Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin Launch Celia Dining Carriage

Baz Luhrmann and Oscar-winning costume and production designer Catherine Martin are set to unveil a new private dining carriage named **Celia** on the British Pullman, a luxury train operated by **Belmond** in England. This project, inspired by the glamour of the 1930s, aims to bring cinematic allure to the rail travel experience. The official launch of Celia is scheduled for summer 2024.

The carriage, a restoration of an original **1932 Pullman** vehicle, will accommodate up to 12 guests and operate as a fully self-contained dining space. It will feature a cocktail bar, lounge, dining area, and entertainment space, with dedicated stewards to ensure a high level of service. A private chef will be available to create bespoke menus using fine seasonal British produce, with prices for exclusive use starting at **£15,000**.

In a statement, Martin expressed her vision for the experience, saying, “Onboard, I imagine people eating, dancing, and falling in love, taking photographs, celebrating life’s great moments and adventures.” She emphasized that Celia offers a moment of respite from everyday life, creating a small “luminous bubble of light and love.”

Design Inspired by Theatrical Elegance

The design of Celia draws inspiration from **London’s 1930s West End theater scene**, vintage cinema, and the romantic fantasy found in Shakespeare’s **A Midsummer Night’s Dream**. According to Belmond, the project aims to craft a cinematic journey that immerses guests in a unique narrative.

Luhrmann noted that the experience challenges guests to engage with the carriage as part of a broader story. “Stepping inside the carriage is like being transported into another world, and one in which guests are invited to become part of the story,” he explained. He described Celia as a “magical mystery tour,” offering a dining experience filled with food, music, wine, laughter, and performance.

To realize this vision, the couple collaborated with a diverse range of artisans and brands. Martin enlisted the expertise of long-term partners, including **Dunn & Son**, a marquetry artisan, and **Bill Cleyndert**, a bespoke furniture designer. Other collaborators include **Tony Sandles Bespoke Glass Studio** for glassware and **Duchess China**, a historic manufacturer of fine bone china, for tableware.

A Revitalized Experience for Modern Travelers

In the wake of the **COVID-19 pandemic**, innovative rail tours have become increasingly popular, revitalizing interest in luxury travel experiences. The British Pullman operates from February to December, featuring **ten restored carriages** from the 1920s and 1930s. Passengers can enjoy Art Deco interiors and gourmet dining while taking scenic excursions to cities like **Oxford**, **Canterbury**, and **Bath**, as well as visits to historic sites such as **Blenheim Palace** and **Highclere Castle**.

This new venture follows the introduction of the **Cygnus carriage** in 2021, which was entirely designed by filmmaker **Wes Anderson**. With Celia, Luhrmann and Martin continue to blend their artistic talents to create unforgettable experiences that pay homage to the romance of travel and the richness of storytelling.