Jim Thompson
Starhill Gallery, 181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Wilayah Persekutuan, Malaysia
Phone: +60 3-2143 0568
About
Of the many fine places to part with your money at the Starhill Gallery, the Jim Thompson boutique is one of the most uniquely Asian. Named after the American businessman who revitalized the silk trade in the 1950s, this boutique sells only the finest hand-crafted silk products from Thailand. With their bold colors, lustrous sheen, and smooth texture, the fabrics are a treat for the senses and can be purchased as decorative linens, clothing, or accessories. The silk ties or scarves (some with elephant patterns) make exquisite souvenirs without taking up much space in your suitcase. The boutique also sells hand-carved furniture and books about Thai art, culture, and history. An interesting fact: Jim Thompson disappeared in 1967 while hiking in Malaysia and it remains an unsolved mystery. -Tanya Procyshyn