Jim Thompson pioneered the decorative genre “East meets West” — Istanbul is the meeting point of these two worlds. With this in mind, OTTOMANIA, the new No.9 THOMPSON collection for 2008, draws rich inspiration from the decorative arts of Istanbul and its surrounding regions. The rivers and towns of the area give their names to the different designs, which take the form of well-priced printed linens and cottons, and useable, textured wovens. These are offered in a stunning palette of co-ordinating colours.

	ZHIZAK Four different colours zigzag across the full width of this rustic 100% linen in eight dramatic flashes. The design is inspired by manuscripts depicting the decoration of the Ottoman tent complex and its Ikat-like interpretation sits perfectly with its gloriously light ground cloth.
	MOSAICA The brilliant, textured burn-out technique of this linen mix evokes centuries-old, worn mosaic tiles. The design was inspired by the floor of a private palace on the Bosphorous. Its scale looks as good on smaller windows as it does on extravagant drops.
	AMASURA The slubs of this favourite linen complement well the painterly, all over paisley shapes of Amasura. The blocky effect of the unique print technique adds to the vintage feel of this useable design.
	IZMIR A heavy linen yarn is space-dyed with flecks of colour to give movement and a hand-crafted appeal. It is woven into a heavy twill giving it depth and variety throughout the fabric. Advanced finishing techniques give it the most sumptuous handle, adding further to its considerable charms.
	AGRA A contemporary take on a traditional carpet pattern, “Agra” is a two colour print on a very drapeable, textured cloth, with an outstanding abrasion performance. The same colours run through this fabric as through Mosaica II making them a stylish and versatile marriage.
	MOSAICA II The extensive colour palette of “Mosaica’s” smaller sister design is eminently useable. The linen ground and wonderful scale make it ideal for any application in the home, giving a crisp, retro edge.
	PACHA Following on from the great success of ‘Legend’, ‘Pacha’ has the same competitive price point and fabulous abrasion results. Its more tailored look and polished finish work beautifully with the palette of irresistible, clearer colours.
	LAKAI Traditional Ikat robes were often lined with quirky printed florals. In this fabric poppies and paisleys grow from a simple tree of life. The softly glazed, durable cloth suits both curtains and furniture, the motifs adding bright splashes of colour to enliven the contours and folds.
	BOSPHOROUS Our ombred stripe warp seen at its purest, ‘Bosphorous” is a pure cotton satin weave with an elegant sheen. The subtle shift of tone evokes the ever-changing play of light across the surface of this great river.
	ERSARI Delicate, barely-there, stitched motifs run up the length of this linen twill in three stripes. Available in the softest colour palette this design is a perfect way to introduce printed pattern into a simpler decorative scheme.
	BARBARINI The silhouette of a classic Turkish silk damask is reworked as a pocket weave in space-dyed linen and cotton. This gives ‘Barbarini” the feel of a contemporary brocade which will sit comfortably in both traditional and contemporary interiors.
	TOPKAPI Irregular diamonds of colour woven with softest chenille give this fabric a wonderfully comfortable look and feel. The undulating ombre warp in the ground adds movement and brings this traditional pattern firmly up to date.
	CINTIMANI Based on a traditional Ottoman pattern originally derived from Leopard’s skin, “Cintimani” adds a whimsical note to the collection. The spots of colour and chenille texture play softy across the ombred stripes of the ground.

No.9 THOMPSON - OTTOMANIA
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RICHARD SMITH
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