Baz Luhrmann's Theatrical Touch: Belmond Unveils Private Carriage "Celia"

On May 7, 2026, Belmond unveiled Celia, a new private dining and events carriage for its British Pullman train, slated for an early summer 2026 launch. This project marks Belmond's inaugural collaboration with filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, who, alongside Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin, has reimagined an original 1932 Pullman carriage with a distinct cinematic vision.

The British Pullman, a sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, features ten restored carriages from the 1920s and '30s, operating out of London Victoria Station from February to December. Celia, the latest addition, accommodates up to 12 guests for private hire, offering a cocktail bar, lounge, dining, and entertainment space. According to Elite Traveler, General Manager Adam Baylis-Waterlow believes Celia is "one of the most exciting additions to The British Pullman in a generation," noting it offers the closest experience to chartering one's own train.

The interiors of Celia reflect Luhrmann's characteristic theatricality, centered around a fictional muse: Celia, a 1930s West End leading lady who, in this imagined narrative, received her own Pullman carriage after her definitive portrayal of Titania, Queen of the Fairies, in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Elite Traveler quotes Luhrmann, who states, "Stepping inside the carriage is like being transported into another world. Guests are invited to become part of the story."

Celia subtly incorporates the British Pullman's Art Deco aesthetic while integrating Luhrmann's creative concept. Tri-color marquetry panels depict English pastoral scenes and immortalize Celia as Titania. Floral motifs, specifically pansies (Titania's symbolic flower), adorn the oak-wood floors and furnishings. The color palette features rich greens, yellows, reds, and purples, complemented by a fabric ceiling engineered to enhance acoustics for live performances. Every detail, down to the signature scent, was co-selected by Luhrmann and Martin.

For tableware, Catherine Martin emphasized British craftsmanship, collaborating with Duchess China for china, David Mellor for cutlery, and Tom Dixon for glassware. Elite Traveler reports that Martin envisions the carriage as a space where guests can "eat, dance, fall in love, take photographs, and celebrate life’s great moments – all within a world that offers a pause from the chaos of everyday life."

Our take: Belmond continues to leverage high-profile design collaborations, a strategy that consistently generates buzz and reinforces its position in the ultra-luxury travel market. While the "fictional muse" concept might lean into whimsy, it also provides a unique narrative framework for the design, distinguishing Celia from other luxury rail offerings. This move aligns with a broader trend of experiential luxury, where storytelling and immersive environments take precedence.