Pantone’s Pick For 2026 Color Of The Year Sparks Online Outrage
‘What In The Unseasoned Chicken Is Goin’ On Here?’—Pantone’s Pick For 2026 Color Of The Year Sparks Outrage - Page 2
Pantone dropped its 2026 Color of the Year, and reactions were instant. The shade is officially called Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201)—a soft, airy white the brand describes as “calming and fresh.” It’s also the first white Color of the Year since the program began in 1999.
Pantone says Cloud Dancer reflects “a cultural craving for quiet in a world that feels nonstop.” They’re calling it a blank canvas, a breath, a moment to regroup.
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Black Creatives Aren’t Really Here For Pantone’s White Prediction
But a whole lot of folks in fashion, beauty, and design still side-eyed the announcement. Some say the pick feels uninspired; others say it’s totally out of step with the current climate.
Many Black creators pointed out the political and cultural weight of choosing white for 2026, especially with everything happening in the culture right now.
Pantone’s response? Conversation means the color is doing its job. Cute. But the takes have been rolling in fast.
Is Pantone Wrong For Selecting White? It Kind Of Depends Who You Ask
From a fashion perspective, it’s not that simple. Yes, the timing feels odd, and yes, Cloud Dancer sparked criticism around being “sterile,” “boring,” or “tone-deaf.” But designers and brands across interiors and fashion are already running with it.
According to Architectural Digest, several major home and lifestyle companies have praised the shade for its versatility, softness, and the way it plays with natural light. Interior designers, including some quoted in Elle Decor, are calling it spa-like, airy, and easy to build a room around. And according to recent previews shared by WWD, a handful of fashion brands have already started teasing early Cloud Dancer-inspired drops for 2026.
And when you take it out of the debate and into real styling? Cloud Dancer (white) absolutely has range.
White on melanin has always been a moment—clean, sharp, luxe. Ever wonder why white parties before Labor Day are a popular melanated color-coordinated activity?
White Can Really Bring The Heat—When Styled Right
On brown skin from cocoa to caramel, white reads elevated without trying too hard. Think all-white winter dressing: a plush coat, wide-leg trousers, soft knits. Further, it can be dressed up or down. A white tennis skirt is flirty and fun. A white button down is classic. And crisp white kicks can be both polished and bold.
Think Gabrielle Union and Angela Bassett stepping out in crisp white suiting. Think Damson Idris or Colman Domingo pulling off head-to-toe white like it’s nothing.
Love it or hate it, Cloud Dancer might be showing up everywhere in 2026, in fashion, beauty and interior design.
And one thing history proves every time: when Black creatives get their hands on any color—let alone white—we elevate it. It becomes a moment.
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