Yet another fashion week has come and gone and, like most all around the world, there were some high points and some that were a bit on the low side. There was some tummy-clutching hilarity and some disappointment. There were some times when you raised your eyes to the heavens and said out loud, "seriously?" and there were moments when the word "wow" just popped out your mouth involuntarily.

But what did all this tell us about what trends we will be wearing when spring rolls irrevocably around again later this year? With the very best of intentions, not a whole lot, I'm afraid...

My musing that you may be interested in, however:

1. The lovely Tatum Keshwar, Miss SA 2009, can really walk a runway. She is beautiful and statuesque and rolls down that catwalk like she was born to do it. Whatever comes of her reign and charity work, you can put money on the fact that she has a real career in runway — both as a model and as a coach or trainer.

2. Authentic, true creative eccentricity will always win the day. Ella Buter from the label Superella was one of the standout stars of the show. Not because she captured the international trends to the letter, but because her collection was totally identifiable as representative of her fashion aesthetic, in a way that was wearable, individual, humorous and true. It was simple domestic worker chic with a twist of innovation and a spritz of prettiness. I'll be getting some of that — from Mungo & Jemima in Cape Town and Just in Stanley Avenue, Joburg.

3. Regional centres have regional style. Well, you knew that, but what made it really stand out for me this week was the level of tolerance one has for shininess. I believe it increases exponentially the further you move from the coast to the Highveld. Men's wear that includes the sharp and beautifully crafted shiny suit is not to the taste of those from the coast, but, my goodness it can raise a cheer from the crowds up north. Similarly, the tight satin evening dress is a winner (with some added beading) for the ladies who are seen around the hot spots of Jozi but would look out of place at the new One&Only Resort at the V&A Waterfront.

4. Ethical fashion is not only practically possible and potentially beautiful but can also standout from a fashion perspective. Lunar once again demonstrated their fashion pedigree with a simple layered collection of textured and sheer neutrals in natural fibres. All the garments were very wearable and comfortable and you can start to imagine the experience of each garment as you see it, in a real life context. I can't wait to get my hands on some for myself from their store in CT or Stanley Ave.

5. There is a real gap in the men's wear market. There is simply not enough of it around — and when it is, it is a little too predicable. Sure there are always some highlights to make you smile, but really there needs to be far more attention paid to the possibilities of men's wear by local fashion designers. Something to really grab the attention of the South African man, particularly those who don't wear suits on a day-to-day basis.

6. While I am not sure I needed to see every single piece of Colleen Eitzen's beautifully neutral collection in every single one of the five colours ways, she remains firmly one of my favourite designers. And I shall not be hesitating to snap up several of these wearable and flattering pieces for my own wardrobe from The Space, come spring. I just need to choose a colour.

7. Tanya Demby's geometric sportswear collection made her the young one to watch in 2009. It possibly needed to be a bit more directional and designed for production, but the vision is individual and very accessible. Interesting.

8. If you are planning a wedding, look no further than Abigail Betz for your dress and the outfits for your retinue. You can count on beautiful fabrics, exquisitely crafted and much happiness from your bridesmaids who would never have imagined they would get to wear a dress so lovely. No fashion surprises either, though.

9. Clive Rundle blew my mind. I mean he totally drained me of any coherent thought. And I still can't marshal my ideas around his conceptual collection of wildlife design. Don't get me wrong, it was amazing. But it was also totally overwhelming. I will get back to you in about three months when I have figured it all out for myself.

10. And finally, a word for the designers. SASFW was organised to be the very first time that our season timed pretty closely with that of the international fashion weeks (held in Europe only a couple of months ago). This was an opportunity for designers to get in line and show that SA fashion is not just a follow up act, but can be a part of the definition of trend and style. Sadly, the fashion direction was almost entirely summer 08/09 and a huge opportunity has been missed. It is the job of designers to stay abreast of the global trends, to study the international landscape of fabric and texture, to explore the possibilities of construction and pattern and to constantly refine and mine all individual points of reference. Only after all of this should they be putting a collection together. Maybe something to consider for the future.

For more information on Robyn and photos of people attending SASFW, go to: http://styleguidecapetown.blogspot.com