Created in the 1950s by a former American spy turned entrepreneur, the company Jim Thompson not only revived Thailand’s silk industry but transformed it into the world’s first global Asian lifestyle brand. From the cinematic elegance of The White Lotus to the interiors of world-class hotels, Jim Thompson’s influence spans fashion, interiors, and art, capturing the very essence of Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry. Its silk, infused with the country’s flora and fauna, creates ever-shifting kaleidoscopes of color and texture-a true celebration of artistry and heritage. Jim Thompson: Beyond Silk, Beyond Thailand brings this story to life with lush photography by Chris Schalkx, alongside archival and brand imagery as well as text by journalist Stephen Wallis. This visually stunning volume invites readers to explore the vibrant artistry of Thai silk, the singular beauty of its design, and the enigmatic legacy of the man who was nicknamed the Thai Silk King. AUTHOR: Stephen Wallis is a New York City based writer and editor who has held top positions at Architectural Digest, Departures, and other magazines and is the consulting features editor for Galerie. He writes about design, architecture, art, travel, and other cultural subjects for various publications and is the author of the 2024 Assouline book Fontainebleau, a history of the celebrated Miami Beach hotel designed by Morris Lapidus. Dutch writer and photographer Chris Schalkx has focused on capturing Bangkok’s emerging local designers since 2013, when he left his native Rotterdam, Netherlands. Additionally, he has covered up-and-coming travel destinations around Asia and beyond, with words and images appearing in Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, Bloomberg Pursuits, and more.