Abstract prints are all the rave this season! What is abstract, you ask? Well, it is often defined as nonrepresentational art styles of the 20th century. The way I think of it, it’s any print you can’t define as one specific thing – say, floral or geometric. You know those crazy galaxy, meets paint stroke, printed leggings in your closet? Well, there is now a much easier way to describe them and it’s the broad term ‘abstract.’ Abstract can be used to describe a world of different fabrics that you can’t find an exact print name for such as geometric, striped, or checked. The beauty of this type of print is you can be as creative as you want with what you decide to pair it with, just like many designers have done this 2016 season as well as runways for 2017 collections. Big name designers such as Jason Wu, Chanel and Christopher Kane have all introduced us to the beautifully wild abstract prints they chose for their 2016 Spring/Summer runway collections. They have clearly proven, as you can see in the photos below, you can take abstract prints like these and let your imagination run wild. These designers shouldn’t be the only ones using abstract prints this season! We have a number of mind-blowing prints here at Mood, including ones from designers such as J. Mendel that have been used in his runway shows! 
Abstract chiffon or organza was most likely the fabric of choice for the looks on the left and right of the middle photo. The dress on the left is definitely made with chiffon because of its flowy look and spectacular drape. The right hand side also makes use of a chiffon, but in a more structured manor, giving it a bit of volume on the bottom yet a light and airy feel for the bodice and sleeves. In the middle it is a bit harder to tell the fabric of choice, but the sweater like top has a knit look to it and the skirt has more of a silky look in the way that it drapes. Considering that some knit and silks drape similarly they could be made of one or the other, which is a cool aspect to keep in mind when searching for an abstract fabric.
If you are looking to create a design out of a chiffon fabric or a look similar to the looks above here are some suggestions from Mood:
Oscar de la Renta Turquoise Abstract Silk Organza
Black/Multicolor Abstract Floral Crinkled Silk Chiffon
Multi-Colored Abstract Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene/Scuba Knit (This one would be especially great for a sweatshirt or swim suit!)
I can definitely say, as a design student with a wide imagination, it excites me that abstract prints have become so popular! Any form of art allowing you to be as creative as you desire is incredibly inspirational. Although some of the abstract fabric is too “out there” for some people, there are also abstract prints that aren’t so wild that would still be a fun way to express yourself. For those of you who are a more solid print shopper don’t be afraid to step outside the box with a fun palazzo pant you can wear on the weekends, sure to have people asking where you got them, or an exciting pool cover up never to be seen by your co-workers. If you are afraid of stepping a bit out of your comfort zone I am sure Mood still has an abstract in black and white that would match nearly anything and still give you a bit of ” something different”. Even a simple scarf would be super cute to spice up that solid tee! Here are some fabric and print suggestions from Mood:
Black/White Abstract Stretch Cotton Panel
Warm Abstract Digitally Printed Mercerized Cotton Sateen
White/Blue/Green/Brown Bold Abstract-Print Cotton Batiste
Champagne Abstract Silk and Lycra Blend Charmeuse
To my wild and crazy imagination group of designers who are not afraid to take a leap, Mood also has fabric for you. Get creative with a wide leg, low cut, jumper this summer! Keeping in mind that some abstract fabrics we offer are a bit transparent or translucent. They would look great as an overlay to your favorite color fabric. Maxi skirts, flowy blouses, sweaters, tote bags, and cell phone cases are just some of the few possibilities with your extensive imagination and the fabrics Mood has to offer! Another exciting note, there are abstract prints in fabrics for all four seasons! Here are some personal favorites from our site:
Blue/Green/Pink Abstract Geometric Viscose Jersey
Blue Stained Glass Digitally Printed Stretch Neoprene/Scuba Knit
Blue-and-Pink Abstract Jersey Print
Black Abstract Geometric Lace w/ Scalloped Eyelash Edges
Below is the J. Mendel abstract fabric that I previously mentioned, which we offer here at Mood! In the largest photo you will see that he has created a simple, everyday, dress silhouette to let the fabric stand out on its own. The smaller photo on the top right is has a more flirty outlook with the abstract organza being used as the top paired with a pant of the same approach.
J. Mendel Runway
Jump aboard the abstract train and get creative with me! How are you going to use abstract prints in your next project?
