Global color authority Pantone announced its 2026 Color of the Year — Cloud Dancer – late last week, describing it as “a billowy white imbued with serenity” whose “aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world.”
The reaction to date has been anything but serene. with critics questioning the choice from both creative and cultural perspectives.
Designer Jason Rhee told NPR that “Choosing the color white during this social and political climate really says something…”. Others contended that in a moment when color is used to express diversity and emotion, choosing a white-based shade feels “tone-deaf at best”.
Politics and culture aside, the choice of a white tone – the first time Pantone has opted for a basic achromatic shade — has also been controversial, with critics arguing that it shows a “lack of creativity” and a “disconnect from the artistic and design communities”.
Executive director Leatrice Eiseman addressed the comments, telling The Washington Post that the shade signifies a “blank canvas ‘opening up new avenues and ways of thinking'”. Eiseman also stood by the original justification of the color, telling the BBC that Cloud Dancer “expresses our aspiration for a future free from toxicity and excess”.
Pantone relies on a global team of color specialists to choose each year’s hue, drawing on a wide range of influences — including film and television, art, fashion and design trends, emerging technologies and materials, as well as social media and major upcoming sporting events.
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In recent years, jewelry designers have actively looked for gemstones that match or complement the trending Pantone shades, with emeralds, peridots, and green tourmalines becoming prominent when “Emerald Green” was the color of the year in 2013, while zircons, champagne diamonds, and cognac diamonds became more noticeable when when “Mocha Mousse” reigned in 2025.
Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson
When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy.
Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision."
The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.
