Bangkok, Thailand, April 6, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Jim Thompson X Nakrob Moonmanas collection, part of the “Artists in Residence” campaign, includes women’s and men’s apparel in linen and silk, as well as an accessories line made from printed canvas. The launch event, featuring a fashion show and artist talk, will take place at the Jim Thompson Art Center. Jim Thompson, the iconic, globally recognized lifestyle brand from Thailand, is pleased to present the second collection in its “Artists in Residence” campaign. This 2023 collection is a collaboration between Jim Thompson and Nakrob Moonmanas, the renowned Thai collage artist and illustrator.

The Jim Thompson X Nakrob Moonmanas collection is the second collection in this campaign and was inspired by antiques and artworks from various eras displayed at the Jim Thompson House Museum. The collection includes men's and women's clothing in linen and silk, as well as a line of printed canvas accessories.

Nakrob Moonmanas' distinctive work invites a multitude of interpretations. Through the masterful fusion of local history and culture, Moonmanas creates striking compositions with a modern aesthetic. His childhood and adolescence in the heart of Bangkok's old city, amidst vibrant streets, ancient temples, contrasting architecture, and royal palaces, shaped his passion and artistic vision. This unique blend of influences resulted in a complex relationship with his cultural roots, which is powerfully reflected in his artwork. He brings this energy to the latest Jim Thompson collection.

Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson, explains: “The ‘Artists in Residence’ initiative offers three renowned Thai artists the extraordinary opportunity to design their individual collections in collaboration with Jim Thompson. Just in time for the exuberant Songkran festival, these exclusive collections perfectly capture the spirit of the festival through unique designs, intricate patterns, and on-trend styles. By blending traditional elements with contemporary fashion sensibility, the ‘Artists in Residence’ campaign creates a stunning platform that highlights the talent and innovation of Thai artists and designers. This year’s collection – Jim Thompson X Nakrob Moonmanas – is not only a tribute to the infectious joy of Songkran but also a testament to the immense creativity and ingenuity of Thailand’s thriving fashion industry.”

For this collection, Nakrob Moonmanas drew inspiration from the antiquities and artworks of the Jim Thompson House Museum. In particular, he was inspired by the picture book "Brahmachat" as well as by illustrations, engravings, drawings, and sketches by foreign travelers who visited the kingdom and captured aspects of Ayutthaya, such as its architecture, population, culture, and daily life, in their art.

These artworks inspired Nakrob Moonmanas to create a captivating centerpiece print for the collection, serving as a symbolic bridge between East and West, and between reality and fantasy. The print also incorporates elements of Siamese-American history, such as the journey of the conjoined twins. These historical aspects are interwoven with themes of cosmology and space exploration, reflecting the transformative global movement that occurred around the time Jim Thompson settled in his beloved Thailand. Thus, the artist invites the viewer to discover different universes through this visually stunning and thought-provoking collection.

Regarding the inspirations and ideas behind the new collection, Nakrob Moonmanas said: “I wanted to create a print that transports viewers to another world – a world that unites different eras and cultures. The print symbolizes the connection between East and West, past and future, and reality and fantasy. I believe this collection will encourage people to unleash their imagination and creativity.”

The printing process used in this collection is unique and symbolic. It employs a batik style, employing wax to prevent the dye from penetrating the fabric. This creates a unique texture and individual pattern, making each piece one of a kind.

The striking women's and men's collections are based on a subtle, monochrome print in blue and red. Highlights of the women's collection include the batwing-sleeved dress, the sleeveless maxi dress, and the signature zip-up fisherman's trousers. Tops include a sleeveless stand-up collar shirt and a boxy shirt. Men can choose between a Hawaiian-style linen shirt or a slim-fit silk half-sleeve shirt, as well as cotton T-shirts and fisherman's trousers. The unisex canvas beach bags and the reversible bucket hat are given a dramatic touch by a bold, colorful print. Like the monochrome print, this one also blends fantasy and reality, as well as Eastern and Western influences.

The launch event on April 4th will feature a fashion show where models will present the new collection. Nakrob Moonmanas will also discuss his inspiration and designs during the event. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase the new collection at the adjacent Jim Thompson Iconic Store in the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter and meet the artist in person.

Jim Thompson and Nakrob Moonmanas invite you to visit the Jim Thompson stores and experience the new, unique collection.

About Jim Thompson: No brand embodies tradition quite like Jim Thompson, the Thai silk company founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson – an art collector, bon vivant, and entrepreneur considered the driving force behind the revival of the Thai silk industry. The disappearance of Jim Thompson remains one of Southeast Asia's greatest mysteries. Today, Jim Thompson is an iconic, globally recognized lifestyle brand from Thailand, renowned for its exquisite silk fabrics and "Beyond Silk."