Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand

Created in the 1950s by a former American spy turned entrepreneur, the company Jim Thompson not only revived Thailand’s silk industry but transformed it into the world’s first global Asian lifestyle brand.

From the cinematic elegance of The White Lotus to the interiors of world-class hotels, Jim Thompson’s influence spans fashion, interiors, and art, capturing the very essence of Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry. Its silk, infused with the country’s flora and fauna, creates ever-shifting kaleidoscopes of color and texture—a true celebration of artistry and heritage. This fashion coffee table book brings this story to life with lush photography by Chris Schalkx, alongside archival and brand imagery as well as text by journalist Stephen Wallis. This visually stunning volume invites readers to explore the vibrant artistry of Thai silk, the singular beauty of its design, and the enigmatic legacy of the man who was nicknamed the Thai Silk King.