The 2026 MICHE Pantone Color of the Year is....

Throughout history, color has played a crucial part in defining wealth / class systems, allegiances across political lines, and even affects the human psyche. As designers, it is important we understand that color is political. Color has power and meaning; color is a responsibility.

The Pantone Color of the Year 2026, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a "lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation." MICHE understands this sentiment and intention behind the choice going into 2026. However, in the current political climate, "white" can be seen as racially charged. Since Pantone's announcement, the internet has called the color selection insensitive and accused Pantone of rage-baiting for engagement. Again, all of this demonstrates the power of color and design decisions.

DC-based Design Equity Advocate Kia Weatherspoon shares in her Substack post: "To pretend color is apolitical is to ignore the very real impact design choices have on identity, belonging, and who gets culturally centered." She further explains, "This isn’t about a color. It's about a system that keeps choosing erasure over acknowledgment." Read the rest of Kia's post here.

In the MICHE studio, we have had discussions about the controversy over the Pantone color of the year. We came up with our OWN color of the year in response, and wanted to share the thought process behind its selection.

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Without further ado, the MICHE 2026 Pantone color of the year is:

AUBERGINE GLEAM

Pantone 20-0124 TPM

So why aubergine?"'Purple' is typically a divisive color. Some swear off the color all together, but purple has a range of multitudes and different meanings depending on what value you select. Aubergine can feel like a neutral backdrop or be its own show stopper," MICHE founder Michelle Madison explains.

MICHE Designer Sara Streeter says, "We all deserve something that feels extra cozy and special this year." She goes on to describe the color as, "not only on-trend, but also comforting and elegant. It's a color that doesn't hesitate to take up space."

Rutha Howard, MICHE designer, elaborates on her recent color crush: "There’s something undeniably captivating about the color purple. Long associated with royalty and refinement, purple brings a sense of luxury into any space - effortlessly."

Naturally occurring in nature, aubergine can be seen in fruits, vegetables, flowers, leaves, and even in marble veining; however, the color in nature is actually quite rare. It is the color of night lighting storm - fleeting and energized.

The color aubergine is a natural evolution of the recently popular oxblood color. You will find it in fashion in rich materials; like velvet, high-end wool, and Italian leather accessories. In interior finishes, aubergine can be paired with a neutral palette or rich greens, jewel tones, with lux stone and with brushed gold.

MICHE Designer Valeria Manfredonia describes aubergine as "a rich, moody hue with a blend of mystery, sophistication, and earthy depth." For her, "It gives a dramatic look that still feels warm and timeless, making it easy to layer into a variety of styles."

How do you design with this color? How does AUBERGINE GLEAM make you feel?

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Follow us on Instagram to see our MICHE created aubergine inspired material palette!