We know for sure we are in a New Year when Pantone announces their color of the year. This year 2026 has been awaited and expected except the color choice was quite unexpected. Cloud Dancer White conjures up all kind of illusions for me and I bet it does for you as well?
For those who might not be familiar with Pantone it is actually the Pantone Color Institute which combs the world looking for new color influences, from the entertainment industry to fashion, travel destinations and socio-economic conditions. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute explains; “The selection does not take place in one isolated meeting at a specific time of year. Instead, as Laurie explains: ‘It is one long, continuously flowing conversation among a group of color-attuned people.”
Pantone provides the universal language of color, with the annual announcement (which was established more than 20 years ago). It sets the tone for global influence of products across fashion, home furnishings, and industrial design. Why, you might ask, do they have such far reaching impact, quite simply they make it simple for all design entities to be on the same page color wise. It is also scientific in that there is a specific formula used to reach the exact color, which of course all the manufacturers employ.
From nail polish to drapes, paint to flooring, fabric to light fixtures… the list is endless. It is the foundation for trend. This year, I am particularly fond of the idea of powerful layered whites, they are neutral without being dominating, provide an aura of nurture which is inviting and grounded while emotionally reassuring. How does a color do all that? Easy. It is the frequency; everything has a frequency. I would imagine few would rebuke the need for that after the distress of 2025. White is symbolic of purity, cleanliness, and innocence. End of story.
The colors typically have, as mentioned above, a link to the current human and social climate as seen by the colors since 2020 Classic Blue, 2021 First ever Duo Illuminating (code for yellow) and Ultimate Grey, 2022 Veri Peri (a personal favorite), 2023 Viva Magenta, 2024 Peach Fuzz, and last year 2025 Mocha Mousse, about as neutral and nondescript as it gets.
I personally love color in all aspects of my life, usually vivid and plentiful however, this season if you see me around town or on social media do not be surprised when I am layered in shades of white and cream. Perhaps it is a carry-over from my 2025 month long trip to Italy and the clothing purchases I made while there. Or, it could just be that I too am ready for some simplicity, and there aren’t many places where one can exercise more and better control over their choices than in what we wear.
Cloud Dancer might just be a lifestyle. Enjoy.
Dress for the day you want – NOT the day you are given because, Aging is inevitable while Growing Old is Optional.
Be well, Be Stylish, Be Kind as you Glow with me!