The fashion world is abuzz with the news that Pantone has selected Cloud Dancer, a pale off-white shade, as its 2026 Color of the Year. This unexpected choice has sparked a heated debate, with some hailing it as a symbol of calm and others criticizing it as a reflection of rising white nationalism.
A Controversial Neutral
Pantone's selection of a white-adjacent color has raised eyebrows, especially in an era when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are facing widespread budget cuts in the United States. The New York Times reports that many companies are scaling back their DEI initiatives, leading some to view Cloud Dancer as a tone-deaf choice.
What this really means is that color has become a lightning rod for societal tensions. As The Times noted, "Colour has perhaps never been so controversial," with consumers increasingly gravitating towards neutral tones like greys, beiges, and browns.
The Shift Towards Soft Neutrals
The bigger picture here is that Pantone's selection reflects a broader trend towards muted, calming hues. As The Zoe Report observed, fashion is moving away from the "muted uniformity of quiet luxury" and embracing a "vibrant new era of self-expression." However, the preference for soft neutrals seems to be at odds with this push for bolder, more emotional dressing.
Experts are divided on the significance of Cloud Dancer. Some, like Keith Recker of Table magazine, see it as "actively wrong," arguing that the "idea that we should all take refuge in these safe neutrals is cowardice." Others, like Kassia St Clair, author of The Secret Lives of Colour, find the choice oddly prophetic, noting that it reflects the public's desire for "calm and rest" in a "frenetic society."
Ultimately, the 2026 Color of the Year is a reflection of the complex and often contradictory forces shaping the fashion industry and society at large. As we navigate these turbulent times, the debate around Cloud Dancer serves as a reminder that the choices we make, even in something as seemingly innocuous as color, can have far-reaching implications.