Bill Bensley and Jim Thompson Unite for ‘Call of the Cardamoms’ – A Creative Celebration of Conservation and Craftsmanship
A collaboration inspired by Southeast Asia’s vanishing wilderness,
offered an early glimpse of their 2026 collection during a multi-day celebration in Bangkok.
Bill Bensley, the globally acclaimed architect, designer, and conservationist, teamed up with Jim Thompson for the ‘Call of the Cardamoms’ project, dedicated to preserving the Cardamom Rainforests, one of Southeast Asia’s last great wildernesses. The collaboration also offered a sneak peek into Bensley’s forthcoming debut home furnishings and fashion collection, Bill Bensley x Jim Thompson, set for an early 2026 launch.
From 27–30 March, a series of immersive events in Bangkok spotlighted the collaboration. Highlights included a charity dinner, the Silk Road Chronicle musical by Junkyard Theater, Bill Bensley’s first-ever fashion show, and art classes led by Bensley alongside 22 artisans from around the world.
The collaboration embodied key elements of the aesthetic and narrative direction of the upcoming 2026 collection. The events captured the spirit, storytelling, and artistry that will define the debut.
Even before this collaboration, Bill Bensley had incorporated Jim Thompson fabrics into many of his hospitality projects. Now, this partnership expands beyond interiors into fashion and textiles, bringing his bold artistic language to new creative mediums.
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Jim Thompson, which is one of Thailand’s most iconic brands. Having incorporated their exquisite fabrics into many of my hotel projects, the chance to create a fashion line with my own designs – while championing a cause so close to my heart, conservation and wildlife protection – is truly an honor,” said Bensley.
“Working with Bill Bensley has been incredible,” said Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson, “His playful approach to design, combined with our heritage in textiles, has resulted in vibrant colors, striking animal prints, and pieces that celebrate both artistry and conservation. At Jim Thompson, craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do, and this collaboration not only brings attention to endangered species but also celebrates textile making, reinforcing our shared commitment to both preserving traditional craftsmanship and protecting the natural world.”
An Immersive Celebration of Art, Fashion & Conservation
The fashion show at the Jim Thompson Art Center, part of the Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, marked Bill Bensley’s first presentation of wearable art features hand-painted fabrics depicting endangered species of the Cardamom Rainforest –The event also spotlighted the urgent need for conservation and supported the Wildlife Alliance Rangers, who work to enforce Cambodia’s environmental laws.
Adding a theatrical dimension, a live performance traced the journey of silk and fashion from Mongolia to Thailand, reflecting Bensley’s distinctive artistic vision while honoring silk’s rich cultural legacy.
The collaboration also extended to Four Seasons ART Space by MOCA Bangkok, where Jim Thompson presented an art installation featuring upcycled home furnishing fabrics. Inspired by the upcoming collection, the installation offered a creative glimpse into what’s to come. A live hand-weaving demonstration on a large-scale loom by Jim Thompson’s skilled artisans underscored the brand’s deep commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.
Following the success of these events, anticipation continues to build for the 2026 launch of the Bill Bensley x Jim Thompson collection. Stay tuned as Jim Thompson and Bill Bensley prepare to unveil a home furnishings and fashion collection that is wild, untamed, and unforgettable.
