Pantone, the renowned colour authority, has once again made headlines by proclaiming cloud dancer as its 2026 Colour of the Year. However, this move is sparking intense debate among fashion experts and cultural commentators.
Critics argue that Pantone's decision reflects a worrying trend towards "quiet luxury" and a clean-girl aesthetic, which prioritizes traditional values over diversity and inclusivity. Nicole Ocran, writer and podcaster, believes that cloud dancer embodies the eugenics-y ideology of purity and perfection, which is particularly problematic given the current climate of rising white nationalism.
Others argue that Pantone's Colour of the Year is nothing new, with many colours deemed "neutral" or "beauty whites." Paddy O'Donnell, international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, points out that a nuanced white like cloud dancer would be a welcome addition to their palette, as it can add warmth and depth to interior design.
However, Gabrielle Minoli, writer and content creator, sees cloud dancer as a "white supremacist dog-whistle," with its name and tone evoking the uncanny veneers of Fox News broadcasters. She suggests that Pantone's positioning of cloud dancer as a blank slate for increased imagination and innovation is eerily similar to language used by big tech executives to persuade us to buy into AI tools that chip away at our creativity and critical thinking.
On the other hand, Jules Standish, colour consultant and author, views cloud dancer as incredibly neutral, with its lack of warmth or coolness making it suitable for a wide range of individuals. She notes that white is notoriously tricky in colour analysis, but suggests that cloud dancer would look great on people during the summer season.
Ultimately, Pantone's decision to name cloud dancer its Colour of the Year raises important questions about the role of fashion and design in reflecting and shaping societal values. As our world becomes increasingly divided, it's essential that we engage with these conversations and use colour as a tool for creativity and self-expression – rather than just a marketing ploy.
Critics argue that Pantone's decision reflects a worrying trend towards "quiet luxury" and a clean-girl aesthetic, which prioritizes traditional values over diversity and inclusivity. Nicole Ocran, writer and podcaster, believes that cloud dancer embodies the eugenics-y ideology of purity and perfection, which is particularly problematic given the current climate of rising white nationalism.
Others argue that Pantone's Colour of the Year is nothing new, with many colours deemed "neutral" or "beauty whites." Paddy O'Donnell, international brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball, points out that a nuanced white like cloud dancer would be a welcome addition to their palette, as it can add warmth and depth to interior design.
However, Gabrielle Minoli, writer and content creator, sees cloud dancer as a "white supremacist dog-whistle," with its name and tone evoking the uncanny veneers of Fox News broadcasters. She suggests that Pantone's positioning of cloud dancer as a blank slate for increased imagination and innovation is eerily similar to language used by big tech executives to persuade us to buy into AI tools that chip away at our creativity and critical thinking.
On the other hand, Jules Standish, colour consultant and author, views cloud dancer as incredibly neutral, with its lack of warmth or coolness making it suitable for a wide range of individuals. She notes that white is notoriously tricky in colour analysis, but suggests that cloud dancer would look great on people during the summer season.
Ultimately, Pantone's decision to name cloud dancer its Colour of the Year raises important questions about the role of fashion and design in reflecting and shaping societal values. As our world becomes increasingly divided, it's essential that we engage with these conversations and use colour as a tool for creativity and self-expression – rather than just a marketing ploy.
I THINK IT'S FUNNY HOW PEOPLE ARE ARGUING ABOUT THIS BEING A "QUIET LUXURY" THING OR SOME KIND OF CODE FOR RACISM. NEWSFLASH: PINK IS THE NEW WHITE AND WE'RE OVER IT. 
seriously though, i think it's great that people are talking about how colour reflects our values and stuff. but can't we just choose a colour that makes everyone feel good? not just some generic "neutral" vibe.
... I mean, I've never been one for fancy colours, but there's something about it that's kinda soothing? Like, it's not too bright or overpowering, you know? But at the same time, I can see why people would get upset about it. I don't think I'm super woke to all the nuances of colour theory and stuff, but I do know that white can be a pretty divisive topic... especially when it comes with a name like cloud dancer 
. I guess what I'm saying is, I'm curious to see how this whole thing plays out in real life... will we start seeing more "cloud dancer" whites on the fashion runways and in our homes? Only time (and Pantone) will tell 
! I mean, what's next? Will we be getting a Colour of the Year that says " conformity is key"? 
It feels like they're promoting this idea of " purity" and perfection, which is super problematic. And honestly, it just looks so boring 
. Can't they choose something more vibrant and fun? Like a bright coral or sunshine yellow? 
Something that would make us all happy instead of feeling like we need to tone down our individuality. 
It's just colour, it's not like it's gonna single-handedly spark a revolution or anything 
But honestly, what's with the whole white supremacist dog-whistle thing? That feels like a stretch to me... 
[GIF of a painter trying to add color to a blank canvas] Art is subjective, but that doesn't mean we should get worked up over a colour 
[Image of a person in a white room with a warm cup of coffee] Warmth and depth come from within 
. Can't we just talk about colours without having to unpack all that baggage?
. Paddy O'Donnell's point about it adding warmth and depth to interior design is a good one, and Jules Standish's observation about its lack of warmth or coolness making it suitable for a wide range of individuals is spot on too.
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. What are your thoughts on cloud dancer and Pantone's Colour of the Year?
I'm actually kinda stoked to see cloud dancer being Pantone's 2026 Colour of the Year! 
. And isn't Pantone supposed to be all about inspiration and creativity? But this year they're just telling us to calm down and go beige 
It sounds like a bunch of buzzwords: neutrality, creativity, innovation... yawn. Can't we just have some colours that pop already?! 
But at the same time, it's hard not to see what Paddy O'Donnell said about adding warmth and depth to interior design... maybe cloud dancer is actually just a fancy way of saying "white is still weird". 
so pantone is doing cloud dancer as 2026 colour of the year and i have to say i'm literally torn i mean its def a pretty colour but at the same time i can see why ppl are getting upset about it like Nicole Ocran said how it reflects this "quiet luxury" aesthetic thats super problematic because im all about diversity and inclusivity in fashion and design 
but then Gabrielle Minoli takes it to a whole new level saying its like a "white supremacist dog-whistle" idk what to make of that lol
Like, we need some excitement and risk-taking in our lives, you know? 
But on the other hand, I love how people are having different opinions about it - like, Paddy O'Donnell's point about Farrow & Ball wanting a nuanced white is a great one 
. But then again, Gabrielle Minoli's theory about it being a "dog-whistle" for white supremacy is like... whoa 
Like, come on Pantone, be more thoughtful with your branding! And I'm with Jules Standish on the summer vibes, but can't we also have a "Colour of the Year" that sparks conversations and challenges societal norms? 
... anyway, I guess what I'm saying is that cloud dancer might be a bit of a complicated choice 
. Like, I get it, it's a pretty and all that, but isn't it a bit too perfect? Doesn't it feel like we're being told what to think and feel with these kinda colours? I mean, can't we have some more depth and messiness in our lives? 
. Like, is it really just a colour or does it have deeper meanings? And what does it say about us as a society that we're even having these conversations? 