Preview 01: Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year

This episode explores the reactions to Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, and the conversations it has sparked across the design community and beyond. I discuss my thoughts and how different interpretations reflect broader tensions in today’s world.

Further Reading:

• Why Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year Sparked Controversy - Today.com

• From Excess to Essence: How Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year Mirrors a Global Shift - Sukio.com

Transcript

This is a preview of The Refined Life, your guide to mastering the art of minimalist luxury.

Let's talk about Pantone's Color of the Year. Several days have passed, and I'm seeing growing reaction from the design community and others about the racializing and politicizing of Pantone's choice. I was surprised to see some designer colleagues and people I know from the industry interpret the color itself as a reference to white supremacy.

When I saw the announcement, my mind immediately went to relaxation, reset, and refresh—probably because I work in this space. Pantone clearly explained why they chose the color, citing research and observations of society at large. The color is called Cloud Dancer — not “Purity,” not “Historic White,” and not anything that would suggest the interpretations some people are drawing.

Having tracked trends throughout 2025 and predictions for 2026, and observing general sentiment on social media and the internet, I see many brands, individuals, and organizations trying to help in the ways they can. By “help,” I mean supporting us collectively and helping us navigate difficult times. Pantone, in their way, was trying to inject tranquility, peacefulness, and calm into an otherwise chaotic world. That is what I took from their Color of the Year.

I say this as a Black woman with strong feelings about what is happening in the United States. I am very angry about the state of things and that racists have become emboldened under the current administration. I direct my ire toward those who deserve it — people actively working to erase our history, to whitewash America, and who fear brown and Black people. My anger, frustration, and any advocacy I participate in will be directed at those wielding power destructively. I am not directing my anger at Pantone.

This has been a preview of The Refined Life Podcast, coming in 2026. I am Desiré Greene. I would love to know who you are — leave a note in the comments below with your thoughts on today’s topic.