Pantone Color (mistake?) of the Year

Pantone raised eyebrows again with its 2026 Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer, described as “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection,” in an announcement from the organization. 

The color proved divisive, with social media users and commentators according to coverage from NPR which included comments to Pantone’s announcement on Instagram. 

"The color of the year being colorless is a recession indicator," wrote one user @shar_fierce. @j_severova, stated that the choice "feels like a microaggression to me, I just can't prove it yet." 

In a 2023 interview posted to the Pantone site, Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, gave some insight into the decision-making process surrounding their Color of the Year. 

“Conversations relating to our Pantone Color of the Year selection do not take place in one isolated meeting at a specific time of year,” she said. “It is one long, continuously flowing conversation among a group of color-attuned people.” Growers and retailers looking to capitalize on the trending color should look to varieties with white blooms that have a slightly ashen hue.

For example, April & Ashley’s Curated 2026 Rose Pairings to Cloud Dancer include:

White O'Hara: https://www.aprilandashley.com/collections/white-roses-pure-elegance-timeless-sentiment/products/white-ohara

Candlelight: https://www.aprilandashley.com/collections/white-roses-pure-elegance-timeless-sentiment/products/candlelight

Floreana! Spray: https://www.aprilandashley.com/collections/white-roses-pure-elegance-timeless-sentiment/products/floreana

Alabaster: https://www.aprilandashley.com/collections/white-rose-bushes/products/albaster 

Pillow Fight: https://www.aprilandashley.com/collections/white-rose-bushes/products/pillow-fight 

Inkandeszenz: https://www.aprilandashley.com/collections/white-rose-bushes/products/inkandeszenz 

Royal Viking: https://www.aprilandashley.com/collections/cream-rose-bushes/products/royal-viking