Paris Deco Off 2018 marked another year of successful shows for Jim Thompson, who received some fantastic feedback on the new collections. 

This year Jim Thompson launched Every Colour Under the Sun, an update of the famous silks; Bardo, a decorative collection of Asian-inspired prints; and an exciting collaboration with esteemed Belgian interior designer Gert Voorjans - creating the Gert Voorjans for Jim Thompson collection. 
As with previous years, windows were designed by well known window dresser Douglas Little and the showroom, located on the prestigious Rue de Furstenberg in Saint Germain, was redecorated to showcase the new collection offering.   

Guests also gathered at our exhibition space at the Crous Cultural Centre for daily presentations from all our designers. 

To view all the new collections, click here.  
 

It’s official, Jim Thompson is now available in Ukraine! To mark the special occasion, our regional representative Villa welcomed top Ukrainian architects to their showroom to present Jim Thompson’s history, fabrics, and latest collections. Presented by Christian Schirner, Managing Director of Jim Thompson Europe, the beautiful range of fabrics, shown alongside the raw silk yarns, opened a window into the world of Jim Thompson’s luxury fabrics, exotic patterns and colourful details.

Jim Thompson Europe's Managing Director Christian Schirner, presenting the collections, supported by Yulia Salata (Jim Thompson's new agent for Ukraine / Belorus / Moldova / Azerbaijan)  

Vera Titova and Christian Schirner 

Gala Privalova 

Yana Molodykh with Christian Schirner 

Vera Titova with Yuriy Zimenko

Sonya Zabouga from Elle Decor UA with Christian Schirner 

Find us in Villas Kiev, Ukraine showroom at: 37/2 Moskovskaya street, 02000, Kiev, Ukraine.

Contact them at: [email protected]; +38 (044) 288-80-00

The tropical colours of the East meet with the sophisticated, clean, and modern designs of the West when Carl Hansen & Son’s iconic Shell Chair by Hans J. Wegner is paired with luxury Thai silks from Jim Thompson.

Carl Hansen & Son’s three-legged Shell Chair is a masterful piece of Scandinavian design, easily recognized for its unique winged shape. Originally launched in 1963, the iconic chair has been reworked with a collection of hand-woven Thai silks from Jim Thompson. 16 fabrics are available in total, in a myriad of patterns and bright colourways. The silks have been categorized into four different themes, inspired by gemstones. Choose from Red Coral, Blue Sapphire, Golden Citrine, or Green Jade, each including four fabrics in a variety of structures and complex textures. As well as a choice of silks, all 16 designs can be combined with wooden frames in various types and finishes. Choose from: white oiled oak or smoked oak, walnut oiled, beech lacquered in anthracite gray, green grass, purple blue, berry red or vanilla white.

The diverse colour offering from Jim Thompson, and the wide selection of woodwork from Carl Hansen, have been developed with designers in mind, allowing for a chair that is unique, personal and well suited to individual tastes.

This special collection is available for a limited period only, from 1st November to 31st December 2017.

With the launch of their latest collection, Jim Thompson celebrates their heritage with whimsical, romantic images - incorporating both asian floral and Middle Eastern motifs, that hark back to a bygone time.

The latest collection continues to be under the design direction of Ou Baholyodhin, who in the last 4 years as Creative Director has created a string of well-received collections, designed in keeping with a wide range of diverse and inventive concepts, that stay true to Jim Thompson’s rich history.

Keeping this in mind, the company has launched Floriental, a decorative collection inspired by floral and oriental elements. Romanticising the past, sources of influence include 18th century damasks, as well as other historical artworks. When designing this collection, Ou sought to respect and celebrate both culture and tradition. In a recent interview with WohnDesign! magazine (Germany), he commented:

“For me, Jim Thompson is an iconic brand with a fascinating heritage… I know no other label in Asia with such a legacy. I approach every detail with the greatest respect, in relation to the history of the company and its unique personality - such a history of creativity must be respected.”

And Floriental is no exception to the rule.

Launched alongside this decorative collection this August is Saracen, a range of high-performance fabrics constructed in Trevira CS. While this collection continues the theme of ‘glorifying the past’ - this time with an Arabesque, East-meets-West feel - it is the practical function and promise of durability that stand out.

Bringing style, creative flare and long-lasting strength together, Saracen is an ideal choice for the hospitality market. Its Eastern influences and bright, inviting palette make it perfect for hotel interiors, complimenting a resort style.    

Browse below for more images from the latest collection and stay informed on AG17 via our website, social media, and blog - more coming soon.

Highlights of Floriental include: Floriental, the lead design showcasing picturesque birds nestled amongst blossoming peonies on bright silk-linen ground; Marjorelle, a decorative Art Noveau motif reimagined on velvet; and Dusk Garland and Choisya, two attractive floral designs one a warp print, the other a heavy brocade, that replicates an 18th century damask.

Highlights of the Saracen collection include: Saracen, an opulent cut-velvet; Sala, created with state-of-the-art design technology to replicate the look-and-feel of slub silk; Nasrid, a usable geometric, ideal for upholstery; and Moss, a durable velvet with an impressive Martindale result, offered in a versatile colour range.

When asked about the most memorable moment in the history of Jim Thompson Europe, Managing Director Christian Schirner is transported back to the business’ launch party in 2006: 

“The most special event was the unofficial opening of the JTE Showroom in Munich in 2006, picture white walls, decorated with jasmine garlands, sent on ice from Bangkok, which definitely left a lasting impression on our guests.” 

Christian recently welcomed scores of prestigious guests to the showroom once more, this time to celebrate the business’ 10 year anniversary. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the showroom, (which recently underwent a renovation), and to experience musical compositions by Seth Schwarz, a classically trained violinist who merges the traditional string instrument with digital sound. 

As an ode to the brand’s Asian heritage, Mangostin Asia was commissioned to create a delicious array of Thai dishes for guests to enjoy. Mangostin’s Head Chef Josef Peter was previously the culinary connoisseur for the Hilton in Bangkok, making him an expert in authentic Thai cuisine.  

The evening coincided with the opening of the Munich Spring Event (MSF), an exclusive textile trade fair where luxury fabric distributors showcase their latest collections. The JTE celebrations were attended by a string of designers and architects from across Europe, and also by Eric Booth, the Assistant Managing Director of Jim Thompson, who flew in especially from Thailand. 

A highlight, as always, was the window display created by Douglas Little, who flew in from the US to work on the magnificent exhibit. The grand silk elephant displayed especially for the 10 year celebrations, made solely from Jim Thompson silk, continues a series of installations Douglas has worked on for Jim Thompson worldwide. Most recently, the designer created an array of mythical creatures for our Paris showroom for this year’s Paris Deco Off, and a striking petrol blue, silk-velvet lion for the Fox Linton showroom in London. 

In addition to Douglas’ work, leading furniture manufacturer Philippe Hurel showcased some of their pieces in the new and improved space, alongside stunning rugs by Tai Ping Carpets.  

In light of JTE’s anniversary and grand achievement, we spoke with JTE’s Managing Director Christian Schirner, quizzing him on Jim Thompson’s European market, his projections for the future, favorite moments, and more. 

What is your creative vision for JTE? 

Now, after having taken care of the technical side of the business, the showroom, logistics, pricing, sales distribution, etc., we want to be more active in our role as the European ambassador of Jim Thompson. We are also excited at the prospect of inviting European clients to South East Asia, to experience the art of hand-weaving, and the brand’s unique history first hand. 

What have been the highlights of JTE, or the most exciting projects in the last ten years?

There have been so many amazing events that were organized in the JTE showroom, ranging from fashion to food, to designer presentations and client workshops - it’s so difficult to mention one in particular. We had so many really impressive Jim Thompson installations at our client’s shops; we have donated meters of Jim Thompson fabrics to museums; supported art exhibitions; and represented Jim Thompson at the Munich Royal Thai Honorary Consulate-General for Bavaria and Saxony. Not forgetting our incredible journey to Thailand where the entire European team visited the production facilities in rural Pak Thong Chai, as well as the Head Office in Bangkok. So many highlights…

Where would you like to see JTE heading in the future?

Thinking globally as a brand, while reacting locally, is and always will be our mission. I also look forward to continuing to bring people from various international backgrounds together as a team, motivating and leading them – this is actually the task that I enjoy the most as MD of Jim Thompson Europe.

What is in the pipeline for JTE? 

Emphasis is currently being put on product development. We have started to add well known brands to our expanding product portfolio. We have also recently extended our product offering into wallpaper and trimmings. Very soon we plan to start working with a European designer to emphasize Jim Thompson’s offering specifically to the European market - colouring will be key! 

What will you do to celebrate the twentieth anniversary? 

By the 20th anniversary we hope to have expanded considerably - shops, restaurants, perhaps even a hotel in Munich. Expanding our locations so as to not only invite our clients and partners to celebrate 20 years of JTE in Munich, but also to have the space to invite the local people of Munich to come and enjoy our brand and celebrate our success!