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Pantone Names ‘Cloud Dancer,’ a Soft White, as 2026 Color of the Year

The institute presents the neutral white as a soothing pause that clears space for creative renewal.

Overview

  • Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is introduced as an airy white meant to convey calm, clarity and reconnection.
  • Leaders Laurie Pressman and Leatrice Eiseman describe the choice as a blank-canvas reset intended to open space for imagination.
  • Pantone says the selection stems from global trend analysis, color psychology and anthropological observation.
  • Heavy interest followed the reveal, with reports that Pantone’s site briefly went down as the countdown ended.
  • Brands moved quickly with tie‑ins, including Play‑Doh, Post‑it’s Neutrality Collection, Mandarin Oriental tea and spa experiences, and a Spotify multisensory playlist collaboration, as fashion houses also leaned into the shade.