Pantone’s Cloud Dancer pick courts controversy, the Met Gala reveals its 2026 co-chairs, and Public Records is set to open a new arts and music venue in Brooklyn. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
All your favorite divas are co-chairing the Met Gala
Objects from the Abstract Body on display at the Met’s Costume Art press conference; photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, BFA.com/Matteo Prandoni
Even more eyes will be on the Met Gala now that its star-studded co-chairs have officially been named. Seriously—get ready to be gagged. Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams will join Anna Wintour as co-chairs of this year’s posh fundraiser, which will be held on the first Monday in May (May 4th as it happens) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Anthony Vaccarello and Zoe Kravitz have also been announced as co-chairs for the Gala Host Committee, with members including Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Gwendoline Christie, Alex Consani, Misty Copeland, Elizabeth Debicki, Lena Dunham, Paloma Elesser, LISA, Sam Samith, Teyana Taylor, Lauren Wasser, Anna Weyant, A’ja Wilson, and Yseult. Newly crowned American Vogue editor Chloe Malle will serve on the committee as well. Good luck deciding who to bet on for best dressed!
Pantone’s Cloud Dancer may spell trouble
Photo courtesy of Pantone
Pantone recently unveiled its 2026 Color of the Year as Cloud Dancer, a fanciful rebranding of an off-white shade. The curious choice for this year’s color is said to promote relaxation and focus, encouraging our minds to wander, breathe, and unearth creativity. It could also be a recession indicator. The Verge posits that the rather unremarkable shade harkens to past recessions when fashion trends and corporate branding leaned too heavily into minimalism for mass appeal. While keeping things boring or inoffensive once spelled success, discourse (and memes) is already in opposition to Cloud Dancer following a year characterized by heightened racial violence and tone-deaf brand strategy (looking at you, Sydney Sweeney). The comments section of Dezeen’s news post includes takes like “White is a color of mourning in many countries. Bit tone deaf, no?” and “We are so in a recession.”
Shigeru Ban receives 2026 AIA Gold Medal
Photo courtesy of Shigeru Ban Architects
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has bestowed its 2026 AIA Gold Medal to architect Shigeru Ban. The institute’s highest individual honor, the prize recognizes the lasting influence of an architect’s work on the theory or practice of architecture. ArchDaily reports that Ban—who also spent 30 years as an educator at universities including Harvard, Cornell, and Columbia—was acknowledged in particular for his inventive use of renewable resources like paper and timber. “What began as an effort to minimize waste in exhibition design,” AIA said in its statement, “evolved into a revolutionary structural system.”
Public Records partners with NYCEDC on new music and arts venue
Waverly Neer of NYCEDC with Public Records cofounders Shane Davis and Francis Harris; photo by Max Kütz
Brooklyn music and arts venue cofounders Shane Davis and Francis Harris, cofounders of Brooklyn music and arts venue Public Records, are launching (you guessed it) a new Brooklyn music and arts venue. The pair is partnering with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to transform the MADE Bush Terminal into a 1,000-person-capacity mecca. ARUP, nArchitects, and lighting artist collaborator Ben Kreukniet of BK Studio will spearhead on the overhaul of the industrial space, which will host 30,000 square feet dedicated cultural and public programming as well as five acres of new parkland and open space. It is slated for completion in late 2026, and I, for one, can’t wait see you there on the dance floor.
Don’t miss HD’s December issue!
Faena New York, one of Hospitality Design’s best hotel openings of the year; photo by Nikolas Koenig
Just a tease before the end of the year. Hospitality Design’s final 2025 issue will be out soon, highlighting an incredible year. The December issue rounds up the 50 very best hotel openings across the globe. From immersive wildlife retreats in Kenya to quaint country getaways in the UK, HD spotlights the most outstanding debuts, refreshes, and innovations on our radar. Our Trendspotting section comprises projects that reflect seven emerging movements, including multifamily housing, alcohol-free bars, neuroinclusive spaces, and museum-style retail. We also reflect on the unforgettable night in November, when we got to celebrate our 2025 Platinum Circle honorees: AvroKO, Flick Mars, Marcus Samuelsson, and Aliya Khan. Check back next week to read the full issue.
