With the new year,  Pantone has officially released the 2026 color of the year yet again.  Every year, Pantone releases a hue that also brings new trends and fashions. The color of the year is chosen by the experts at Pantone, who have been releasing a new color since 1999. They choose the color based on what color influenced the world the most by gathering inspiration from various industries such as art, culture, fashion, design, and media. 

The hue that emerged for the 2026 New Year is Cloud Dancer. Pantone tried to present this airy, billowy white as a calming, subtle hue that symbolizes a calming feel. This color is a modern, clean slate that is very different from last year’s hue, mocha mousse, which was a soft, rich, darker color. 

The color of the year is more than just a color; it brings change to the world. It creates trends and changes that will follow companies throughout the year. Companies tend to follow the trend by producing products that are trending or have the most impact at that moment. According to Pantone, “Cloud Dancer opens up space for creativity, allowing our imagination to drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge and take shape,” and “offer a feeling of peace, unity and cohesiveness, and a moment to pause, reflect, and reset.”

Pantone seemed to achieve its goal for its meaning because many students also feel the same way. Sophomore Brianna Reyes explained what she thought about the color and what she would create with Cloud Dancer.

“If I could create anything with the color of the year, it would probably be a coach bag with some diamonds on it and probably Jordan 4s. I would describe the color of the year as a chill vibe and relaxed, because the color is cool-toned, but it’s also very bland and basic. Once you visualize some objects that look good with the color, it’s not that bad, but to me personally, it’s very bland,” Reyes said. 

Celebrities can also be found embracing the cloud dancer in their red carpet looks. Jennifer Lawrence can be seen at the 16th annual Governors’ Awards wearing Christian Dior in a custom off-shoulder gown. Sabrina Carpenter is wearing this hue for key appearances in many looks. Meghan Markle also wore this soft white to a Balenciaga show. Kendall Jenner and many more celebrities can also be found wearing Cloud Dancer in many more looks.

With many celebrities making public appearances with this billowy white, companies can also be found associating with this trend. Play-Doh has partnered with Pantone to celebrate its 70th anniversary, featuring the color of the year, Cloud Dancer, as a special edition color. Ralph Lauren has also used this color by creating a Cable-Knit Wool-Cashmere Sweater, and Coach has created a flattering Tabby Shoulder Bag. Itel also reveals its limited-edition collaboration with Pantone, featuring the Color of the Year, by creating three smart accessories. Wireless buds, a magnetic charger, and a wireless clipper.

From stationery to technology, home furnishing, and celebrities, Pantone seems to make a big impact throughout the year and becomes stronger each year, growing in popularity. Cloud Dancer will continue to trend and be created into many more looks, ideas, and creations. With last year’s color of the year being Mocha Mousse, a rich, soft brown, and this year’s color being a soft, billowy white. What will be next year’s color of the year?