Jim Thompson Fabrics: Leo De Janeiro

For some of us, beauty is in everything. For others, it is seen in the in-between and the middle ground. For Jim Thompson, the fabrics are what compliments the beauty, surrounding the decor and people who inhabit its colours, ideas, prints and textures.

In their new collection Leo de Janeiro, life has scaled sidewards: by arranging influence and inspiration on a global, empirical and approachable manner. These fabrics stood out to us: The title that leads the collection is a charming and lush print that brings to life the ‘Lion of January’, inspired by the universally iconic dancing lion at Chinese New Year parades. The design celebrates festivity and nature, bringing a fresh take on classic chinoiserie motifs. Leo de Janeiro’s detailed artwork is printed onto a lightweight, satin linen ground; it’s classic, softening finish adds to the print’s smooth and ethereal drape. Ming Ming is intricate with oriental decoration that mirrors the regal, floral motifs that adorn traditional Asian ceramics, such as those currently showcased at the Jim Thompson House. Here, ornamental luxury has been transformed into an opulent, 100% silk jacquard; available in vivid and subtle nuances that depict the true depth of colour and sheen of Jim Thompson silk.

Helicona Dreamin’ is a vibrant and exotic embroidered design which takes inspiration from the colourful, ornamental Heliconia flowers that still bloom at Jim Thompson’s former home. Embroidered using both a computerized and hand-guided process onto 100% unbleached linen, with a soft, lightweight woven construction, the beauty of the tropical floral design contrasts charmingly with the neutral background. Menagerie explores a mythical scene that unfolds on this unique print, featuring an array of animals in a celebration of Asian culture, printed onto fine linen. Menagerie, literally meaning ‘a collection of animals kept for public display’, is a performance, showing a fantastical forest scene where all the animal kingdom can graze together. This inspires the mystical element often found in Chinese folklore.