On an Easter Sunday in March 1967, Jim Thompson went on an afternoon stroll and never returned. His disappearance remains the enduring enigma of the Cameron Highlands, a verdant upland area 200 kms north of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, where he vanished.
Originally named in 1885 by British colonial government surveyor William Cameron, who was sent by the Brits to map out the area. He reported back that he had stumbled on this highland area which was ‘cool, with extremely fertile land’.
The small township which grew up at this location, also called the Cameron Highlands, still honours the legacy of the ‘Thai Silk King’ (as Jim Thompson became known), in various ways. The colonial Cameron Highlands Resort features his namesake in both the Jim Thompson Tea Room , exuding an elegant décor reminiscent of old-world charm, and its signature Jim Thompson Suite . In tribute to his passion for nature, the Cameron Highlands Resort has also named a trail after him.
Celebrating its 73rd anniversary, Jim Thompson, the fashion company, unveiled The Memory of the Highlands , presenting its latest 2024 fashion collection as a heartfelt homage to the legacy of the Silk King. The photo shoot for the captivating collection took place in the stunning landscapes of the Cameron Highlands, where Mr. Jim Thompson was last seen.
The fashion set, featuring renowned models alongside Miss Universe Thailand 2016 Chalita ‘Namtarn’ Suansane, invites customers to explore the enduring mystery of Jim Thompson’s disappearance, a story that has captivated the world for decades. Showcasing iconic locales such as The Moonlight Bungalow, BOH Tea Plantation , and the picturesque city centre of Tanah Rata enriches the narrative.
The Memory of the Highlands features a diverse range of men’s and women’s fashion wear and accessories, inspired by the cultural and regional imagery evident in its prints and weaves. Each piece in the collection tells a story, capturing the essence of the Cameron Highlands and the spirit of adventure that defines the brand.
I asked Nunnapat Verojanavat, Marketing Director of Jim Thompson , why this particular collection was so important to the brand. “It’s a celebration of Jim Thompson’s heritage, which marks the mysterious disappearance of our founder 57-years to the day, a poignant moment in our history. The Memory of the Highlands campaign presents a contemporary collection for both men and women against a backdrop of historic locations deeply entwined within our brand’s legacy.”
Central to the fashion shoot’s narrative is the Moonlight Bungalow scene, where Jim Thompson had been staying with close friends before his disappearance. The Moonlight Bungalow is built in an old English cottage style and, to this day, keeps the interior and exterior design since Jim Thompson’s last visit.
The scene presents models dressed in the new collection on the lawns in front of the bungalow, inspired by the picnic shot of Jim Thompson’s last ever photograph. The picnic set presents a range of products from the new collection, including Quilted Bag with Silk Striped, inspired by the 1960s and ’70s designs of the Star of Siam brand. These iconic bags have been reimagined with a contemporary twist. The set also displays fashion items in Flora-Mania print, capturing the essence of flora creepers that envelop the base of large indigenous trees, conveying the richness and abundance of regional nature.
Tea plantations, one of the most iconic attractions in the Cameron Highlands is featured in another set location. Among them, the most well-known is BOH Tea Plantation. Shot with panoramic stunning views of the sprawling tea estates against a beautiful backdrop of undulating tea fields, the models feature the debut of Men’s Fisherman Pants, offering a relaxed fit and easy everyday wear. The new Cropped Pima Tee for women provides a flattering fit with its short, cap sleeves and round neckline.
Not to be omitted, a shoot in the charming Tanah Rata town centre, shows the collection’s versatility as men’s lifestyle casual wear about town. The scene displays a loose-fit Shirt Jacket with a Mandarin collar and decorative patch pockets. Also shown is the Hawaiian slim-fit shirt, featuring subtle button and fabric loop details. Complementing these are slim-fit Long-Sleeved Shirts with Button Down in 100% cotton.
The Memory of the Highlands campaign by Jim Thompson celebrates a stylised collection, steeped in the brand’s history and set against poignant locations. This lifestyle collection offers a versatile range of everyday fashion wear, adorned with chic patterns and standout design details, perfect for modern wardrobes.
