Fantasy Brand: Discover Unparalleled Luxury aboard White Lotus Express
Welcome to a new series I’m calling “Fantasy Brand.”
In case you’re wondering, yes, designers DO rebrand, rethink, & reimagine in their mind just about everything they come across in life. So I thought, what a great series for the blog- to take some of these ideas and actually breathe life into them. For funsies!
First up is “The White Lotus Express.” Imagine, if you will, season 3 of the White Lotus set aboard a sparkling, luxury train. With plenty of Murder On The Orient Express vibes to go along with the decadent decor.
So what would travel (and branding) aboard the White Lotus Express look like? Let’s take a look in today’s Fantasy Brand project…
Living the Fantasy: Inventing The White Lotus Express
Welcome aboard The White Lotus Express! This luxury train line offers a unique and luxurious experience to its passengers. Over the years, The White Lotus line of hotels has become synonymous with grandeur and comfort, and now, loyal customers can experience that same level of opulence while speeding through rolling hills and quaint European towns. Let’s see how the visuals of The White Lotus Express' brand and interiors were designed to bring out its luxurious appeal.
Blending modern & traditional to create an instant, timeless classic brand
When it comes to logos and branding, a well-thought-out design is key. This is especially true for The White Lotus Express, a fictional luxury train that transports passengers in high-end style from city to city.
The White Lotus Express (like all their infamous locales) is the perfect blend of modern and classic elegance. Each piece in the logo suite conveys an air of traditional luxury while also paying homage to the art deco style- a nod to when luxury train travel was at its height.
I wanted to create something modern and timeless; something that could be seen on billboards and station signs Printed on the side of train cars, and also embossed into coasters and matchboxes.
The logos feature a delicate line drawing lotus flower, accented by traditional, yet modern typography. The logos and typography are then layered with subtle vintage-inspired train lithographs and blueprints.
The White Lotus Express takes it’s passengers through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world- and I wanted the colors to reflect that. The color palette for this luxurious journey is sophisticated and slightly neutral, but with subtle hints of green to symbolize the rolling hills, forests, and valleys it passes through.
A soothing, luxurious brand color palette
This palette consists of muted greens and warm whites to provide a calming atmosphere in all passenger cabins. The gentle tones prevent overwhelming guests with bright colors while also adding an air of elegance. A delicate olive green serves as a link between the natural environment outside and the interior decor throughout the train. It's a symbolic reminder that guests are not only experiencing luxurious comfort inside but are also surrounded by lush nature just beyond their windows. The overall effect creates an inviting sense of tranquility that makes each ride on White Lotus Express truly unforgettable.
Constructing the Luxury Train Line of Dreams
But what exactly WOULD the (soon-to-be scene of the crime) train interiors look like?
Not one to leave any details left to chance- especially in a fantasy project- I took to Midjourney ai to imagine what these luxurious sleeper & dining cars could look like.
Scroll through the gallery below to see train travel imagined as traditional European meets mid-century Japanese style.
The White Lotus Express is a truly extraordinary experience and has a branding identity to match.
Through the careful selection of logos, colors, and interior environments, the train line has successfully created an atmosphere that is both luxurious and inviting.
By creating a memorable, luxurious experience for the riders, The White Lotus Express can be relied upon to offer its customers an unforgettable journey every time they board one of their trains.
(p.s. Mike White… if you’re reading this, I’m happy to lend a hand in bringing this extraordinary concept/ experience to life on the small screen 😉)
Are you ready for custom branding or a Squarespace website upgrade?
We should definitely chat. Get in touch here.
Meet Sarah
Sarah is an award-winning Designer, Creative Director & Brand Strategist for billion-dollar companies turned entrepreneur. She loves exploring the areas where business, branding, and personal growth comingle to create magic. And she’s also passionate about empowering entrepreneurs with easy tools to transform the way they do business.