By Annette Sanfilippo
I don’t have my head in the clouds, but I certainly am taking a closer look now that Pantone (a global authority on colour) has announced its colour for 2026: ‘Cloud Dancer’ which is a lofty shade of white. Its certainly creating a whir and a lot of chitter chatter but when you look up to the skies and focus on what that actually entails, you quickly learn that this is not just any white shade; it’s an ombre of hues that range from pearly silver to a crisp sharp bright white.
This ‘neutral’ is an avant-garde choice that is creating a little controversy around the world. Is it too boring? Is it just being lazy? The colour of the year is typically given to a pigmented shade as in past choices like Mocha Mousse, Peach Fuzz and Viva Magenta. So why white?
The decision-making process is a serious one as it influences not only the fashion arena, but it weighs heavily into product development, marketing, graphics, packaging, even politics! There seems to be a global mood of hyper-connectivity and noise that feels like it may need some settling. The hope is to evoke a feeling of tranquillity, like the emotion of seeing freshly fallen snow or clean linen blowing in the wind.
The strong messaging around ‘Cloud Dancer’ is that this choice is a blank canvas and a reset tone with which to level out a new starting point with new perspective; something to build upon with its simplicity and availability as we venture into a new year.
Colour has always been a way to express our individual identities, so where do we start with our blank canvas? Designers are having a field day with all things white. Move over brides; the light is going to shine bright on all of us! White evokes quiet; it is also timeless, elegant, minimal, chic and very versatile. From my experience of crafting custom orders over the years, white is never just white; It has its own personality.
But never fear if you think it is not for you, there is, no doubt, a shade that suits you.
But never fear if you think it is not for you, there is, no doubt, a shade that suits you. Personally, I love off-white. It’s warming, not as stark, and pairs beautifully with most skin tones and other colours. We often think of white as a background tone not unlike black, which allows another colour to shine; but if you look up to skies, a cloud is usually framed by the backdrop of a bright blue or moody sky. So let out your inner desires and start having fun with it. Don’t forget white goes with most things so we shouldn’t dismiss the brights just yet. There is always room to play with the rest of the rainbow.
Think of all the ways it could impact our lives across our daily life. Where will it fit into your world? Perhaps a room makeover, a new couch, a cool hat, or jacket? Accents of white will trickle through tableware, floral displays, food, furniture, and occasional homewares. You may like to whiten your smile, start wearing white gold, let your hair go silver or even get a French manicure.
As far as the wardrobe is concerned, key additions for the year ahead are already hitting boutiques. The Designer Room at DFO Moorabbin is one step ahead and is always at the forefront of upcoming trends. With beautiful Australian made and European labels they pride themselves on stocking quality trans-seasonal fashion-forward attire and accessories for the discerning shopper. White will be dancing off the shelves from handbags, boots, shirts, scarves, knits, leather goods, and gifts galore. This no-frills neutral is depicted as timeless and affordable and with prices up to 80% off at The Designer Room it will be easy to curate a refreshed 2026 wardrobe collection.
However you embrace this newness, it is on our radar for the next 12 months so let’s hope it brings light, peace, and a feel-good approach to our world. One thing is for certain; sales in stain remover and fabric soak will skyrocket as we all know what happens when we wear white! Enjoy a fashionable fresh start and Happy New Year to all!
Fashionably Yours,
Annette
Peninsula Essence January 2026