Celebrating 75 Year Legacy – ‘Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand’ Coffee Table Book Premieres at Assouline Paris
In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Jim Thompson proudly announced the publication of ‘Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand’, the brand’s first coffee table book charting its legendary history, craftsmanship, and product design. Created in partnership with luxury publisher Assouline, the exclusive international launch took place at Assouline Paris Boutique. The event marked an important milestone in Jim Thompson’s growing global influence as Asia’s iconic lifestyle brand.
The world premiere in Paris, in partnership with prestigious publisher Assouline, signals Jim Thompson’s evolution onto the world stage. The launch event was held at Assouline Paris Boutique in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a renowned destination for works of art and culture. The event featured a Jim Thompson-themed bookshelf display, followed by an exclusive preview of the publication with speeches from Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO of Jim Thompson, Alexandre Assouline, President of Assouline. Esteemed guests in attendance included Tida Sukeelap, Chargée d’Affaires a.i., Royal Thai Embassy – Paris, France; Nissana Thaveepanit, Minister (Commercial), the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) in France; Warawut Somwangprasert, Ph.D., Inspector General, Ministry of Commerce; and Serge Rigal, representative from Thai Airways Paris Office.
Jim Thompson famously once proclaimed, “Thai silk is not just a fabric, it’s a story.” The brand remains as faithful as ever to its founder’s words with a book that captures the very essence of its remarkable history and design evolution.
Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand brings the story to life with lush photography by Chris Schalkx, alongside archival and brand imagery, as well as text by journalist Stephen Wallis. The visually stunning volume invites readers to explore Jim Thompson’s vibrant artistry of Thai silk, the singular beauty of its design, the enigmatic legacy of the man who became known as the ‘Thai Silk King’, and the brand’s remarkable transformation across seven decades.
Excerpt from Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand
Created in the 1951 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.
Starting with the origin story of Jim Thompson, the book explores the brand’s ongoing commitment to preserving Thai craftsmanship, whilst advancing its contemporary design with creative innovation and the latest textile technologies. Over 75 years, Jim Thompson has championed the elevation of Thai silk, transforming it from a declining local craft into a globally recognized industry. The book’s narrative illustrates the brand’s evolution “beyond silk”, documenting its expanding business and influence across fashion, home furnishings, hospitality, and food and beverage, and charting its acclaimed creative collaborations over the years.
Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson, said, “I’m delighted to celebrate our 75th Anniversary with this impressive publication, so beautifully documenting the remarkable story of our cultural heritage and evolution. Jim Thompson has prided itself on going ‘Beyond Silk’ with contemporary design and products, as we continue our journey ‘Beyond Thailand’ with the ambition to become Asia’s first global lifestyle brand.”
“A driving force behind the revival of Thailand’s silk industry, Jim Thompson is an enduring symbol of craftsmanship, and we have been honored to bring its story to life,” says Alexandre Assouline, President of Assouline. “This title reflects the shared commitment to heritage, creativity, and cultural transmission that unites our two brands. It has been wonderful to create this book in close collaboration with Frank Cancelloni and the Jim Thompson leadership team, together with Stephen Wallis and Chris Schalkx as the brand celebrates its 75th anniversary and continues its journey Beyond Silk and Beyond Thailand.”
The coffee table book is available in two versions. The Classic version features a hardback cover displaying the archival prints of MING MING and BARDO on the front, and the Jim Thompson Home Furnishings Bangkok Showroom depicted on the back. It contains 286 full-color pages of newly commissioned and archive photography. The Silk Slipcase version includes the same book as the Classic version, presented in a premium slipcase made from 100% handwoven Thai silk in the brand’s signature cinnabar red. Both editions are available in four languages – English, French, Japanese, and Chinese.
The book will be available at select Jim Thompson stores across Thailand and on jimthompson.com, with worldwide shipping available. The Classic edition of the book will be available through Assouline’s key distribution network, in Assouline retail stores worldwide, and at Assouline.com.
