Over the years, Hermès has made their bags in a kaleidoscope of colors, with everything from neutrals to brights! The color of Bambou, the color of Rose Lipstick and even Blue France.
Welcome to the Rare Collection Hermes color guide... Today we will look at some classic colors, which are the perfect choice to start if you buy a Hermès bag for the first time. Timeless classic!
While color preferences are a matter of personal taste, specific colors tend to be more sought-after and maintain their value over time. The color of your Birkin, Kelly, or Constance bag significantly determines its worth. Hermès offers a range of colors, including both seasonal and classic options. Some colors are only available occasionally, rarely reissued, and may vary from season to season. This element of scarcity adds to the appeal of owning a Hermès bag, making it even more desirable.
In our article today:
Classic Colors
If you're new to Hermès, it's wise to choose a classic color that will always look timeless in your wardrobe. Initially, Hermès offered a range of sophisticated shades such as Noir, Rouge H, Blue Marine, and Vert Anglais. Later on, they introduced Gold and Parchemin. Vintage Hermès bags are primarily available in these original colors, so if you're searching for a bag from the '70s or '80s, your choices will be more limited than the current collection.
The six essential colors are black, red, navy, dark green, brown, and beige/cream, then Hermes starts to add more. Now three of them are included in Hermes permanent bag collection (Noir, Gold, Eutope), while others appear during seasonal releases. But there are also some classics like white color (Nata\Craie).
Classic Colors
Noir/Black
Unsurprisingly, Hermès' best-selling color is 'Noir,' which is a timeless staple in their permanent collection. Similar to Coco Chanel's Little Black Dress, 'Noir' is like a Little Black Bag that is a must-have. Interestingly, it was the original color of the very first Birkin bag designed for actress Jane Birkin, and it continues to exude a chic and sophisticated vibe.
Noir/Black
Gold
In the past 12-18 months, Gold has emerged as the most sought-after and popular neutral color at Hermès. It remains a permanent fixture in the Hermès color palette and gained prominence in the 1950s, thanks to Grace Kelly and her iconic gold Kelly bag. This buttery tan hue beautifully complements gold hardware. If you adore the caramel tones of Gold, consider a handbag crafted from natural Barenia leather, which develops a unique patina over time. Whether in Togo or Epsom leather, this vibrant and warm hue effortlessly complements outfits throughout the seasons. It is truly a gem within the Hermès collection.
Gold
The lighter, tan shades include Quebracho, Kraft, Chamois, Sesame, and Alezan.
Gray-Brown (Étoupe and Etain)
In the realm of gray shades, Etoupe and Etain are adored by many. An excellent gray hue can effortlessly elevate any outfit throughout the day. The white contrast stitching on Etoupe bags, a gray-brown neutral with warmer undertones, adds a special touch that makes it a perennial favorite. Etoupe, part of Hermès permanent color collection since at least 2004, holds a place alongside Black, Gold, White, and Rouge H. If you prefer a gray shade without the brown undertone, Etain is another beloved neutral offered by Hermès, providing a versatile option within their permanent color library. Practical for its photogenic qualities. Both colors consistently rank among the top choices.
Étoupe
Etain
In the gray color range, Hermès also offers Vert Amade, Vert Gris, Gris Meyer, Gris Perle, Blue Orage.
There are many tan and brown shades which look so chic! Dark brown and red-browns include Ebene, Macassar, Rouge Sellier, Bordeaux , Cuivre, Miel, and Barenia Faubourg Fauve.
White (Craie and Nata)
White shades, such as Craie and Nata, have gained immense popularity. Craie features gray undertones, while Nata, a seasonal color from 2019, has a subtle yellow undertone, giving it a brighter and creamier off-white appearance.
Nata, named after the Spanish word for cream, perfectly captures its yellow undertone. The differences between these two colors are so minimal that Hermès enthusiasts would be delighted to have a bag in either shade. Both colors hold their value equally well and command premium prices in the resale market.
Craie
Nata
Red\Rouge H
Rouge H is a luxurious and sophisticated wine red with a touch of brown, making it an ideal choice for autumn and winter ensembles. It was initially introduced in 1925 and has become one of Hermès iconic archival colors.
Vintage collectors particularly cherish Rouge H in Box Calf leather, as it imparts a lighter and more cherry-red hue. On the other hand, Epsom leather enhances the burgundy tones of the dye, creating a rich and captivating shade.
Rouge H
Parchemin
Parchemin is a sophisticated creamy beige shade, commonly used by Hermès since the 1960s, resembling Hermès Nata but with pink undertones. It offers a soft and gentle shade lighter than pure white, making it suitable for year-round wear, although it requires careful maintenance.
Parchemin
Vert Anglais (Deep Green)
A deep green color. Crosses seasons and styles effortlessly.
Vert Anglais
One more classic color - Blue Marine. One of the sophisticated historical shapes of Hermes.
Blue Marine