The hand-woven silk fabrics that his company commissioned and designed had gained international acclaim for their quality and shimmering, exotic colors. They caught the eyes of U.S. fashion and home decorating magazines. An American costume designer, Irene Sharaff, chose the material for the stage version of "The King and I" and worked with Jim Thompon on the designs. Queen Sirikit of Thailand has Pierre Balmain design her wardrobe using Jim Thompson's silks, and she even presented several bolts of his finest gold brocade to Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. The company he founded to grow and flourished.