Jim Thompson Thai Silk Tie (1903)
My collection of Jim Thompson Silk Ties was assembled over decades of visits to Thailand. Jim Thompson was an architect and WW II intelligence officer who became captivated by Thai silk after settling in Thailand. He recognized the potential of the traditional craft and dedicated himself to reviving it for the international market. He organized artisans, upgraded looms, and introduced newly-released techniques and designs, transforming Thai silk into a luxury craft. The Thai Silk Company was founded in 1951, with the aim of preserving traditional livelihoods and promoting Thai culture. Thompson?s connections in the fashion, design, and entertainment industries helped him introduce Thai silk to a global audience, and by the 1960s Thai silk had gained international recognition. In March 1967, while on a short vacation in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands, Thompson went for a walk and was not ever seen again. His disappearance sparked numerous theories, including kidnapping, murder, and ac