The Pantone Color of the Year influences design and merchandising around the world. WVU experts are available to discuss the 2026 selection of “Cloud Dancer.” (WVU Photo/Jennifer Shephard)
The December announcement of Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year — “Cloud Dancer” — will influence the palettes of industries ranging from fashion and interior design to automobiles and global marketing, according to West Virginia University experts.
WVU College of Creative Arts and Media scholars Colleen Moretz, associate professor of fashion design and merchandising, and Rachel Plybon Beach, program coordinator for interior architecture, are available to explain how the Pantone Color of the Year is chosen and how it reflects cultural identities around the world.
Quotes:
“The Pantone Color of the Year began in 1999 as an educational initiative to spark a global conversation about how color reflects culture. It connects design to world events, social movements and shifting values. After 9/11, for instance, fashion prominently featured red, white and blue — using color to signal unity and national pride.
“The Color of the Year isn’t chosen in a single meeting — it’s the result of a continuous, worldwide dialogue among color experts. They draw insight from fashion, travel, art, entertainment, social media and even new technologies to capture the spirit of the times.
“Previous Colors of the Year like 2022’s ‘Very Peri’ blue and 2023’s ‘Viva Magenta’ red show how powerful — and polarizing — the selection can be. These choices invite debate about mood, meaning and even sustainability, since vivid hues can require resource-intensive dyes. Ultimately, the Color of the Year is more than a design choice. It’s a cultural statement that reminds us how color shapes identity and self-expression across the world.” — Colleen Moretz, associate professor, fashion design and merchandising, WVU College of Creative Arts and Media
“The annual unveiling of the Pantone Color of the Year is more than just a fleeting trend — it’s a culmination of extensive research that reverberates across industries, with a particularly profound impact on the world of interior design. This carefully selected hue not only shapes the aesthetic of the upcoming year, but also has the potential to leave a lasting legacy in our homes for years to come.
“To determine the color, a global team of experts from the Pantone Color Institute embarks on a year-long journey of trend analysis, dissecting a wide array of cultural influences. The goal is to identify a color that captures the global zeitgeist — a shade that reflects the collective mood and aspirations of society at that moment. This deep dive into the cultural and psychological resonance of color is why the interior design industry holds Pantone's forecast in such high regard.
“Ultimately, the Pantone Color of the Year is a powerful tool for designers and a fascinating reflection of our times. It is a testament to the idea that color is not merely a decorative element but a language that communicates emotion, reflects our values and shapes the world we inhabit.” — Rachel Plybon Beach, teaching assistant professor and program coordinator for interior architecture, WVU College of Creative Arts and Media
West Virginia University experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Search for an expert by name, title, area of expertise or college/school/department in the Experts Database at WVUToday.
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lj/12/4/25
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