The selection of “Cloud Dancer,” an icy white hue, as the Pantone Colour of the Year for 2026 has sparked a fierce debate, particularly among some liberals who are criticising it as insensitive and out of touch. The announcement on Pantone’s Instagram page, which described Cloud Dancer as “a calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection,” has been met with a wave of disapproval.
The colour was promoted as “a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world,” but the response has been anything but quiet. Critics have strongly condemned the company’s choice, drawing comparisons to controversial campaigns like Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle “genes” advertisement and even coining the term “Pantonedeaf” to express their dissatisfaction.
One Instagram user directly questioned the announcement, asking, “Did Sydney Sweeney have a say in this?”
Another comment highlighted the potential for unintended consequences, stating that the colour “unintentionally aligns with cultural and political symbolism that many of us find deeply troubling.”
In response to the criticism, Laurie Pressman, Vice-President of the Pantone Color Institute, defended the decision. Speaking to the Washington Post, she stated that “skin tones did not factor into this at all.” She also pointed out that this isn’t the first time Pantone’s colour choices have faced backlash, citing similar reactions to the selection of “Peach Fuzz” (a skin-toned shade) for 2024 and “Mocha Mousse” (a warm brown) the year before.
The controversy has also drawn in high-profile influencers. Mathew Boudreaux of Mx Domestic Fabric Shop cautioned that the colour choice is “hard to separate from the broader cultural context we’re living in.”
Anthony Bruno, an interior designer, shared his thoughts on TikTok, acknowledging that Cloud Dancer is “chic” but questioning whether “a single person of colour was in the room” when the decision was made. He further emphasised his belief that the choice was “tone-deaf.”
Bruno also commented on Instagram, reminding his followers that “design and art is and has always been political.”
The Purpose of Pantone’s Colour of the Year Program
Pantone launched its Color of the Year program in 1999 with the aim of fostering a global dialogue about how colour reflects culture. According to their website, the goal is to “highlight to our audience how what is taking place in our global culture is expressed and reflected through the language of color.”
Recurring Criticisms of Pantone’s Colour Choices
The controversy surrounding “Cloud Dancer” is not an isolated incident. Pantone’s past colour selections have also faced criticism, raising questions about the company’s awareness of cultural sensitivities and the potential for unintended interpretations of colour symbolism. Some examples of past controversies include:
Peach Fuzz (2024): This skin-toned shade sparked debate about its potential to exclude or marginalise individuals with different skin tones. Critics argued that it reinforced existing biases related to beauty standards and representation.
Mocha Mousse (2023): While intended as a warm and inviting colour, “Mocha Mousse” also faced scrutiny, with some questioning its connection to racial stereotypes or its potential to be misinterpreted in certain cultural contexts.
The Broader Implications
The debate surrounding Pantone’s colour choices highlights the complex relationship between colour, culture, and society. It underscores the importance of considering the potential impact of design decisions on diverse audiences and the need for greater awareness of cultural sensitivities. The controversy also raises questions about the role of corporations in shaping cultural narratives and the responsibility they have to be inclusive and representative in their messaging.
The Power of Colour in Design
Colour is a powerful tool in design, capable of evoking emotions, conveying meaning, and shaping perceptions. It is essential for designers and brands to be mindful of the cultural and social implications of their colour choices and to strive for inclusivity and sensitivity in their work. The ongoing debate surrounding Pantone’s Color of the Year serves as a reminder that colour is never neutral and that its interpretation is always shaped by context and experience.