Pantone announced its 2026 Color of the Year, a “balanced, billowy white,” to backlash.
Pantone tapped Cloud Dancer, a soft, almost-absent white, as its 2026 Color of the Year, and the announcement triggered swift criticism. The choice extends the brand’s recent slide toward neutral, low-impact shades that mirror recession-era minimalism and the algorithm-friendly “clean” aesthetic saturating social media. Critics also flagged the uneasy optics of elevating a white hue during a period marked by rising white nationalism, a concern Pantone dismissed. The reaction reflects broader skepticism toward a marketing exercise that now feels out of step with the cultural moment.
Shigeru Ban won the AIA’s 2026 Gold Medal.
Shigeru Ban earned the AIA’s 2026 Gold Medal for a career that pairs material innovation with long-term humanitarian work. The honor recognizes his influence on contemporary architecture, from mass-timber buildings to emergency structures built from recyclable components. Ban’s disaster-relief projects, carried out through the Voluntary Architects’ Network, have supported communities in more than 20 countries and helped define his global reputation. He will receive the award at the AIA’s 2026 conference alongside this year’s Architecture Firm Award winner, Duvall Decker.
James McCrery has been removed as the Trump Administration’s ballroom architect.
Donald Trump has replaced architect James McCrery on the White House ballroom project and handed control to Shalom Baranes Associates, a much larger Washington firm with experience delivering major commercial buildings. The shift follows disagreements over the project’s direction and Trump’s insistence on faster progress. McCrery, who was first announced as lead architect this summer, will stay on as a consultant as Baranes advances plans for a 90,000-square-foot neoclassical event hall funded by private donors. The ballroom joins a series of moves through which Trump aims to reshape Washington, including proposals for a triumphal arch, updates to federal buildings, and a push to redesign Dulles Airport.
The French government is seeking to suspend Shein for three months.
French authorities pressed Shein in court after regulators uncovered banned weapons and child-like sex dolls on its marketplace, prompting the government to seek a three-month suspension of the platform. State lawyers now focus on forcing the company to install stricter safety measures—such as age gates and filtering—before reopening its third-party marketplace, which Shein voluntarily shut down last month. Shein’s legal team argues that the government overreached, accusing officials of unfairly targeting the company and questioning the state’s claim that most inspected packages violated safety rules. The case unfolds as Europe and the U.S. intensify scrutiny of major Chinese e-commerce players, with a ruling expected later this month.
Sotheby’s and The Lake Como Edition have partnered with DYNE.
Part of Sotheby’s current fine jewelry auction, open now through December 11, one sinuous jade and 18 karat gold necklace from DYNE—named Verdant Reverie: The Gem of the Alps at The Lake Como Edition—acts as a metaphor for the Italian destination’s gently lapping waves and luxurious undercurrent. The lot was selected by Sotheby’s Vice Chairman, Jewelry Americas, Frank Everett, and comes complete with a two-night stay in the penthouse of The Lake Como Edition (set to open March 2026), a customized private boat tour, tasting-menu experience, sunset aperitivo, access to a Mercedes E-Class, and more. Altogether, the package is estimated to fetch between $15,000-$25,000.
Today’s attractive distractions:
Rosalía is taking “LUX” on a massive arena tour.
For a slew of contemporary painters, dance is both medium and muse.
A new exhibition traces parallels between Rei Kawakubo and Vivienne Westwood.
After years of stagnation, Victoria’s Secret may finally be on the up and up.
