Cape Town Fashion Week 2011 was another edition on the global fashion calendar, with a host of local designers showcasing their talent on the runway. The fashion on display was awash with bright colours and bold trends. We’re excited to see if this year’s crop of designers can better it.

With a diverse range of designer shows, it’s difficult to pick out the highlights, but here are the looks we loved from last year’s fashion week:

Colour blocking by Danielle Margaux: colour blocking exploded into fashion stardom last season when it became the most talked about trend on runways across the world. The satin-feel colour blocking ensembles that dotted Habits’ showcase was a fun, fresh explosion of colour with a sophisticated edge. 

Asymmetrical stripes at Habits: Stripes are a hot classic print, from Riviera prints to Breton stripes. Habits’ collection featured flowing maxi dresses in bold stripes of different colours, creating a moving, light silhouette with a fun element. 

White florals by Abigail Betz: An ultra-femme show by Abigail Betz had us in a bridal mood, with white lace and florals dominating this fashion showcase. The show was romantic as well as classy plus the soft ruffles, delicate florals and layers of lace were worth swooning over.

Gavin Rajah’s Jaipur inspired style: Gavin Rajah’s show combined Indian-style prints, contemporary fashion shapes and a variety of materials to create an eclectic look that was ethereal, eclectic and chic. Tying everything together in pink, the colour of Jaipur, the show created a faraway, adventurous look that we loved.

Bold prints by Lalesso: Oceanic print and Navajo style garments made up Lalesso’s bright, slightly eccentric show. We loved the bold, childlike shell-stamped prints that dotted this collection and the geometric, Navajo-inspired motifs. 

Jewel tones and geometric print by Tart: The runway show from fashion house Tart was a stark display of geometric, matrix-style print and monochrome outfits in jewel tones. These stunning bursts of colour in draped styles were eye catching and cheerful.

Jumpsuits and leather at Lisp: The sultry, steamy line by Lisp featured daring leather shorts and jumpsuits with plunging necklines. This show was hot, flowing and bold – everything a fashion show should be.

Athletic inspired style by Stefania Morland: Who said sport isn’t fashionable? Stefania Morland’s show used athletic silhouettes, pepped up with neon colours and sculpted lines for a sporty look. Trim, tailored pieces to enhance an athletic shape, some in muted tones, created the perfect finishing pieces for this show.?

Image credit: Simon Deiner Photography/SDR Photo/Cape Town Fashion Week 2011/Lalesso | Tart | Gavin Rajah | Habits | Leigh Schubert | Stefania Morland |  Danielle Margaux