Pantone has announced PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer as its Colour of the Year for 2026 – a soft, airy white chosen to represent calm, clarity and creative renewal in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Described as a “billowy, balanced white”, Cloud Dancer is intended to evoke feelings of serenity and the sense of a fresh start. Pantone says the hue reflects society’s growing desire to strip away noise, simplify, and create the mental space needed for reflection and innovation.
According to the colour authority, Cloud Dancer functions much like a blank canvas: a visual reset that encourages rest, focus and imagination. The organisation says the shade embodies a shift towards contentment, unity and a more mindful way of living, marking a move away from excess and relentless demands.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, said the selected colour captures the mood of a world reassessing its priorities. “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. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences.”
Laurie Pressman, Vice-President of the Pantone Color Institute, added that Cloud Dancer speaks to the tension between technological acceleration and human connection. “It exemplifies our search for balance between our digital future and our primal need for connection… a liminal space that is a launchpad for creative expression.”
To mark the launch, Pantone is introducing a new creative initiative celebrating artists and designers. Throughout 2026 the company will release limited-edition pieces interpreting Cloud Dancer across disciplines from graphic design to fashion.
The first collaboration features illustrator and visual artist Emiliano Ponzi, who has designed a limited-edition tote bag incorporating his signature visual style. The exclusive item will be available via Pantone’s website, with further artist-led releases set to follow as part of Pantone’s wider commitment to supporting creativity and commissioning original work.
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