London Calling!

Taylor Thompson is Paul Smith’s Foundation and CFDA’s first Designer-in-Residence. As such, the American talent will join the second cohort of The Fashion Residency at Studio Smithfield, a UK program that supports designers with mentorship and studio space in London established by the Mayor of London, Projekt and Paul Smith’s Foundation with support from British GQ and enabled through the City of London Corporation.

“London has a quiet way of inspiring change. That gives designers room to question, to refine, to evolve,” Thompson, a 2024 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist and a Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year nominee for the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, said. “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.”

Known for his impeccable tailoring and subverted classic styles, Thompson made his runway debut for 5000 for Fall/Winter 2025.

As the recipient of the inaugural Paul Smith’s Foundation x CFDA Designer-in-Residence, he will receive complimentary studio space by Projekt, as well as mentoring from industry leaders and business planning training.

He will join six UK-based designers; Harri, Joyce Bao, Renata Brenha, Petra Fagerstrom, Masha Popova and Eden Tan. The second cohort will begin January 2026 and run for 12 months.

“Paul Smith’s Foundation is something that is so close to my heart. In January next year we start with our new cohort of seven 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,” Sir Paul Smith said.

“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,” CFDA CEO and President Steven Kolb said. “The CFDA thanks Paul Smith’s Foundation for the continued collaboration, and we can’t wait to see how Taylor flourishes through the residency.”

Cheers, mate!