Duncan Throws a Retro Diner Dance Party

Duncan, the retro label founded by Michelle Duncan in 2019, is equal parts nostalgic and subversive. Garments might be cut in a woolen plaid, but they’re far from preppy; black velvet dresses are just as edgy as they are elegant and a full-coverage frock is anything but demure.

So when the time came to fete the season (and Duncan’s latest collection), the designer had to pick the perfect place. Last Wednesday, that was a retro spot in the middle of Tribeca, the old-school, old New York establishment of Square Diner. Only instead of poodle skirts and milkshakes, the space was populated with corsets and tequila cocktails. And in the place of a jukebox was DJ Ruby Aldridge, who blasted music within the silver tinsel-lined restaurant.

Cohosts of the night and muses to Michelle were Jihae and Mei Kwok‚ the latter turned up in a laced-up-the-back number and eventually joined Aldridge at the DJ booth. Guests in attendance included Jihae, Mei Kwok, Jade Eshete, Christine Evangelista, Angelica Hicks, Ellen von Unwerth, and Tali Lennox. Everyone enjoyed diner classics (grilled cheese, sliders, fries) in a sit-down and eat you please, dance if you don’t set up.

All in all, it was the ideal way for Michelle to showcase her latest looks; many It girls and muses were dressed for the night, bringing to life her versions for the ultimate Duncan girl.