Pantone has named “Cloud Dancer” its Color of the Year for 2026, choosing a soft, balanced white meant to convey calm and clarity. The Pantone Color Institute says the shade reflects a growing desire for serenity as technology plays a larger role in daily life.
Executive director Leatrice Eiseman told CNN the color symbolizes “new beginnings” and a shift toward quiet reflection. Pantone’s annual selection, in place since 1999, draws on cultural, political, and design trends before narrowing down a specific shade and name.
Cloud Dancer also aligns with current fashion and interior trends, from feathered Met Gala looks to clean white silhouettes and natural materials.
Click through the following gallery to discover how Pantone’s color tradition began, and why its origins can be traced back to birds (yes, birds!).