Pantone's highly anticipated Colour of the Year for 2026 has ignited an unexpected firestorm of criticism, with many branding the choice as profoundly underwhelming and even politically insensitive. For the first time in the 26-year history of the annual selection, the colour authority has chosen a shade of white, dubbed "Cloud Dancer," a decision that has left many observers asking if the concept of colour itself has been abandoned.
A 'Billowy' White Sparks a Colourless Controversy
Revealed on Thursday, 4th December 2025, the new hue is described by Pantone as a "billowy and balanced" shade, comparable to milk, a pair of AirPods, or a blank sheet of paper. The company's Pantone Color Institute positioned "Cloud Dancer" as a reflection of a societal craving for "respite, less noise, less fun, more simplicity" and an opportunity for a "fresh start."
However, the public and design community's reaction on platforms like Instagram was swift and largely derisive. "Is colour in the room with us?" quipped one disappointed follower, capturing the sentiment of many who found the selection lacking inspiration. Another added, "Go girl, give us nothing," while a third pleaded, "You guys can redo this and pick an actual colour. Please and thank you." The overarching critique labelled the choice as simply "boring."
Interpretations Range from Dystopian to Overanalysed
The controversy deepened as some commentators interpreted the selection of a white shade through a political lens. One highly-liked comment, garnering over 1,000 likes, called the move "painfully tone-deaf" at a time "when white supremacy is resurfacing loudly in national leadership and policy," suggesting a troubling, if unintended, resonance.
Others dismissed this reading as an overanalysis of a simple colour choice. "Sometimes a colour, however threatening it may appear to the terminally online, is just a colour," argued one respondent, urging a more measured perspective. The Independent has contacted Pantone for further comment on the backlash.
Pantone Defends Choice as Symbol of a 'Transitional Time'
Defending the selection, Pantone executives framed "Cloud Dancer" as a deliberate and meaningful choice for the zeitgeist. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, stated that 2026 will be a "transitional time," with people "questioning everything: what we believe, how we want to live, where we want to live."
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Institute, described the shade as "imbued with serenity — a calming influence in a frenetic society." The Colour of the Year is intended to influence trends across fashion, interior design, and product development, reflecting collective moods and aspirations.
This choice marks a stark departure from recent selections. The 2025 Colour of the Year was the light brown "Mocha Mousse," which saw significant popularity in fashion. For 2024, Pantone chose a light peach tone meant to symbolise a collective desire for nurturing. Whether "Cloud Dancer" will achieve similar cultural penetration—or remain a symbol of a controversial misstep—remains to be seen.
