed turndown service tuned to the repertoire of the house pianist. Itineraries are available to book starting in April. —Nate Storey
A room from the Abraham Harrison House, Brooklyn Museum. Image courtesy of Brunk Auctions.…
The Brooklyn Museum’s auction of four period rooms on March 19 exceeded expectations, fetching more than $678,000 against a high estimate of $254,000, with every lot sold. Museum director Anne Pasternak spoke to the auction’s role in managing collections and making space for major acquisitions, noting upcoming gifts coinciding with the museum’s 200th anniversary. The top lot, an 18th-century Virginia Chippendale walnut cabinet, sold for $95,000, while period rooms from various regions hammered well above estimates, indicating ongoing interest in such pieces. Reactions to the sale were mixed, with some experts expressing dismay over the decision to sell, citing concerns about relevance and preservation. Pasternak defended the auction as beneficial for the museum’s collection management and acquisition efforts.
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has announced that the grants from her open call for nonprofits have more than doubled from her initial plan of $250 million to $640 million, benefiting 361 community-focused organizations. Selected for their work in justice, education, and health, the nonprofits aim to uplift people and families facing systemic obstacles. Despite some criticism, Scott remains committed to her philanthropic efforts, having donated a total of $17.3 billion to more than 2,300 nonprofits since 2019 when she pledged to donate the majority of her wealth.
A rendering of the new dormitory buildings coming to the University of California Santa Barbara. Image courtesy of SOM/Mithun…
The University of California at Santa Barbara has selected SOM and Mithun to design new dormitories on a site in San Benito County, part of a campus-wide effort to increase student housing by 2029. This marks the first student housing project in a decade, with seven buildings planned to accommodate nearly 2,140 students in phase one. The scheme aims to integrate with the natural environment, prioritize inclusivity, and foster community, featuring residential buildings angled to optimize natural elements and a central pedestrian promenade offering views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The architects are targeting LEED Platinum certification and plan to engage stakeholders for phase two, aiming for approval from the UC Board of Regents in May 2024 and construction to commence in 2025.
Valentino announced on Monday that it won’t present menswear and haute couture fashion shows in June, following Pierpaolo Piccioli’s departure as creative director. His exit marks the end of his tenure, with his last collection showcased during Paris Fashion Week. Speculation surrounds his successor, with former Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele reportedly in talks with the label. His departure from Gucci has sparked speculation about his next move.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed after a ship struck it yesterday, as shown in a widely circulated video. At least two people were rescued from the water, with one in good condition and the other sent to a nearby trauma center. The incident, deemed an “unthinkable tragedy” by Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott, prompted an active search and rescue operation, with sonar detecting submerged vehicles beneath the water. The cause of the collision, involving the Singaporean cargo ship Dali, remains unclear, with investigations ongoing. The collapse has led to road closures and a state of emergency declaration by Maryland’s governor, impacting daily traffic and posing significant challenges for the city’s infrastructure.
“Wisteria table lamp” by Tiffany Studios (ca. 1903). Image courtesy of Christie’s…
