Collecting Guide: the most coveted Hermès colours

Hermès is renowned for its fine leather and vast kaleidoscope of colours. Each colour palette is meticulously designed, epitomising timeless elegance and refined taste. The extensive range of colours offers fashion enthusiasts a wealth of choices. The diverse combinations of the materials and colours, spanning from delicate hues to vibrant shades, reflects the brand’s ultimate quest for colour accuracy and its dedication to craftsmanship in the dyeing process. These shades can reflect different styles and have become an important tool for self-expression.

Each colour is assigned a unique Hermès colour code, consisting of numbers and letters. Drawing on years of experience, Christie’s Handbags & Accessories specialists reveal an exquisite selection of the Hermès colours that are most sought after by collectors.

5P Pink

5P Pink is undisputedly the most iconic of all Hermès pink shades. It has been widely admired by collectors since its release and hailed as Hermès’s best pink shade. While often seen on Epsom leathers, it becomes even more coveted among collectors when rendered in exotic skins. The recurring presence of Hermès 5P Pink handbags in pop culture underscores their significant influence and enduring value in the market.

3Q Rose Sakura

It is a delicate and refreshing shade of cherry blossom pink, inspired by the soft hues of cherry blossom petals and evoking the vitality and energy of spring. Hermès handbags in 3Q Rose Sakura have consistently achieved remarkable results at auctions, making this shade one of the most sought-after colours of Hermès handbags.

J5 Rose Shéhérazade

When collectors speak of luminous, captivating pinks, one shade invariably comes to mind: Hermès’ enchanting Rose Shéhérazade, also known as ‘Scheherazade Pink’. Its name draws inspiration from the literary classic One Thousand and One Nights, referencing the legendary queen Scheherazade, famed for her storytelling prowess. This association lends the color an aura of mystery and romance, imbued with a regal sophistication. The hue itself is a refined pink with balanced saturation and a subtle undertone of violet, creating depth and complexity. Reserved exclusively for the precious exotic leathers, Rose Shéhérazade underscores rarity and distinction. Its character is elegant yet mature, touched with a vintage sensibility reminiscent of shimmering rose quartz. Under varying light, the shade reveals delicate, nuanced shifts, offering a rich visual experience that collectors treasure.

0V Gris Ciment

A classic neutral tone launched by Hermès in 2024, Gris Ciment (French for ‘cement grey’) draws inspiration from the concrete textures of modern architecture. This subtle yet elegant grey exudes a refined sophistication and versatility. Often referred to as ‘crystal grey’ by collectors, its clear, translucent quality enhances its allure. With its low saturation, this shade offers exceptional adaptability, making it one of the most coveted colours of the moment.

0H Gris Misty

Another exquisite addition to Hermès’ grey lineup in 2024, Gris Misty captures an ethereal aesthetic through its matte texture and neutral tone. Inspired by the early morning mist and the soft veils that shroud distant mountains, this hue is meticulously crafted with low saturation. It retains the modern sensibility of cool grey while revealing delicate tonal variations across the leather surface. Perfect suited for both formal occasions and everyday wear, Gris Misty transcends seasons and genders, embodying an understated yet impeccable elegance.

Y1 Vanille

A signature Hermès neutral tone, this shade takes inspiration from the warm, creamy hue of vanilla pods, epitomizing the brand’s sensitivity to organic textures. It transforms the plant’s soft off-white into an elegant leather colour, subtly shifting from creamy beige to light khaki as the light changes. This unique blend of natural warmth and refined sophistication has rendered it a timeless choice among Hermès collectors, particularly those who cherish enduring elegance.

8L Béton

8L Béton, one of Hermès’s early shades of white, is inspired by the light grey of cement. Aptly named “Glacier White”, its subtle grey undertones paired with white evoke the soft light reflecting off polar glaciers under the sun.

10 Craie

10 Craie features a soft chalk white enriched with a touch of light grey. It has always been the most favoured among Hermès’s white shades by collectors since its release in the Autumn/Winter 2013 collection.

I2 Nata

I2 Nata, which first made its appearance in the Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, was named after the Spanish word for cream. The ivory undertone lends a brighter and warmer appearance, and the dark brown oil edge adds sublime depth to the clean white.

0T Mushroom

Released in 2022, this white colour with a hint of cool tone is reminiscent of white mushrooms enveloped in morning mist. It effortlessly complements any outfit, revealing an infinite beauty of transformation.

M4 Gris Pale

M4 Gris Pale is a lighter Hermès grey colour released in 2023. This enchanting, soft hue beautifully balances between white and grey, embodying true elegance. Under varying lighting conditions, it reveals delicate cool undertones while occasionally showcasing a hint of warmth, making it understated yet remarkably versatile.

37 Gold

37 Gold is considered the most versatile shade of the Hermès colour palette, as it coordinates beautifully with any outfit. This classic shade of brown harmonises with every look. Golden brown leather is sewn with delicate white stitching, a unique technique that has become a signature feature of the shade, making Hermès leather goods in this shade even more unique.

9D Jaune Ambre

As its name suggests, this shade takes inspiration from the precious warmth of amber. Rather than a vivid, high-impact yellow, Ambre offers a tone of quiet sophistication—rich, warm, and grounded. It evokes the gentle glow of an autumn afternoon, blending the vitality of yellow with the earthy calm of amber through pronounced orange-brown undertones. The result is a yellow softened by time, imbued with depth and character. Compared to other Hermès’ iconic vibrant hues, Jaune Ambre feels understated and nostalgic, making it remarkably versatile. This shade appears across both supple leathers and crocodile skins, further enhancing its appeal to collectors seeking timeless elegance with a subtle twist.

73 Bleu Saphir

73 Bleu Saphir is a deep blue with a hint of a purple undertone that emerges in the light. This unique, highly saturated blue shade exudes a sense of sophistication. Hermès leather handbags in 73 Bleu Saphir are highly valued on the auction market, and their sapphire-like lustre further enhances their appeal and collectability.

Y9 Doré

In 2024, Hermès released the shade of Doré, a French word representing things that shimmer with a golden glow. Paired with premium goat leather, the soft texture and natural sheen perfectly showcase a unique golden charm. The golden hue, especially in the autumn and winter seasons, adds warmth and a sense of luxury, making the overall look more vibrant.