Commercial Bay Solstice 2025: The Looks, the Trends, the FROW Style

Last week, Commercial Bay welcomed the return of Solstice, its seasonal celebration of fashion, food, and music that has quickly become a fixture on Auckland’s cultural calendar.

The event stretched across four days (18–21 September) with live entertainment, activations, and special offers throughout the precinct. But the undeniable highlight was the pair of open-air runway shows, which transformed the ground-level laneway into a high-energy catwalk that rivalled anything seen on the international stage.

A Bold New Atmosphere

This year’s Solstice show took a sharp turn in mood from 2023’s bright, cloud-inspired production. Instead, the runway was drenched in dark crimson light, creating an atmosphere that felt bold, sultry, and charged with anticipation. The shift in tone was immediate: this wasn’t a whimsical stroll into summer, it was a confident, high-impact statement that perfectly captured the energy of the city at this time of year.

Adding to the drama, internationally renowned twin DJs Rain and China Katayanagi powered the show with a thumping soundtrack that kept the pace brisk and the energy high. Models strode down the laneway with purpose – fast, focused walks that matched the intensity of the music and kept the audience engaged from start to finish.

Styling that Stole the Show

If the production set the mood, the styling by Karen Inderbitzen-Waller sealed the deal. Known for her ability to bring cohesion to diverse collections, Inderbitzen-Waller delivered once again, curating looks from Juliette Hogan, Aje., Lululemon, Coach, Sylvester, Wynn Hamlyn and many more into a show that felt intentional and seamless. Much like her lauded work on the Karen Walker x Adidas show at NZFW25, her touch ensured that Solstice wasn’t just a showcase of individual brands, but a runway with a clear point of view.

The result was a collection of looks that moved effortlessly between polished event wear, laid-back resort pieces, and everyday city staples – proving that the Commercial Bay edit truly offers something for every wardrobe.

Trends to Watch

Solstice also offered a glimpse into the season ahead, with several key trends emerging from the runway. Oversized, ludicrously capacious bags dominated, setting the tone for accessories this summer. Boat shoes made a comeback, styled in both casual and tailored ways, while short shorts – embraced across both menswear and womenswear – signalled a playful, confident approach to warm-weather dressing. Together, these pieces captured the mix of practicality and flair that defines summer fashion in Aotearoa.

Find the shoppable runway look-book HERE

A Runway with Momentum

What made Solstice feel special this year was its pacing. The fast tempo of the walks, combined with the slick soundtrack and cohesive styling, created a sense of momentum that carried through the entire show. It was the kind of runway that didn’t just show clothes – it generated excitement and set the tone for the season ahead.

By pushing beyond the typical retail activation and delivering a runway with international polish, Commercial Bay has cemented Solstice as one of Auckland’s most exciting fashion moments. It’s a marker of the new season, a chance to see how global trends translate locally, and – most importantly – a celebration of the energy, confidence, and creativity that fashion brings to the city.

With another successful edition now under its belt, Solstice has become more than a shopping precinct showcase; it’s a fashion calendar event in its own right, and one we’ll be circling again next year

IMAGREY CREDITS:

RUNWAY SHOTS : Michael Ng @mikeng100

FRONT ROW: Guy Coombes @guycoombes