Ong Chin Huat flies to Bangkok for the Grand Opening of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter and is dazzled by the display of sophisticated looks and modern elegance of the first iconic global lifestyle brand from Asia.
The Grand Opening of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter saw the biggest names, brightest stars and most beautiful people of Bangkok society turn up in full force to celebrate this new chapter for the eponymous brand of the man dubbed the King of Silk.
Marking a remarkable milestone for this world-renowned and well-loved brand, the grand opening showcased to all those in attendance and beyond what is in store for Jim Thompson on its quest to become the first iconic global lifestyle brand from Asia.
Among those attending this glittering occasion were socialites, fashionistas, showbiz personalities, pop stars and celebrities who rubbed shoulders with business tycoons and high society figures.
The indoor and outdoor areas of this Heritage Quarter were decorated with colourful flaps of Jim Thompson silk fabrics, which added to the festive feeling of the occasion.
The evening began with cocktails and a ‘Silk Fabric Dance’, which saw dancers perform an artistic rendition of movement and silk.
The drum performance added the requisite drama while the dancers wove among the spectators, not unlike silk weaving through shuttle looms.
The main attraction was the fashion show, which unveiled 42 captivating outfits which showcased the revitalised look of the all-new Jim Thompson. Contemporary and chic, the diverse collection ranged from casual beach and resort wear to sophisticated evening gowns and everything in between.
Saving the best for last, the showstopper was the finale dress – a metallic and golden silk jacquard gown which paid homage to the regal sophistication of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s own iconic Thai silk gown.
Updated with a modern silhouette, the outfit drew gasps of admiration from the discerning crowd as the model sashayed on the curvy catwalk, which flowed both indoors and out.
With a specially curated selection of songs played, the fashion show chronicled the company’s journey since its beginnings in the 1950s, and the multi-generational guests could be seen humming and tapping their feet to hits from the different decades and eras, which also were deeply connected to keys moments of the brand’s history and its founder.
After the show, guests congregated at several hotspots, including Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant (above), where an array of delicious signature dishes was served, and the O.S.S. Bar, where celebrated mixologists created thirst-quenching cocktails for guests.
The Moonlight Hall was another happening spot during the after-show party, where a line-up of DJs spun dance beats to a fun-loving and party-going crowd while the Thai band Nisatiwa thrilled all those who were there.
Spearheading this new chapter for Jim Thompson is the Group CEO, Frank Cancelloni (below), who is intent on making the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter the newest and hottest destination in the City of Angels.
“This grand opening is a celebration of our heritage and a declaration of our future,” he said while welcoming his guests. “Jim Thompson is actively evolving and broadening our enterprise across all fronts, forming strategic collaborations with local and international brands…we are determined to offer a comprehensive experience, ranging from art and culture to gastronomy, fashion, interior design and more.”
And reflecting this mission, the newly refurbished and revitalised Heritage Quarter offers a multitude of attractions worthy of any trip made to Bangkok. At the core of this must-visit destination lies the Jim Thompson House Museum, a beautifully preserved collection of six traditional teak houses from various parts of Thailand dismantled and then assembled at its current location by the man himself in the late 1950s.
After his mysterious disappearance in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, in 1967, this tastefully decorated residence was turned into a museum to showcase Jim Thompson’s extensive collection of Southeast Asian art.
The Museum About the Man is another attraction at the Heritage Quarter which would enlighten visitors about Jim Thompson. An enigmatic personality, the exhibition sheds light on his life and work, specifically about his contribution to the Thai silk industry. Drawn from the James H.W. Thompson Foundation archives, there are also vintage Jim Thompson dresses from the 1960’s on display.
The Home Furnishings exhibition titled “The Evolving World of Jim Thompson Textiles” would definitely interest interior design enthusiasts with its display of vintage textiles from the Thai Silk Company, while the Iconic Store offers a wide selection of current Jim Thompson products for sale, including ready-to-wear, accessories and exclusive home collections.
Staying true to its “Beyond Silk” vision of the brand, the food and beverage offerings at the Heritage Quarter show another facet of this brand. Newly updated and rejuvenated, Jim Thompson, A Thai Restaurant, benefitted from a lavish refurbishment earlier this year and only reopened in September 2023.
With an innovative and forward-thinking menu on offer, this new, hot culinary destination, helmed by Executive Chef Pepe Dasi Jiménez, showcases Thai fare with a modern twist.
Among the recommended dishes include the Chef’s Style Khao Pad Phu, a reimagined fried rice dish with crispy rice combined with fermented golden seabass topped with lime mayo, pork lard and picked crab meat, and Gai Yang Korat, which consists of marinated and smoky charcoal-grilled baby chicken served with deep-fried papaya salad.
The O.S.S. Bar, conveniently located above the Thai Restaurant, is inspired by the American World War II intelligence agency (the Office of Strategic Services, the forerunner of the CIA) where Jim Thompson worked and who thankfully transferred him to Bangkok.
Atmospheric and glamorous, skilled mixologists will shake and stir any cocktail you desire from its history-laced drinks menu while you wander out to the stunning outdoor Terrace overlooking the Klong.
By day, this bar transforms into The O.S.S. Room and an elegant afternoon tea venue that overlooks a koi pond and serves a delectable array of sweet and savoury bites elegantly presented in their distinctive red Jim Thompson box.
Jim’s Terrace, located on the second floor of the Iconic store, offers mouth-watering tapas during sunset. Small plates of homemade and traditional specialities nibbled while sipping a tall, cold beer is the perfect antidote to a long, hard day, while the Silk Café offers a more casual vibe with its excellent views of the Jim Thompson House Museum in an al fresco setting.
The Moonlight Hall is a banquet hall for hire and is equipped with cutting-edge audio and video technology, perfect for weddings, private parties or corporate functions.
Temples, street markets and after-hours entertainment might be some of the reasons why some people visit this incredibly interesting and exotic city, but with the reopening of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, there’s now an added reason to book that trip to Bangkok.
For further information on the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, please visit www.jimthompsonheritagequarter.com.
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