Emily Dawn Long's No-Phones Disco Brings Back the Joy of Dancing

The fashion designer's bold Fashion Week party proves human connection can still thrive in a digital world.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:10pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered glass shards from a disco ball, reflecting a dramatic red light and creating a high-contrast, abstract texture that evokes the excitement and energy of a lively dance party.The shattered remains of a disco ball capture the raw, unfiltered energy of Emily Dawn Long's phone-free Fashion Week party, where guests rediscovered the simple pleasure of dancing.NYC Today

Fashion designer Emily Dawn Long hosted a no-phones-allowed disco party during New York Fashion Week, challenging attendees to put down their devices and rediscover the simple pleasure of dancing. Despite the controversial phone ban, the event was a huge success, drawing a packed crowd of fashionistas, celebrities, and creatives who embraced the unfiltered energy of the dance floor.

Why it matters

Long's party sparked conversations about our increasing reliance on technology and whether we've lost the ability to truly connect with one another in the physical world. In an era dominated by screens and social media, her event was a bold statement about reclaiming spaces for genuine human interaction and joy.

The details

Held at the hidden (SUB)MERCER venue in SoHo, Long's 'No One Dances Anymore' party enforced a strict no-phones policy, with guests receiving stickers to cover their camera lenses. The dance floor was packed shoulder-to-shoulder as DJ Beatrice Hardy spun a mix of nostalgic hits, creating an electric atmosphere that drew in a diverse crowd including Euphoria star Maude Apatow, rapper Jack Harlow, and fashion influencers like Ella Emhoff.

  • The party took place during New York Fashion Week in April 2026.
  • Long came up with the idea for the event while designing her third fashion collection.

The players

Emily Dawn Long

A visionary fashion designer who hosted the 'No One Dances Anymore' disco party as a bold statement about reclaiming human connection in the digital age.

Maude Apatow

The Euphoria actress was spotted at the party, navigating the crowded dance floor and mingling with friends.

Jack Harlow

The rapper kept a low profile at the event, blending into the crowd in a casual outfit of a zip-up sweater, baseball cap, and rimless glasses.

DJ Beatrice Hardy

The DJ who spun a mix of nostalgic hits that had the dance floor buzzing with energy throughout the night.

Ella Emhoff

The model and fashion influencer was seen dancing her way through the packed venue, adding to the electric atmosphere.

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What they’re saying

“I never expected it to blow up like this. I thought it'd just be my close friends.”

— Emily Dawn Long, Fashion Designer

“I think that's what people are craving right now.”

— Emily Dawn Long, Fashion Designer

What’s next

Long's 'No One Dances Anymore' party has sparked a larger conversation about the role of technology in our lives and the importance of reclaiming spaces for genuine human connection. As Fashion Week continues, it will be interesting to see if other designers and event organizers follow Long's lead and experiment with similar phone-free, dance-focused experiences.

The takeaway

Emily Dawn Long's bold Fashion Week party proved that in an era dominated by screens and social media, there is still a deep craving for unfiltered human connection and the simple joy of dancing. Her event challenged attendees to put down their devices and embrace the electric energy of the dance floor, sparking a larger conversation about the role of technology in our lives and the importance of reclaiming spaces for genuine interaction.