Shades of the sanctuary

THE OUTSTANDING natural beauty of Southeast Asia serves as the inspiration for the latest 11 patterns in Jim Thompson’s Sanctuary collection with primeval forests, rushing streams and cloud-covered peaks offering a landscape of tranquillity for those seeking to escape the chaos outside. 

Before his disappearance in 1967, Jim Thompson, considered the king of silk, often wandered through Thailand’s tropical forests seeking refuge from the demands of his highly successful career. He travelled to remote jungle areas searching for temple ruins and sacred caves whose secrets he could bring to his refined fabrics.

Nalin, a mixture of cotton and silk, is a luxurious fabric with an oversized lotus pattern standing out as the hallmark of the new collection. The lotus, the symbol of purity, has been printed in five dramatic colourways including one in elegant shades of antique rose and blush. Like leaves after a rainstorm, this silk cotton blend shimmers in the changing light, revealing the subtle outline of the lotus flower.

Named for the river that runs through an ancient plateau, Takhong is an eye-catching natural fabric that ripples with a large-scale design printed on 100-percent linen. The diamond or lantern pattern is inspired by indigenous weaving traditions that date back centuries. Next is the large-scale leaf-patterned silk-cotton blend named for Cananga, a fragrant plant that grows wild in the tropics. It is at its loveliest when shades of light and dark play on its smooth, glossy leaves imposed on a silky ground. Raised lines highlight and delineate the outline of its foliage pattern. It’s available seven different earthy tones.

The texture and touch of cut velvet pile with its complex over-linking circular pattern makes the Khao Rom pattern a luxurious fabric perfect for upholstery. To the touch this textile feels soft and velvety, yet a high rub test ensures good wear. Meanwhile, the famous nature reserve Khao Yai inspired the chenille velvet woven in a textured honeycomb pattern. Ideal for upholstery, it comes in a choice of 16 different nature-inspired colours including gold, earthy brown, red and rust.

Coco is a linen-based fabric with large embroidered roundels strung in circles and adds a special touch to any corner of your room. Its unique appearance is due to the raised round loops of embroidered silken thread placed on an elegant linen ground, almost as if this fabric was wearing its own ethnic necklace.

Prachin, which means ancient, is inspired by the surface and gloss of ancient marble temples with stone that has been rubbed, chiselled and worn to elegant perfection. The glossy silken effect of this obscure pattern with splashes of light makes it perfect for drapery.

The cliffs of the Korat mountain range in northeast Thailand have inspired the name for this bold cotton linen jacquard. The fabric is woven as if quilted, and then embroidered to produce its unique texture. Offered in 31 different colourways is the cotton-velvet Nakhon that will add velvety luxury to any decoration.

Anyone searching for that special tone or shade need look no further than Pikun with its 50 colours and Pailin, a shimmering silk sateen that comes in 40 colourways.