In 1967, an American businessman went for an afternoon walk in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia and was never seen again. No clear explanation ever surfaced — only theories, ranging from tiger attacks to Cold War intrigue. That man was Jim Thompson, who transformed the fortunes of Thai silk and brought an age-old craft back into the global spotlight.

Delhi-based textile design company RR Décor recently launched Thai luxury and lifestyle brand Jim Thompson at Decorgeous Lifestyle in Chennai, marking the label’s entry into the South Indian market. The collection includes furniture fabrics, cushions, throws, curtains and blinds, bedding, and tapestries.

Thompson moved to Thailand in 1945 while serving with the US Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the US intelligence agency, which later became the CIA. Stationed in Bangkok at the end of the Second World War, he was captivated by the country’s architecture and traditional crafts. Declining to return to the US after the war, Thompson decided to turn his attention to the dying Thai silk industry.

“He was so fascinated by the colour, the texture, the individuality, and the human touch of the artisans. Because it was all handloom and handwoven, he really put a lot of effort into it. He introduced many new techniques in weaving, styling, and design, and by the early ‘60s, Thai silk had become a globally accepted fabric. All the leading design houses at the time — Gucci, Pucci, and Dior were using it for evening gowns, bridal wear and couture,” says Rohit Khemka, founder, RR Décor.

The launch showcased a selection from Jim Thompson’s 2026 collections. Nirin highlights handwoven Thai silk in natural colours and textured finishes, while The Citadel by No. Thompson showcases the relationship between urban architecture and nature. Oriental Odyssey revisits motifs from Thailand’s Rattanakosin era in a collection of luxury fabrics and wallcoverings.

Ochre and gold dominate much of the collection. Among the standout pieces is Golden Fans, a silk-blend fabric featuring folding-fan motifs woven into a satin base with gilded threads. Inspired by the ceremonial fans of Thailand’s royal courts, it combines traditional symbolism with a contemporary aesthetic. Another one is Lost Kingdom, which reimagines Ayuthaya the ancient Thai kingdom; here, gilded details and architectural silhouettes of Siamese temples are showcased in a way that tells the story of a generation.

From the creative director of home furnishings for the brand, Dao’s reinterpretation of Jim Thompson’s signature oriental textiles, inspired by the temples and cultural heritage of East and North Thailand, to Bill Bensley’s Wild collection, which draws from his deep connection with wildlife and nature, the collection brings together two very distinct facets of Thailand.

“People often assume Chennai is a market that prefers only subtle designs, but that’s changing. People have travelled, they’ve seen the world, and they’re much more open to colour and statement pieces now. We wanted to bring that perspective here,” says Rohini Vasudevan, chief designer, Decorgeous Lifestyle.

With the latest launch in Chennai, the brand continues to draw from Thailand’s artistic and textile traditions, while giving it a contemporary tough.

The collection can be found at Decorgeous Lifestyle, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Kotturpuram. Priced at ₹30,000 onwards.

Published - August 13, 2026 11:24 am IST