A New Creative Collaboration with Pine Crest Fabrics
I’m excited to share a collaboration that feels especially meaningful to me — a new print partnership with Pine Crest Fabrics, one of the most respected names in performance and swimwear textiles.
Together, we developed a curated selection of four exclusive print stories, designed for swimwear, activewear, and fashion applications, combining trend research, artistic expression, and technical performance.
The result is a collection that feels contemporary, versatile, and deeply connected to where fashion and function are heading for 2026–2027.
This collaboration brings together what I love most: storytelling through print, thoughtful color work, and designs that truly come alive when applied to the right fabric base.
Theme 1 — Boho Group: Luxury Folk Olive
This group is rooted in heritage and craftsmanship, reimagined through a modern lens.
The prints combine:
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A geometric chain motif inspired by classic ornamental design
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A layered paisley scarf print with overlapping scales and movement
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A hand-painted abstract with organic, expressive shapes
Together, they create a rich visual language that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Color story: All of these prints share an olive-based color palette, tying them together cohesively. The olive base acts as the “new neutral” for 2026. As consumers continue to prioritize biophilic (nature-loving) design, this mossy green replaces traditional greys or blacks. It signals sustainability, organic connection, and calm.
Applications: swimwear, activewear, and fashion apparel, such as dresses, skirts, and shirts.
Recommended fabric bases:
Kira Recycled Tricot, Sassy Rib, Fox Recycled Active Tricot
Theme 2 — Boho Group: Luxury Folk (Deep Red Edition)
This second Boho group explores a richer, more dramatic mood, inspired by depth, warmth, and understated glamour.
The paisley motif takes center stage here, layered with texture and tonal contrasts to create a sense of richness and dimension — perfect for elevated collections.
Color Story: Deep Burgundy / Oxblood is the hero color in this group. In 2026, deep reds are predicted to be the dominant emotive hue, replacing the brighter “Viva Magenta” tones of past years. It conveys power, luxury, and warmth for the Fall/Winter season. Brown, Gold, and Silver play as a great addition to deep red. Cocoa / Dark Taupe pairs with the red to create a monochromatic warmth that feels expensive and comforting. Harvest Gold adds a “retro filter” to the look. Silver / Mist Grey: cuts through the warmth of the red and brown, offering a sleek, metallic edge.
Applications: swimwear, activewear, fashion apparel. This print appeals to consumers who want their workout gear to match their everyday wardrobe.
Recommended fabric bases: Endurance Repreve® Recycled Polyester, Wind Rec, Duck Dive Luxe Scuba Knit
This group is ideal for brands blending performance with lifestyle aesthetics.
Theme 3 — Active Abstract: Deep Sea Voltage
This group celebrates movement, optimism, and energy.
Combining an abstract flowing print with a dynamic leopard-inspired pattern, this story translates motion into visual rhythm — perfect for brands looking to stand out while staying wearable.
Color Story: The color story combines the mystery of deep-ocean tones with the artificial glow of screen lights. It relies on high contrast to create a sense of urgency and energy. Key color in this group is Midnight Navy – a deep, saturated neutral that grounds the palette and offers a slimming, premium base for the brighter accents. Acid Lime contrasts with the dark blue, adding energy. Petrol Teal – a cool-toned blue-green that bridges the gap between nature (water) and technology (fiber optics). Haptic Peach – A soft, synthetic coral tone that adds to the palette a necessary touch of warmth and skin-like softness, representing the human body within the machine.
Applications: swimwear, activewear (leggings, tops), and fashion apparel
Recommended fabric bases:
Dynamo Mesh, Tide Recycled Stretch Woven, Oval Athletic Mesh
Theme 4 — Active Abstract: Solar Optimism
This group focuses on energy, movement, and optimism.
The prints combine abstract flowing elements with a leopard-inspired design, translating motion into visual rhythm. The result is a story that feels dynamic, confident, and highly wearable across categories.
Color story: This mood-boosting palette blends the warmth of a summer sunset with the grounding strength of deep blues. As well as in the previous group, Midnight Navy anchors the story. Berry Crush/Magenta brings a deeper, more sporty evolution of pinks for 2026. Solar Orange/Marigold adds a hit of vitality, and Digital Blush softens the mix with a touch of femininity.
Applications: swimwear, activewear, and fashion apparel, such as dresses, skirts, and shirts. These prints will look perfect in new-gen or vacation tennis and golf customers who want to stand out, and the abstract, organic prints translate easily across categories—from sports bras to rash guards and resort swim.
Recommended fabric bases: Orion Recycled Shiny Tricot, Emerge Jersey, Athleisure Ottoman Rib
See the collection
About Pine Crest Fabrics
Pine Crest Fabrics is a leader in performance textiles — where innovation meets artistry. For decades, they’ve supplied the swimwear, activewear, and fashion industries with fabrics that don’t just look beautiful, but perform beautifully. Their focus on sustainability, design, and creative collaboration has made them a go-to partner for designers pushing boundaries and shaping what’s next in activewear and swimwear.
Together, we’ve created a collection that celebrates color, movement, and storytelling through fabric — a fusion of performance and imagination.
Explore the exclusive Pine Crest x Gabriela Fuente print collection and see how each design brings art to life in motion:
View the collection here
