A CELEBRATION OF BEAUTY NATURE IN BLOOM
“IfIt’sNoFun,
Don’t Do
It”:
Bill Bensley, A Creative Visionary
by Robyn Tucker-Peck
We founded ‘World in Beauty’ to celebrate the world’s wonder and the creators behind it, such as those who aim to help it thrive, fostering discoveries for some and beautiful inspirations for others. Bill Bensley’s work resonates with us not only through his creativity but also through his philanthropic efforts and passion. His insights, vision, energy, and love for creation inspire us. This story will motivate you to explore, invest in, and support all cultures, emphasizing beauty as a vital source of inspiration.
The foundation
Since its establishment in 2004, the Shinta Mani Foundation has been a driving force for change organization is dedicated to uplifting individuals through a variety of initiatives encompassing education, healthcare, small business development, and environmental preservation. A cornerstone of our work is the Hotel School, providing vocational training in the hospitality industry and paving the way for secure employment opportunities.
We are thrilled to offer you an opportunity to enter a world of lush canopies, hidden creatures, and endless imagination. Jim Thompson introduces ‘Wild’, a storytelling textile collection created in partnership with renowned architect, artist, and conservationist Bill Bensley. Inspired by the beauty of the Cardamom Mountains—one of Southeast Asia’s last large, unspoiled rainforests—this collection captures the allure of the jungle and invites you to explore the vibrant nature.
Bill Bensley’s WILD Collection for Jim Thompson is a joyful celebration of the vibrant, lively spirit of one of Southeast Asia’s last remaining large and unfragmented rainforests in the Cardamom Mountains, which span southern Cambodia and border eastern Thailand. This collection comes alive with Bill Bensley’s signature playful, energetic style, capturing the untamed beauty and exuberance of the jungle and its endangered wildlife while supporting meaningful conservation efforts. Jim Thompson has transformed Bill’s sketches and paintings into a stunning collection of upholstery and drapery fabrics, showcasing panoramic prints, luxurious cut velvets, playful
line — perfect for modern interiors and exteriors that embrace boldness and individuality.
A portion of the sales from this collection will directly support the SHINTA MANI FOUNDATION in preserving the incredible Cardamom rainforest, its ecosystem, and wildlife for future generations. The collection will launch in Paris at Paris Déco Off on January 14, 2026— an annual, free event during Paris Design Week where top fabric, wallpaper, and furnishings brands open their showrooms to professionals and the public. This event transforms the city into a showcase for luxury interior trends with themed events and parties.
Often called “Fashion Week for interiors,” it features new collections from over 100 international brands, with fabric lanterns lining the streets of Saint Germain des Prés—a bohemian neighborhood known for its antique shops and art galleries—and Rue du Mail on the Right Bank of the famous River Seine.
‘Wild’ translates Bensley’s dreamscape into textiles. Jim Thompson has adapted the artist’s sweeping paintings and sketches of endangered animals into a tactile collection of upholstery and drapery. The collection tells a story:
panoramic prints depict grand natural scenes, thick yarns mimic the vibrant patterns of the forest, and detailed leafy embroideries introduce handcrafted to living room with an outdoor line featuring high-
The origins of ‘Wild’ are rooted in joy. Guided by his motto, “If it’s no fun, don’t do it,” Bensley turned to his easel during the pandemic, painting optimism and color. These artworks, brimming with personality, became the heartbeat of this collaboration.
“We wanted to capture the unbridled energy of the jungle,” says Bill Bensley. “This collection is about bringing the outdoors in, in the most colorful and spirited way possible, but with a serious purpose: preserving the very nature that inspired it. The Cardamom rainforest plays a critical role in regulating Southeast Asia’s climate and rainfall patterns.”
Wild Vines: One of Bill’s beloved interpretations, snapped up quickly at his 2024 art auction, this decorative jacquard is a riot of intricate detailing, captured in a delightful mix of lustrous and matte ripple through the design, adding depth, drama, and a lush botanical allure. Offered in four vibrant colorways.
Wild Wild Weave: Bottling the wild spirit of the Cardamom Forest, this fabric gallops in with chunky yarns and lively woven patterns that echo nature’s vibrant rhythm and color-soaked palette. High
Martindale rubs, it’s truly the “unicorn of fabrics,” equally at home outdoors, in jungly resorts, or on colorways ranging from shy to exuberant.
Sweeping brushstrokes send wild pigeons swooping and soaring across a mountainous dreamscape, capturing the joyful chaos of land meeting sky. Golden rays pour over deep, moody hues, giving the whole scene a warm, theatrical glow—a luminous linen cotton drapery adventure, sold as a set of two spirited panels.
In a commitment to protecting this precious wilderness, a portion of the sales from ‘Wild’ will be donated to the Shinta Mani Foundation, which was established in 2004. The Foundation acts as a guardian for the Cardamom Rainforests, working to preserve its unique ecosystem and wildlife so that future generations can continue to be inspired by its magic.
