Jim Thompson Celebrates Thai Heritage With A Modern Twist In Latest Runway

The fashion show at the grand opening of Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter celebrated the seamless weaving of Thai heritage with modern sophistication. This event showcased a ready-to-wear collection featuring 42 ground– breaking looks.

Walking the runway for the iconic brand were several renowned models, including Miss Universe Thailand 2021 Anchilee Scott–Kemmis, Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtan’ Suansane, Miriam Sornprommas, Miss Universe Thailand 2015 Aniporn ‘Nat’ Chalermburanawong, Chatnalin Chotjirawarachat, Sirinya ‘Cindy’ Bishop, Khunnarong ‘Krating’ Pratesrat and the winner of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 4, Jiratchaya ‘Tawan’ Kedkong.

The grand opening was nothing short of spectacular, with the presence of numerous Thai celebrities. Among them were the popular actor duo Pruk ‘Zee’ Panich and Chawarin ‘Nunew’ Perdpiriyawong with 3.7m and 2.7m followers respectively on Instagram.  Also, on the front row were artists and A-listers, such as Thitiya ‘Baipor’ Jirapornsilp, Jumpol ‘Off’ Adulkittiporn (4.5m followers on Instagram), Atthaphan ‘Gun’ Phunsawat (6.2m followers on Instagram), Vasin ‘Ko’ Assawanarunat, Paula Taylor, and Arya ‘Art’ Indra. The star-studded event captivated the public’s attention, catapulting Jim Thompson to the top spot as the number 1 hashtag in Thailand and 10th globally on the social media platform X on the night of the grand opening. Additionally, among the guests were top management from the largest retailers in Thailand such as Central Group, King Power, One Bangkok, and Siam Piwat.

Jim Thompson Home Furnishings fabrics adorned the runway, creating a distinctive ambiance. The evening began with the captivating ‘Silk Fabric Dance,’ seamlessly blending movement and textiles. The dancers, dressed in costumes made from Jim Thompson’s silk, were part of the drum spectacle. The fashion show unfolded to a curated soundtrack, reflecting the company’s journey since the 1950s, with each song emblematic of its era.

Jim Thompson’s latest runway offerings pair vibrant prints with essential solids. The line maintains a cruise collection’s ease, perfect for Thailand’s eternal summer. Laotian–American Creative director Be Inthavong ensures each garment carries the unmistakable imprint of Jim Thompson’s fabric excellence. Known for his work with fashion icons like Diane von Fürstenberg, Vera Bradley and Calvin Klein, Inthavong has brought a global perspective and a more contemporary vision to a label steeped in tradition.

The collection features dresses (minis, midis, maxis), skirts, blouses, tanks, spaghetti tops, capris, and pants for an all-round wardrobe. The men’s range complements with full-sleeved shirts, cotton sweaters, t-shirts, shorts, pants, swim shorts, silk/cotton jacquard suits, blazers, and linen tuxedo jackets. Beyond Jim Thompson’s signature florals, it features prints from heritage to graphics, while the colour palette moves from pastels to vivid solids that anchor the vibe. The fabrics used – silk, silk twill, Jacquard, rayon, poplin, cotton, and linen – add to the collection’s versatility.

The Runway Report

The show unfurled a collection that melded the rich heritage of Thai textiles with a contemporary flair for the global stage. The opening sequence transported the audience with an Orchid Silk Wrap Kaftan Dress.  Its soothing blend of blue, gold, and brown flowed effortlessly in a laid-back yet refined manner. The unexpected touch of modernity came from the Medieval Blue FitFlops, setting the stage for a preview of the FitFlop x Jim Thompson – House on the Klong collection. This collection, slated for a 2024 launch, infuses footwear with patterns inspired by the lush environment of the Silk King’s abode.

As the show progressed, the narrative deepened with ensembles that intertwined tradition with modernity. A light blue mid–length dress with a delicate floral pattern provided a serene contrast, its fine silk fabric echoing the brand’s legacy of silk-making.

Men’s looks broke the runway’s surface with the ease of a tropical breeze. The Ikat Paisley Linen Shirt and Palm Linen Elastic Waist Shorts infused casual with chic, while a navy and white silk print shirt paired with white cargo shorts and a signature bucket hat offered an urban edge. Extending the vibe were the Embroidered Cotton Hawaiian Shirts and solid cotton Polo shirts (long- and short-sleeved), paired with casual white pants or fishermen’s pants, a signature JT move.

Women’s wear returned with the Solid Linen Loose Ruffle Neck Blouse and Silk Rope Drawstring Shorts, a canvas of vivid yellow and white floral print, accessorised with woven handbags and scarves.

Further into the collection, the showcase presented a pastel tableau for men’s and women’s wear. The men’s Shadow Rayon Silk Mandarin Shirt and women’s Silk Habotai Cover–Up Dress in gentle green cinched with a belt, projected effortless elegance for semi-formal affairs.

The summery green Roses Silk Habotai Ruffle Sleeveless Maxi Dress with its striking delicate ruffle details segued into the Bunga Sari Silk Habotai Loose Ruffle Neck Blouse in black with intricate floral designs, paired with Solid Silk Zip Fisherman Pants in green. Continuing the floral motif was a black Bunga Rayon/Silk Habotai Bow–Tie Midi Dress rounding off with a bold, monochromatic Solid Silk Puff Shoulder Mini Dress in green, offset by an orange and black Bunga Sari Silk Twill Mini Bag.

The Sarung Crêpe Cotton ensembles for men and women celebrated patterns and textures. The woman’s Smock Waist Off Shoulder Dress in earthy florals and the men’s Classic Short Sleeve Shirt echoed in print and sentiment, united by a silk twill ribbon, adding a narrative of colour and cultural resonance. Another standout was the asymmetrical ruffled skirt in navy and a solid vivid pink blouse and dress.

The sophisticated men’s monochromatic jacquard suit was mirrored in a Palm Tone on Tone Silk/Cotton Halter–Jacquard Dress, ideal for an evening event or cocktail party. An unexpected spin-off was the coordinated orange silk jacquard ensemble for women – the top featured a peplum, with matching trousers for a streamlined look.

The ‘his and hers’ Showstoppers juxtaposed regal opulence with tailored modernity – a Metallic Gold Double Breasted Blazer paired with Silk Drawstring Pants captured the essence of contemporary style.

The culmination was a homage to royal elegance, the final look – an Ikat Silk/Metallic Jacquard Gown, inspired by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s iconic Thai silk gown. The gown was a tribute to Thai heritage reimagined for the modern connoisseur.

The Jim Thompson runway at the opening of Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter paid homage to Thai craftsmanship, marking a milestone in the brand’s journey towards becoming a global lifestyle icon with the new tagline, ‘Beyond Silk.’