Did you ever wonder how that gown ended up in your possession or what kind of textile material it is composed of? When did people discover that fibers from plant, animals and even insects could be fashioned into something more useful, more versatile and more glamorous cloth? The use of natural fibers in apparels may have started way back thousands of years ago but the exact date is unknown as historians realized that countries that came to explore these fibers guarded their discoveries with all their might.

Flax is generally considered to be the oldest natural textile fiber and the use of it into weaving dates back to the Egyptian dynasties where flax were woven into linen and sewn as shrouds used in burying their pharaohs. Flax is grown in temperate and sub-tropical regions such as Russia, France, Belgium, Spain, Egypt, and among others.

Cotton, which is often spun into yarn or thread, is a native to the Americas, Pakistan, Africa and India. It has been spun, woven and dyed to clothe the ancient people of India, Egypt and China. Because cotton is highly absorbent, it is generally used in making bath towels, robes, blue jeans, socks, underwear, most T-shirts, bed sheets and yarn for knitting and crochet works. In addition to garment manufacturing, cotton is also used in fishnets, coffee filters and oil from cotton seeds.

Silk are produced by insects but the most popular of it is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm. Because of its absorbency, it is used mainly during warm season and its low conductivity keeps the skin warm during winter. Silk is widely used in making lingerie, ties, blouses, formal dresses, parachutes, comforter filling, and among others.

Wool, which is largely produced in Australia followed by New Zealand, is a textile fiber obtained from the hairs of animals such as sheep, goats, camel and rabbits. Wool is primarily used in the production of blankets, horse rugs and saddles, carpets and in some heavy machineries and radio speakers. It is also used as a cloth diaper covers because of its hydrophobic characteristics that repel water and the interior of the wool is used as a covering for wet diapers because of its ability to attract water thus the outer portion remain dry. Today, wool remains the most versatile such that its quality has never been duplicated by man-made or synthetic fiber.

Although in the recent years, fibers have been synthetically-made but the quality of natural fibers have never been surmounted or equaled. Natural or artificial, the competition has brought a positive effect to the consumers as they are given an option to choose from.

They say fashion changes with the blink of an eye. What’s en vogue this season would be a passé fashion next season. And, to keep it in style, you need to match your footsteps with the flickering trends in the fashion industry. This spring 2009 brings with it many new stylish mantras to brighten up your wardrobe. The trend this year is to play with colors. Jazz up your wardrobe with bright and lively colors. Cropped pants, asymmetric necklines, fringed dresses, kaleidoscopic prints, sexy totes are all in. The key lies in experimenting, however, remember no fashion is worth its bit if not comfy and relaxing.

Dare to wear bright: Bright and vivid colors are the colors of the season. Hues of pink, orange, burgundy and yellow have a special role in summer trends of 2009. These radiant and hot colors render an attractive and head turning look this sunny summer. However, the evergreen colors like subtle shades of sky blue, sea green and grey are classic colors for your beach parties.

Asymmetric dresses: One shoulder dresses are going to be very popular this season. Slip into a midriff, one-side shoulder dress colored in a bright shade and revel in the attention you grab. Shimmer and work of swarovski beaded dresses would be quite a hot pick. However, make sure that you don these dresses only if your figure allows you to.

Ripped Jeans: They ruled last summer and are a popular choice this year as well. Ripped Jeans are a great pick for that coveted cool ‘summer- ish’ casual look. Shades of blue are hot colors to pick from. Team them up with chic tops like tube tops, strapped-tops or a simple tee for a typical teen look.

Pleated Tulip Skirts: These skirts are indeed the hottest trends in the apparel industry. These skirts are wider at the hips, making them wearable for those with broad waist line and get narrower at the end. They look best on the thin and medium build. These skirts render a neat and elegant look owing to their pleats and pencil look towards the end. They look best a few inches above the knees. They are best teamed up with short, thin top that can be tucked inside the skirt.

Harem Pants: Apparel brands are choc-a-bloc with stylish harem pants this year. These pants are baggy at the top and tapered at the bottom. With the latest pleated look of harem pants you are sure to don a new retro look. They look best with chic tops that can be tucked inside the pants.

Bold totes: Big and bold totes are a perfect accessory that renders you a glam pact look for your kitty parties, bars and discotheques. Totes in Kaleidoscopic colors are the ones worth picking. Indulge into some glamorous options like bling, shimmer and bead studded totes. Strappy totes in bright vivid colors are also a chic choice this season.

These are some of the hot buzzing trends from the fashion arena. They are sure to render you an absolute glam pact look that you’ve been longing for. Follow these trends and be an enviable part of the fashionistas’ bandwagon. However, remember, what may look stylish on others does not qualify for a style statement for you. As you have a different built, slip into what complements and enhances your personality rather than just blindly following the trends.