Taylor Thompson is using a London residency to expand 5000 beyond the runway

In a profile published October 6, 2026, the Council of Fashion Designers of America describes how Taylor Thompson, founder of the men's tailoring label 5000, moved from Oakland to London in mid-April for the inaugural designer residency run by Paul Smith's Foundation and the CFDA. Thompson is using the stay to develop a new collection and shape an immersive fashion presentation for 5000.

The move builds on a career that took Thompson from New York, where he assisted artist Desi Santiago and designer Zaldy, to work with Hood by Air and later Marine Serre in Paris. He had also spent three months studying abroad in London before returning for the residency.

Creative community meets business infrastructure

Thompson is working alongside six U.K.-based residents: Eden Tan, Harri, Joyce Bao, Masha Popova, Petra Fagerstrom and Renata Brenha. Beyond the shared studio, the program provides access to expertise in wholesale, retail, legal matters and other parts of building an independent fashion business.

That support is feeding into Thompson's next show at 180 Studios on The Strand, where the collection explores the idea of home as he adjusts to a new city. Thompson described the format as a place for “people to come, enjoy the brand, and see the collections in person. It’s a blend of a presentation and performance.”

What follows the residency remains open. Thompson is considering staying in London for another year, but he has not committed to that next step.