For the first time ever, the color giant has chosen a white shade as the “Color of the Year.” Cloud Dancer (Pantone 11-4201) is a matte, airy white that “acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world.”
In a world flooded with visuals and color, Pantone responds by embracing calm and serenity. “Similar to a blank canvas, Cloud Dancer signifies our desire for a fresh start,” says Pantone.
With this choice, Pantone invites us to adopt a new mindset — one that allows the mind to wander, giving creativity the time it needs to breathe, making room for innovation.
“The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.
“We are living in a transitional time where people are seeking truth, possibility, and a new way of living," added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.
In Beauty and Hair, according to Pantone, Cloud Dancer offers “a clean, modern base for making a statement of minimalist chic or for endless creativity.”
On nails, Pantone said that Cloud Dancer offers a clean, modern finish that feels both current and timeless. In makeup, the shade transforms the eyes. Applied as liners, eyeshadows, or highlights it helps to create looks that range from artistic and dramatic to minimalist and refined. According to Pantone, its versatility shines further when paired with contrasting tones like deep black or with gentle complementary pastels, achieving a balanced yet visually captivating effect.
Even in hair, Cloud Dancer stands as a statement on its own or incorporated into color-blocked styles, enhancing a carefully curated personal aesthetic.
