Trends at Cape Town Fashion Week 2011

Trendspotting
Cape Town Fashion Week 2011

For those us not lucky enough to attend Cape Town Fashion Week this year..there are always the pictures to admire. I've seen all the shows online, so that I could round up the best looks off the runway. These are the hottest trends bubbling under for Spring/Summer 2011-12.

Colour Blocking

We've already seen the colour block look on countless celebs and in magazines. Good to see that it finally made its way down the South African runway. Michelle Ludek paired a sheer white top over a hot pink vest and dark grey pants. Stephania Morland dazzles with a tri-coloured metallic frilled mini. Thula Sindi contrasts cerise with black. Danielle Margaux channels Gucci with a turquoise and royal blue satin ensemble. Gavin Rajah's red and black striped dress reminds me of Prada's Spring 2011 collection. Leigh Schubert takes on the trend with muted tones and vertical panels. Habits combines two popular colours, purple and orange.

Maxis

Meet your new length for Summer - the Maxi. Its flowing, feminine and flattering. Both skirts and dresses were seen sweeping the floor. The shapes were either straight or bias-cut. Fabrics used were soft, silky, sheer or pleated.

Shorts

Shorts...for Spring. It's a no-brainer. Lengths went from itsy and ripped at Lisp to cuffed and knee-length at Nucleus. Shorts were styled both casually and formally. Strappy sandals, long necklaces and leather belts completed the look.

Printed Dresses

I Love this trend, if only I could pull it off. Printed dresses added so much lightness, joy and femininity to Fashion Week. Different blue hues were wrapped in a long satin dress at Thula Sindi. Love the vintage floral print on this short dress by Lisp, it looks like Mary Poppins' carpet bag. Billowing halter neck gowns were seen in several colours at Habits. A green tropical print mini shown at Carducci. Michelle Ludik paired her silky ink-blot dresses with big, bold accessories and funky feathered shoes. Gavin Rajah toughened up his flowy print gowns with metallic leather biker jackets.

Previously: Colour trends at Cape Town Fashion Week.