Taylor Thompson named as Paul Smith_s Foundation designer-in-residence

New York-based American designer Taylor Thompson_ known for his brand 5000_ has been selected by Paul Smith_s Foundation and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) as the inaugural designer-in-residence programme recipient.

Thompson_ a 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist and a 2025 Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year nominee for the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards_ will join six UK-based designers_ Harri_ Joyce Bao_ Renata Brenha_ Petra Fagerstrom_ Masha Popova and Eden Tan_ in the second cohort of The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield.

Established in 2024_ The Fashion Residency is a UK talent incubator that supports designers with mentorship and studio space in London by Projekt supported by the Mayor of London and Paul Smith_s Foundation and enabled through the City of London Corporation. The second cohort will begin in January 2026 and run for 12 months. They will have access to 5_000 square feet of workspace and enrol in a bespoke business skills training programme_ including teaching in legal_ finance_ production and wholesaling_ content creation_ styling_ communications_ and social media from industry leaders.

Commenting on the honour_ Thompson said in a statement: “London has a quiet way of inspiring change. That gives designers room to question_ to refine_ to evolve. The residency with Paul Smith is an opportunity to listen to the city_ to its history and its modernity_ and to let that dialogue shape the next chapter of 5000.”

The Fashion Residency in the UK to welcome first-ever American-based designer

Thompson will be the only American within the second cohort of designers. He got his start in fashion at 18_ when he refined his skills by assisting influential artists like Desi Santiago and esteemed costume designer Zaldy Goco. By the age of 19_ Thompson had secured a coveted position as an assistant designer at Hood By Air. In 2018_ the designer expanded his horizons with a stint in Paris under the guidance of renowned designer Marine Serre. Today_ he designs for his brand_ 5000 (Five Thousand) which focuses on menswear tailoring and subverted classic styles. He made his catwalk debut with his autumn/winter 2025 collection.

Sir Paul Smith said: “Paul Smith_s Foundation is something that is so close to my heart. In January next year we start with our new cohort of 7 designers in a residency based in London_ and very pleased to have a visitor from America! The first cohort has been a great success so long may it continue.”

Steven Kolb_ chief executive officer and president of the CFDA_ added: "Taylor Thompson's expertise and focus on tailoring for his brand 5000 makes this recognition as our inaugural designer-in-residence especially exciting as he embarks on a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience alongside Sir Paul Smith and a community of international designers at Studio Smithfield.

"The CFDA thanks Paul Smith's Foundation for the continued collaboration_ and we can't wait to see how Taylor flourishes through the residency."