5000’s spring 2025 presentation showcased punk rock defiance in the calm morning light. Subversive in every sense, the haunting backdrop of Lower Manhattan’s Marble Cemetery provided an ironic yet fitting setting for 5000 ’s spring 2025 ready-to-wear show, aptly named “Mabuhay Gardens.” Founder and artistic director Taylor Thompson draped models in countercultural nostalgia, capturing the defiant spirit of punk rock while honoring The Mab, a legendary Filipino punk venue in San Francisco.
The show’s format was as unconventional as its inspiration, with models strolling through the garden and interacting with guests. Miko Tiu-Laurel offers an intimate glimpse behind the scenes, sharing moments of the creative chaos that made the show memorable. The Filipino-Chinese model and visual artist, who had previously starred in a story highlighting the slow fashion that comes out of the Philippines, shared their insights on the venue’s significance, their experience walking in the show, and what punk rock is all about.
Vogue Philippines: The 5000 show had such strong punk and underground inspirations. How did you connect with this theme, and what was your experience like walking in that collection? Miko Tiu-Laurel: Having the name of the show be “Mabuhay Gardens,” which is an old Filipino restaurant from The Bay, and a historic punk rock venue, really struck a chord with me. Having me do this show—thank you, Taylor—made me feel like I was really representing my people, both immigrants and not.
I think that being a counterculture kid all my life and having found myself in New York for the last ten years really made me feel connected to the show. Once a Lower East Side rat, always a Lower East Side Rat. The spirit of The Mab, too, lives on forever.
The Lower Manhattan Marble Cemetery is a fascinating choice for a fashion show setting. How did the venue’s atmosphere affect your mood or mindset while modeling? I think that it really helped me play the character I was embodying. As the show references punk rocks past and serves as an ode to The Mab, spirits lingered in memory of time and space.
The collection’s designs are bold, from silver skirts to fluorescent pants. Were there any particular pieces that you felt especially connected to? I super loved Joseph [Rayo]’s look with the silver trousers. I would definitely consider this look as New York casual but also a great piece to wear to any formal event.
Octavian [Mazyck]’s look was also one of my favorites; a good blazer and skirt set always gets me. The show had a unique format, with models casually strolling through the garden and interacting with guests. How did this non-traditional setup influence your approach to modeling during the presentation? I think it was really great to see people interacting with the models and getting photographed with them.
I am a believer in all things immersive and this was definitely one of them. We weren’t just there to be observed but also to be experienced. Despite 5000 being a menswear brand, Thompson’s collections are designed to be worn by everyone, regardless of gender.
How important do you think this approach is in today’s fashion landscape, and what does it mean to you personally? Well, firstly, that is part of what punk rock is all about! I think that the world is finally catching on to what all these people from our past have been advocating for. Personally being queer and “one who moves against the current,” it’s so important to me and so, so special. Some people may refer to it as the new normal, but it’s always been here.
It’s always been normal. I think that we need to continue this approach because all the things that we continue to advocate for are now being brought to the mass majority paving the way for younger generations..
