Cloud Dancer A Blank Slate Perfect For Branding For the first time in 26 years, Pantone chooses white for its Color of the Year, signaling a fresh start with an airy hue that stands alone or goes with everything. By Nicole Rollender FOR 2026, PANTONE’S choice for Color of the Year is a dramatic departure from a prior range of expressive colors. Enter Cloud Dancer, a simple white. “Pantone tends to choose bolder shades,” says Liz Tracy, senior product designer at PCNA, PPAI 100’s No. 5 supplier. “Despite initial pushback on social media, I see this being a popular choice with strong adoption, because it’s calming, uplifting and extremely versatile.” While the choice of white surprised many, others say it makes sense for this moment. “Cloud Dancer is the equivalent of taking a deep breath,” says Amy Leighton, vice president, supply chain at Charles River Apparel, PPAI 100’s No. 39 supplier. “It’s a white that’s not icy or intimidating. It has a softness to it. It feels calm, balanced and reassuring. People feel overwhelmed by noise, technology and constant connection, so Cloud Dancer reflects a real desire for serenity and a fresh start.” Building on that idea, Cloud Dancer, an airy white that’s both warm and cool, encourages a shift toward relaxation, reflection and creative openness. Pantone calls it “a balance between our digital future and our primal need for human connection,” reflecting a transition where people are looking for truth and a more grounded way of living. “In a world growing louder and more technologically overwhelming, this white is a reset as a soft, balanced 18 • JANUARY 2026 • PPAI Essentials | In Style
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzU4OQ==