Pantone Faces Backlash for Choosing ‘Cloud Dancer’ as 2026 Color of the Year

The selection of PANTONE’s annual color of the year has sparked controversy this time around. Some critics are outraged that the chosen shade, “PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer,” is a light, neutral white.

Commentators like José Criales-Unzueta have questioned the decision, suggesting it might represent an overemphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs given the ongoing societal changes in these areas. He believes this choice could signal “DEI’s really over.”

Others shared similar sentiments online, with some using social media to call the selection “dystopian” or “pretentious.” A comparison was drawn to a recent controversy involving Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle Outfitters regarding an advertisement featuring the phrase “white jeans,” which some interpreted as having eugenic implications.