Pantone has revealed the color of the year 2026, and this year's choice is as interesting as it is symbolic.
Meet Cloud Dancer , the first shade of white to receive this designation from the world's color authority. Cloud Dancer is technically not a color in the classic sense at all.
In the official announcement, Pantone described Cloud Dancer as:
"Like a blank canvas, it symbolizes our desire for a fresh start. By peeling back layers of outdated thinking, we open the door to new ways of thinking and new approaches," Pantone said in its announcement.
According to Pantone, the PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer shade has a "light as air presence," acting as "a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world."
This is the first time Pantone has chosen white as the color of the year since the tradition began in 1999. The choice of Cloud Dancer marks a departure from the strong tones that usually grab attention, reflecting the global need for simplicity, clarity, and breathability.
Pantone is a global color standardization company. Each year, the Pantone Color Institute - a team of color experts and trend researchers - selects the color that will dominate design, fashion, art, technology, and culture.
