Global color authority Pantone has announced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as its Color of the Year for 2026, embracing the philosophy that sometimes with color, less is more. The billowy white shade features an ethereal hue that Pantone describes as being imbued with feelings of serenity and tranquility.
According to Pantone, Cloud Dancer serves as a powerful symbol of calming influence in today's frenetic society, which is rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet reflection. The color also represents humanity's desire for a fresh start while quieting the mind, encouraging true relaxation and focus, and evoking feelings of peace, unity, and cohesiveness throughout communities.
"At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, Cloud Dancer is a discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity," said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. Eiseman further explained that the cacophony surrounding modern life has become overwhelming, making it increasingly difficult to hear the voices of our inner selves. She described Cloud Dancer as a conscious statement of simplification that enhances focus and provides release from the distraction of external influences.
Pantone has maintained its tradition of releasing a Color of the Year annually since 1999, and this year's selection reflects current cultural trends. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, told CNN that the color was prominently featured at numerous high-profile events throughout the year. Notable appearances included an 18-foot train on singer Diana Ross's Met Gala dress and actress Emma Stone's Louis Vuitton dress at the Venice Film Festival.
"We are living in a transitional time where people are seeking truth, possibility, and a new way of living," Pressman explained. "Cloud Dancer is an airy white hue that exemplifies our search for balance between our digital future and our primal need for human connection—a liminal space that is a launchpad for creative expression as individuals and communities are experimenting beyond traditional boundaries, opening the door to increased imagination and innovation."
This selection follows recent Color of the Year choices that have reflected society's evolving emotional needs. The 2025 selection was Mocha Mousse, described as a mellow brown infused with sensorial and comforting warmth, while 2024 featured Peach Fuzz, a light, fruity tone that conjured feelings of peace and serenity. These choices demonstrate Pantone's continued focus on colors that address contemporary psychological and social needs in an increasingly complex world.
