In today’s world, every decision you make has implications, whether you intend them or not. Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026, ‘Cloud Dancer’, has been the subject of controversy since its announcement on December 4, 2025, as critics argue that there are racial and social undertones in their choice this year.
Since 1999, Pantone, a brand that provides “a universal color language,” has their Pantone color institute choose a color it feels represents the cumulative culture, fashion, social, economic, and artistic trends of the year. The institute takes its time carefully interpreting, predicting, and observing patterns and trends before announcing the color of the year. This year, the color chosen was ‘Cloud Dancer.’ The institute describes “A whisper of tranquility and peace in a noisy world.” (Pantone Institute) ‘Cloud Dancer’ is a balanced, almost white color that is meant to reflect peace and stillness, but was the choice made from a visionary perspective, or is there something more?
Currently, there is considerable public discourse about our political climate, environmental choices, and social justice. In America’s rocky social environment, Pantone is receiving a great deal of criticism for its reportedly “Tone Deaf” choice. (Marie Claire AU) In a society where ideas of white supremacy and racial exclusion are reportedly present, is it correct or okay for a company to choose something too close to white as the tone setter (literally) for the year to come? The consensus online is no, but Leatrice Eisman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says otherwise.
In a statement issued by the spokeswoman, Eisman says, “The global team at the Pantone Color Institute selected this color for its emotional and creative resonance, not as a statement on politics, ideology, or race. Pantone does not assign political narratives to color; to select or avoid a hue on that basis would give such narratives a significance they do not hold in this process.” (WWD) Eisman has defended the institute’s choice and confidence in ‘Cloud Dancer’ as 2026’s Color of the Year.
Regardless of the controversy, it is inarguable that ‘cloud dancer’ is an essential neutral. Pantone has collaborated with Joybird, Play-Doh, and Post-It to bring the color into the public eye and celebrate the color’s relevance in society. Furniture company Joybird has collaborated with Pantone on a collection of couches and ottomans, capturing the tranquility of ‘cloud dancer’ by bringing it into homes and exploring its versatility from a design perspective. Pantone has also collaborated with Play-Doh on a new color that allows the everyday person to design, play with, and touch the clouds with their imagination.
Despite the brand’s intent, this year’s “tranquil” color brought on different emotions from critics and spectators. The implicit racial and social messages have been received, and Pantone is left facing some precariously balancing themes in our nation and society. The controversy has led to global awareness and interest in a field not often looked upon by the masses, and many are anxiously awaiting next winter when the next color gets its fifteen minutes of fame.
