Core Viewpoint - Pantone has announced "Cloud Dancer" as the Color of the Year for 2026, marking the first time white has been chosen, symbolizing lightness, calmness, and fluffiness [3][10]. Market Trends - Pantone has created seven color palettes featuring "Cloud Dancer," including themes like Powdered Pastels and Light & Shadow, providing rich inspiration for the design industry [6]. - The announcement has sparked discussions online, with some viewing it as a reflection of low desire and non-aggressiveness in current societal emotions, while others question the choice of white compared to Pantone's historically vibrant colors [8][10]. Industry Impact - The home furnishings industry is increasingly favoring collaborations with Pantone's Color of the Year, with brands like JOYBIRD and Mandarin Oriental Hotel integrating "Cloud Dancer" into their designs [12]. - In the beauty sector, only the fragrance brand PURA has announced a collaboration with Pantone, launching a perfume that embodies the essence of "Cloud Dancer" through its scent profile [14]. Color Trends - Recent global color trends show a shift towards neutral tones, with gray shades gaining prominence in fashion and daily life [16]. - The popularity of green, influenced by biophilic design, has been waning since 2020, indicating a cyclical nature of color trends [19]. Domestic Brand Strategies - Domestic beauty brands are increasingly moving away from direct collaborations with Pantone, focusing instead on unique cultural narratives and emotional storytelling in their color interpretations [26][30]. - The concept of "makeup and skincare integration" is gaining traction, with brands developing products that emphasize both aesthetic and emotional value [36]. Cultural Integration - Eastern aesthetics are becoming a core competitive advantage for domestic beauty brands, with initiatives like the "Oriental Three Colors" launched by VOGUE and Xiaohongshu gaining popularity [32]. - Brands are exploring deeper cultural connections through their color offerings, moving beyond mere seasonal marketing to create products that resonate with consumers' identities and emotions [46][50]. Future Directions - The competition in color trends is evolving from merely following international trends to establishing a unique cultural identity and narrative [47][54]. - The future of color trends will focus on local relevance and storytelling, with brands needing to build their own systems that integrate traditional color theories with modern consumer needs [52][53].