The Legacy of Jim Thompson

If you have ever visited Thailand, no doubt you will have heard of Jim Thompson. The glass fronted shops showcasing silk goods and handbags are as ubiquitous as McDonalds in America.

I first became aware of the company whilst interning for a boutique design firm in South Florida. I was responsible for maintaining the library and sample room, and would spend hours sifting through the huge sample books, fondling the silk (no shame in my game).

So although familiar with the fabric collections, it wasn't until my first visit to Thailand that I was enlightened to the legend that was the man, and the legacy that he left  behind.

Jim Thompson, was an American architect who moved to Thailand and set up the now famous silk company in 1948. He was the first to create Thai silk in the bright jewel tones that they're known for today. His innovative production process enabled him to break into the American and European markets, and after his fabrics were used in Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I", the company was catapulted into success.

In 1967, Jim Thompson was staying with friends in the Cameron Highlands, when he went for a walk and never returned. He was 61 when he simply vanished. 

His traditional Thai-style house, subsequently turned into a museum, is a green oasis in the middle of the smoggy, chaotic city that is Bangkok.

The house and it's surrounding gardens are pretty amazing. Stone pathways meander through the thick tropical plants that provide shade and create a jungle setting. 

Its was so serene, it was easy to forget I was in the middle of the city.

Jim Thompson's house, like many Thai homes, almost melts into its surroundings. The boundaries of where interiors meets outdoors are blurry, to say the least.

The interiors of the house are spectacular. There are marble checkered floors, carved wooden panels, and doorways cut out to look like mirrors - it's breathtaking. Unfortunately there was no photography allowed inside, but I did manage to take the below photo from the verandah - notice the niches carved out of the walls, upholstered in thai silk. The detail is beautiful.

There is a bar (which was a welcomed treat after walking around in extremely hot weather for several hours) and a more contemporary styled restaurant on site.

Believe it or not, my favourite bit of the whole experience was the public restrooms. Spoken as someone with the bladder the size of a pea, I REALLY appreciate a well thought out bathroom. The hooks on the back of the doors were quirky and practical, and the raw silk hand towels were a lovely touch.

For more information, check out the website - http://www.jimthompson.com/index.asp

Cabbages and Condoms

The following is a true story.

Yes, that is a condom covered Santa.

Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant was established to help support the Population and Community Development Association (or PDA) in Thailand. The PDA is an independent organisation that runs environmental programmes and promotes AIDS prevention and family planning throughout Thailand.

The restaurant entrance is a sort of enchanted garden. The winding brick pathway, dimly lit with fairy lights and overhead woven basket fixtures, is flanked by various trees and plants including, you guessed it: potted succulent cabbages.

Following the obvious theme, the gift shop area is decorated with a sea of fairy lights in an overhead trellis, and naturally, condom covered hanging lights.

At this point, I had a proper case of the giggles. This was definitely not your average meal out with the family. 

We had a quick look around at the many amusing signs and condom adorned mannequins. I mean, there was some serious detailing going on. 

The fun continued as we took our seats and scanned the menu. Even under the glass tabletop, there they were lurking. It was like an epidemic.

And then, just as I thought the evening couldn't get anymore bizarre, I actually heard my mummy say the sentence "I'll have the Condom Steak please." That just about did it for me, I just couldn't stop laughing. (And no, I don't recommend ordering a steak in Thailand).

I was convinced that the restaurant was purposely over the top to distract from the mediocrity of the food. Yeah, I was wrong. The food was all kinds of delicious.

Mints? Who needs dinner mints when you can get a free condom instead? I mean, isn't chilli breath the ultimate turn on?

And OBVS size depends on how you vote...republican being teeny tiny. That's why they hate the free healthcare idea. He he.

Although it was a hilarious and surreal experience, the restaurant does support such a good cause. I think the PDA are fantastic for bringing attention to a serious issue in such a creative way.

Food, Glorious Food.

I am currently blogging live from Bangkok: concrete jungle that could possibly swallow New York whole.

Although it's my third time here, somehow its always hotter and more chaotic than I remember.

It is however, the first trip for my family who have flown literally across the world and to be with my sister when she gives birth (hopefully) sometime this week. Its been quite an experience so far, observing my family's reaction to life and customs here {insert your very own squat toilet joke here}.

I knew this  trip would involve lots of food and I was specifically looking forward to having brunch at Crepes & Co.

I visited this restaurant when I was in Bangkok last year and just remembered sitting outside in the sunshine with freshly squeezed orange juice and a table filled with amazing food. I was very excited to go back.

It was exactly as I remembered it, bursting at the seams with expats and waitresses in stripes.

After perusing the menu for possibly an eternity I finally decided on pancakes, smoked salmon and cottage cheese, along with a nutella filled crepe. Yes I ordered 2 breakfasts, don't judge me. And actually, I did share it so it was perfectly acceptable.

It. Was. Fabulous.

Unfortunately, in about 3 seconds flat it was reduced this:

After so much food, there was definitely no space for lunch. However, when it was time for dinner I may have overdone it yet again. I was so busy eating, I didn't take any photos. I ate enough to put myself in a food coma.

And then, there was dessert. The infamous MANGO STICKY RICE. I don't even want to know the calorie content...

An unlikely combination, this surprisingly addictive Thai dessert is drizzled with coconut milk and served warm. If your curiosity has gotten the better of you, try this recipe, and you won't regret it.

As for me, Im off to the gym tomorrow.

Oslo: Part Deux

My second day in Oslo was largely spent "squat walking" down slippery hills and navigating icy pavements, as I was wearing ridiculously inappropriate shoes. During my efforts to stay upright I managed to really observe and appreciate the city.

To my surprise, there were many charming cafes with outdoor seating despite the subzero temperatures.

Eventually, my lovely host and I found ourselves near the the royal palace. We ventured up the large icy hill on which it was perched, and realised that we arrived just in time for the changing of the guard ceremony.

At this point I could no longer feel my fingers, as my thick gloves proved to be a hinderance in the picture taking department...but who could ignore a view like this?

The large Freia clock in the distance sits atop the Freia chocolate factory. They are famous for making the delicious Melkesjokolade chocolate bar, which I swear is addictive and I almost ate my weight in at the airport. Here's a closer look...

We concluded our walking tour at the the famous opera house, however the cold weather must have affected my judgement, because I neglected to take any photos. Yup, I have no record of visiting arguably the most distinctive architectural masterpiece in Oslo. Not one. Thank goodness for google. Apparently, architect wanted the building to portray an iceberg floating on water.

Later that night, we went to the Samsoe & Samsoe show. The clothes were classic and featured tailored coats and mostly subdued colours. My favourite was pale yellow dress. I loved the contradiction of the summery fabric paired with the edgy leather leggings.

We mingled at the after party for a while, then embarked on a sort of bar crawl. We headed home in the early hours of the morning and a few hours later I bid farewell to Oslo. The trip was short, but sweet.

Oslo Fashion Week

This past weekend, I had the amazing experience of photographing Oslo Fashion Week for a friend who edits a beauty magazine there.

Having visited southern Norway in the spring of last year and observing the breathtaking scenery, I was excited to see what the capital city was like in comparison.

We kicked off Friday night at the Moods of Norway show armed with our "Super Duper VIP" confirmation emails.

I was stationed in the photographers pit at the end of the runway with the big boys in the game which was, shall we say, a tiny bit intimidating? I carefully removed my "civilian"18-55mm lens and replaced it with the "pro" (not really) 55-200mm lens which boosted my confidence slightly.

As the lights and music came up and the models appeared, suddenly the photographers pit felt more like a lion's den. There was a substantial amount of elbowing and hissing before I found my happy place kneeling on the floor in front of the runway where I got some great close shots.

[Caution] Hot men below. You've been warned.

I loved the 30's feel of the styling and the gorgeous variety of fabrics.

As I left my spot on the floor to get some wider shots, the "mood" of the show shifted, when a professional dance group took to the runway and turned the energy up a notch.

Have a look at the blinged out shoes.

These gems seemed to feature throughout the rest of the show: attached to lapels, collars and the like - but my absolute FAVOURITE was the oversized bib necklaces adorned in them. I will most definitely be attempting a DIY version of this.

As the ended and the designers came out during the final walk, I saw the bottle, had a premonition, and took a step back.

See where this is going?

Way to end a great show with a bang, but I doubt the other photographers would agree, after all, champagne + lens = disaster. Hopefully there were no photographic casualties.

And the highlight of the show? Why the goody bag of course!

Err..Happy New Year?

Yes, it's been awhile. Is it too late to say Happy New Year? Probably.

Last time I posted I left the biggest cliffhanger since Will burned down the house on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and promised to reveal the carved wood mirror's new hanging spot.

She now lives in between the two sash windows behind the sofa. She fits PERFECTLY.

Her mates, the Thai carved panels, are still living it up in their home above the mantel.

After that, much of the design plan according to the mood board changed as well.

The wall aquarium arrived looking cheap like a fancy plastic bowl and was sent back pronto.

The lounge chair was promptly forgotten once I found a great deal on an Eames Rocker. Its a replica of course, in moulded plastic rather than the original fibreglass. This bad boy, designed in 1948 is one my favourite modern classic pieces.

I also found myself smitten with the oh so practical Tam Tam stools from Habitat (in white to coordinate with the rocker). They're great for putting my feet up and also double as extra seating for guests. They're easy to tuck away to create space (small flat and all that) and were a bargain at just £15 a piece.

The H&M pillows were nixed after some textile shopping in Bangkok, but more about that later. Until next time....