Spring’s arriving early at Commercial Bay. Solstice – the precinct’s annual collision of fashion, music and street-level spectacle – is back for a fourth year, taking over the laneway from 24-27 September.
The centrepiece takes the shape of two open-air runway shows, staged on a 26m catwalk carved straight through the ground-level laneway with towers rising on either side – seated guests get the front row; everyone else can watch free from the airbridges on Levels One and Two.
Behind the scenes is Sammy Salsa – Auckland stylist, creative director, and one of the city’s most in-demand names, with an NZ Television Award for The Panthers on his shelf and a client list running from Stan Walker to Ladi6. He’s curating and styling both shows this year, pulling looks from Commercial Bay’s retail floor – expect spring/summer collections from Zambesi, Juliette Hogan and Hugo Boss.
Legendary New Zealand DJ P Money is billed to soundtrack both runway slots.
Head of Consumer Marketing Lily Montana is as excited as ever about the event. “Commercial Bay has always been shaped by the city around it,” she says. “As Auckland continues to evolve, so does the precinct. It’s become a place where people come not only to shop and dine, but to discover, connect and experience something new.
Solstice, she goes on, “captures that energy through fashion, creativity, music, hospitality and moments of unexpected discovery”.
This year’s lineup specifically celebrates New Zealand’s creative talent alongside an exciting new mix of retailers with spectacular live runway experiences taking over our iconic laneway, showcasing the season’s key looks in a way that is immersive, inspiring and instantly shoppable.
“Alongside the catwalk, visitors can enjoy a curated programme of experiences, activations, offers and surprises that transform the precinct into a place to explore and enjoy,” adds Lily.
Find out more at commercialbay.co.nz/solsticeevents
