So we are four days into the inaugural Arise Africa Fashion Week, currently running for a week at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. And so far I have two very clear observations.

Obviously, I have an opinion of a good deal more than that which I will no doubt share with you all in good time, but there are two individual messages that I have received loud and clear, with no room for doubt.

The first is that African fashion works. When it is done right, it is fantastic and desirable and a welcome addition to any fashionista's wardrobe.

What is African fashion, I hear you ask? Well, it is fashion that speaks of the heart, soul and landscape of this great continent — it is reflected in the vibrancy of the colours, the tones of the neutrals and the details of the beading and patterns.

It is, quite simply, the loving toil at the hands of a child of Africa. But, please note, I said it works when it is done well. And this is a key point of difference.

Inspiring Nigerian, Ituen Basi

The entire week kicked off with a wonderfully inspiring collection by Nigerian Ituen Basi. With silhouettes incorporating all the most trendy modern shapes, including jumpsuits, shoulder emphasis and fringing, this designer blasted our preconceived notions of the use of traditional African fabric to shreds.

She referenced Chanel and Louis Vuitton. She channelled the '20s and the '30s and she did it all in layer upon layer of the brightest African print imaginable.

It was a revelation of how to interpret modern fashion design, whilst retaining your African identity. There wasn't a fishtail shirt or bustier in sight.

Sublime craftsmanship

Gloria Wavamunno, a Ugandan with a fashion week debut collection, was the fresh voice of African couture. Her craftsmanship was sublime and her fabric choices exciting. Her designs were young and funky and challenging and fun. But her collection was indivisible from her homeland and the no-longer-dark continent of Africa.

Another Nigerian, Tiffany Amber, showed a very accomplished collection. It was cohesive and executed flawlessly. It was mature and included casual day wear, smarter day wear and evening wear. And I want her turquoise silk caftan with brown corded waist detail in my wardrobe now please. As a modern interpretation of a traditional African kaftan, it worked incredibly well. And it was as beautiful as it was stylish and comfortable. Perfect.

Jewel by Lisa was another stand out for the dedicated followers of fashion this week.

The craft of integrating beading and embellishment into the fabrics and then into the design of the garment was lifted into another realm in this collection. Her gloriously feminine separates and gentle floral dresses were some of the most desirable garments on show.

Specific trends for next summer

The second thing that I have observed at Arise Africa Fashion Week is that there are very specific trends to look out for in next summer's clothing.

These have been so ubiquitous that it is teetering on the edge of a wee bit boring. Having said that, it requires real talent and innovation to make these items look interesting and several of the designers have been able to do this successfully.

So make a note ladies, you will need the following in your wardrobes for next summer: the one-shoulder day, maxi or cocktail dress, the lantern skirt, the jumpsuit and the romper suit (shorts version), some ruffles and bows and possibly some volume in your outfit — sleeves, skirt or shoulders. Your swimsuit will be an evolved one-piece and your colours will be bright, but specifically shades of cobalt and coral.

I am off to watch the next set of shows and will report back on it all soon.

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

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