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- Pantone names its 2026 color of the year (nbcnews.com)
Pantone Declares “Cloud Dancer” as 2026 Color of the Year, Signaling a Fresh Start
As the new year approaches, color authority Pantone has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 Color of the Year: “Cloud Dancer.” Announced on December 4th, this serene white hue is described by the company as “a billowy, balanced white imbued with a feeling of serenity,” intended to both calm and inspire us toward new beginnings.
Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is characterized as an “ethereal” shade, symbolizing a “calming influence in a frenetic society.” The color evokes the image of a blank canvas, reflecting a collective desire for fresh starts and renewal. Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, emphasizes the color’s ability to quiet the mind.
“At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a discrete hue offering a promise of clarity,” Eiseman stated. “The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves.”
Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, added that this white hue “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.”
Beyond simply naming the color, Pantone is also launching a creative initiative in 2026 to highlight artists who interpret “Cloud Dancer” in their work. This program will feature “surprise limited-edition designs from artists across all areas of design, from graphics to fashion,” showcasing the soothing power of the new color. This initiative is part of a broader exploration by the company to commission art and celebrate creativity.
For the inaugural project, Pantone is collaborating with illustrator and visual artist Emiliano Ponzi. Ponzi will create a limited-edition tote bag, translating “Cloud Dancer” through his unique artistic style, which combines conceptual depth with graphic precision. This exclusive tote will be available for purchase by Pantone enthusiasts.
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- Pantone names its 2026 color of the year (nbcnews.com)