The word, "bamboo" brings to my mind a vision of an adorably cute panda munching on something that looks about as pliable as a tree trunk and about as soft as dry cactus. ( Thank you Discovery channel - I still enjoy the fact that said panda is relishing every porous stringy bite, despite my own not so decadent expectations of its taste and texture).

In another exciting development for both home designers and fashion visionaries, someone somewhere had the illustrious idea of converting this highly renewable source into both floor covering AND a very lush textile for daily use. *this years Sundance Lexus lounge featured an array of bamboo in various forms and without question, it' s one of the most versatile plants out there... you have to see this incredible bamboo chair from these girls ( www.kellylaplante.com )

The first bamboo item I ever touched was a simple tank top  - it flowed under my fingers like a mix of modal and silk. Smooth and slightly heavy with a "must touch it more" factor that caught me off guard. I immediately thought how Sass & Bide (my favorite Aussie dream-team of designers who elevated the jersey dress with their Wolfnation collection) could take this fabric and completely take over Fashion Week with it in a matter of minutes... *still waiting but I' m sure they' re on it:o)

The first pieces I was able to find were slightly limited (t shirts, tanks, basic tunics) but in the Spring of 2008, there is no shortage of  floaty and flowy cuts that seem tailored to maximize the qualities of bamboo fabric. I am a huge fa of Panda Snack... *dress in photo retails for sub $100 and comes in both white and BOLD fuschia... but again, Avita in L.A. and a ton of other stores are now carrying select pieces that range in style and color palette.

If you' ve kept bamboo word-association limited to that cute panda, I highly recommend this is the season you check out the new collections available in bamboo.. it feels glamorous yet relaxed; a backstage-after-a-runway-show kind of mix: capable to go couture but also totally happy chillin with jeans.

www.pandasnack.com