James Thai
Hi, I’m James Thai — a textile designer, creative leader, and builder of brands and design teams, proudly based in New York City.
My foundation in design began at the Academy of Art University, where I developed a hands-on, deeply curious approach to surface design. I’m drawn to the tactile: texture, material, repetition, and how subtle shifts in detail can transform an entire experience. My debut at the Academy’s Fall 2013 runway show—featuring experimental leather-burned textiles—set the tone for the kind of work I love: bold, refined, and always rooted in storytelling.
Today, I design more than textiles—I design systems, products, and processes that bring creative visions to life. At brands like Joe Fresh and now Pair Eyewear, I’ve built and led multidisciplinary teams, helped define brand identities from the ground up, and shaped product narratives that resonate across both digital and physical touchpoints. I believe that design is a tool for connection, and that strong teams, when supported and inspired, can move mountains.