Sitting in my seat and watching the collection from Frans Kies on Wednesday night, I kept thinking that I hoped he did that blouse, that dress, oh, and that one too, in my size.

I am a woman for whom style is a daily aspiration. I am a woman who is strong and yet celebrates her femininity. In short, I am a dresses and blouses girl who is not afraid to tweak up the twist a little bit. I think that I am a Frans Kies girl.

This may be why, when I got a few minutes to meet with Frans, I seemed to do most of the chatting. It's not that I don't want to know all about his inspiration, background and story; it's just that his clothes actually do most of the talking for him. And it allows this softly spoken, obviously intelligent, man to smile at you and let you just enjoy the garments he's designed for you.

This is Frans' second career, at 31 he is only a year into his new life as a fashion designer and there is much to be said about this.

Coming from a background of graphic design, influenced strongly by music and popular culture, Frans is also extremely au fait with the business world. Professionalism and business acumen are often in short supply in the fashion industry, but Frans has this part of his skill set down.

'The heart of a boy brought up in SA'

And there is no mistaking the commercial viability of his collection. But don't let the understated elegance of the show fool you into thinking that it lacks creative excitement.

In this collection there is a whiff of the French Riviera in the 40s, but with an African soul. There is a 1970s Pucci-at-cocktail-hour sentiment but with a nod to our indigenous tribes. Not obviously, you understand, but inherent in a very cosmopolitan collection beats the heart of a boy brought up in good old SA.

His references are overtly European new-money, without being Euro trash. He maintains this elegance to his designs by tapping into the timeless quality of a summer at the sea.

His use of luxe fabrics also contributes to the high quality of the look he achieves.

With liberal use of two of my all-time favourite fabrics, silk satin and silk chiffon — Frans infuses each garment with an ethereal beauty, enhanced by the sparing use of feathers, sequins and small bows.

Timelessness is also achieved through the use of a limited colour palette. The nautical elements of red, white and blue are present and correct, executed in trousers, shorts, blouses and dresses. While the black and white colour block mini kaftan, tunic and mac are enduring expressions of the monochrome look.

And yet there is unexpectedness in the sheerness of the blouse, the brightness of the one shoulder dress and the shortness of the cheeky little wrap. As the viewer you feel a little like a voyeur, as the wearer, you feel your own power and feminine confidence.

A young designer with the added bonus of extra life experience, Frans presented a mature and timeless collection of beautiful yet wearable garments. You take a risk when you wear one of these pieces, but the risk is sure and elegant and totally worth it.

For more information on Robyn and for photos from Joburg Fashion Week, go to: http://styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com