2026 Spring Gala: Your exclusive look inside Remix’s most glamorous night

Last night, beneath the soaring arches of Auckland’s St Matthew-in-the-City, 450 of the city’s most stylish names—from industry leaders and tastemakers to designers, influencers and creative heavyweights—gathered for an evening of black-tie glamour, indulgent food and every reason to stay out late: the annual Remix Spring Gala.

Against the dramatic backdrop of the iconic inner-city church, black tie took on a distinctly Remix interpretation. Guests arrived dressed for the occasion, from polished tailoring to statement eveningwear, while the Remix team made its own entrance in gowns from The Dress Room and shoes from Mi Piaci, following pre-event hair and makeup at Drake on Drake. Inside, the soaring Gothic arches and stained-glass windows lent the room a sense of old-world grandeur, while sequins caught the light and the mood quickly loosened into cocktails, conversation and a little mischief. 

Bubbles came courtesy of Vinarchy, with guests welcomed on arrival with glasses of Deutz Marlborough Cuvée. Framed by the church’s dramatic windows, an impressive Deutz bottle tower became one of the night’s most photographed features, its sculptural form drawing guests in as they gathered around with glasses in hand.

At the Cupio bar, the brand’s Spicy Rosé quickly emerged as one of the night’s standout serves. Crisp and dry with a subtle chilli warmth, it brought an unexpected twist to the classic rosé. The Pinot Noir Rosé offered juicy berry and redcurrant notes, while the Chardonnay delivered white peach, nectarine and zesty citrus, layered with hints of warm vanilla and toasted almond. For red wine drinkers, the smooth and sophisticated Pinot Noir completed the selection.

Elsewhere, Heineken Silver and Heineken 0% offered a fresh alternative, while Voss Water was available in both still and sparkling varieties. A grand Voss Water ice sculpture added another striking element to the room, while the branded DJ booth brought the same cool, polished aesthetic to the heart of the party.

The cocktails brought a little more heat, with two bespoke Absolut Tabasco serves—the Spicy Vodkarita and Spicy Vodka Lemonade—dialling up the temperature with a chilli-forward edge. 

Creamy L’affare espresso martinis offered a richer late-night option, available in four flavours: Orange, with zesty citrus and a bright, refreshing finish; Strawberry, bringing berry sweetness and a soft fruity finish; Chocolate, with rich cocoa notes and rounded sweetness; and Rose, delicately floral with a fragrant, aromatic finish. 

Meanwhile, the new ready-to-serve Aperol Spritz brought a flash of orange and a distinctly Italian ease to the affair. The generous Aperol bar added another hit of colour to the room, while a playful media wall gave guests an excuse to pause for a photo between conversations and the evening’s festivities.

Then came the music. Taking his place behind the decks, Remix’s Tim Phin, Zambesi-clad, helped shift the mood from cocktails to full-scale celebration, joined by Don Ross, Randy, Mac Mylo and Chris Keene as the dance floor quickly filled up.

The food brought its own element of theatre, with KFC and Sturgeon Valley serving up a luxurious spin on the beloved classic. The Colonel’s crisp, seasoned chicken was topped with crème fraîche and generous spoonfuls of Sturgeon Valley Classic caviar, creating a playful pairing that was every bit as decadent as it sounds. Made from Kaluga-Huso sturgeon, the caviar is matured for at least 30 days in carefully controlled cold storage before being graded and hand-packed in New Zealand. Its clean, briny character and buttery texture offered an elegant counterpoint to the fast-food favourite, while snack boxes and fries kept the late-night comfort-food credentials firmly intact.

There was one final treat waiting as guests made their way home: a generously packed goody bag filled with beauty, wellness and sweet treats from Glow Lab, Bondi Sands, Nerds, Remedy Drinks, AFT Liposachets, Voss Water and Swisse—a fitting final flourish to a night built around indulgence.

From the first black-tie arrivals to the final moments on the dance floor, the 2026 Remix Spring Gala was a celebration of fashion, beauty, culture, great company and the art of a very good night out. The party carried on well into the night, with the kind of energy that made an exit feel entirely beside the point.