The Complete Hermès Colour Code Guide: The Collector’s Pink Palette
In the exclusive realm of high luxury, few brands speak a language as complex and captivating as Hermès. That language is colour. Colour is fundamental to the Hermès identity, treated with the same reverence as its iconic designs. With a universe of over 250 distinct shades cultivated over a storied history, the palette can feel like a beautiful but bewildering spectrum.
To a connoisseur, however, it is a codex: a system of meaning, value, and history waiting to be deciphered. This guide is your key to that codex, focused on the stunning and fervently collected world of Hermès pinks.
Understanding the Hermès Colour Code
At the core of the Hermès universe lies a system of remarkable precision: the alphanumeric colour code. This code is the definitive guide for artisans and collectors worldwide, transforming the subjective perception of colour into an objective, classifiable, and ultimately, valuable asset. It’s the language that allows for the precise differentiation between the soft cherry blossom of Rose Sakura (3Q) and the warm, coral-tinged Rose Azalee (8W). A critical piece of knowledge for any serious collector is that this code is not marked on the bag itself. Its official record is found exclusively on the original purchase receipt. This is why a “full set” with the receipt is the gold standard, as it provides unimpeachable provenance and substantially increases the value of a pre-owned piece.
Decoding the Hermès Pinks: A Shade-by-Shade Guide
Now that we have an understanding of the colour code, we can delve into the shades themselves. The following is a comprehensive guide to the most significant colours in the Hermès pink family. Detailing everything from their estimated production era and how they appear on different leathers, to their unique undertones and skin tone compatibility.
Please note: This guide has been compiled from publicly available data for reference. Production years are estimates, as some shades were produced sporadically. The appearance of any colour can vary based on lighting and leather, and while the skin tone guide is a helpful starting point, personal taste is always the most important factor. We highly recommend viewing these beautiful hues in person.
5P – Rose Pink / Bubblegum
2011, re-released 2021
Description: Soft, pastel pink with blue undertones
Leather:
Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Swift, Exotic (alligator, lizard)
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Clemence: Matte pastel pink, softened by grain
- Epsom/Swift: Brighter, cleaner bubblegum pink
- Exotics: Glossy, saturated candy tone
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Blue
Complements: Fair to Light
5R – Rose Shocking
2021
Description: Bright fuchsia pink with magenta tones
Leathers:
Chèvre Mysore, Clemence, Togo, Epsom, Exotic (alligator, crocodile)
Appearance Guide:
- Chèvre/Exotics: High-gloss, vivid fuchsia
- Togo/Clemence: Softened intensity
- Epsom: Crisp, structured hot pink
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Magenta/Blue
Complements: Fair to Medium
5U – Rose Dragée
2007
Description: Delicate baby pink, pale and powdery
Leathers:
Swift, Agneau (Lambskin)
Appearance Guide:
- Swift/Agneau: Pale, luminous baby pink with a creamy texture
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Blue
Complements: Fair
5V – Rosy
Mid-2000s, before 2007
Description: Muted rose-petal pink with beige tint
Leathers:
Togo, Swift, Exotic (crocodile, lizard)
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Swift: Soft, muted rose-beige
- Exotics: Deepened blush with glossy finish
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Neutral
Undertone: Pink-Beige
Complements: Light to Medium
8T – Rose Candy
Mid-2000s or early 2010s
Description: Vibrant candy pink, playful and poppy
Leathers:
Togo
Appearance Guide:
- Togo: Bright candy pink mellowed slightly by grain
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Blue
Complements: Light to Medium
8W – Rose Azalée
2015
Description: Coral-leaning pink with sunny orange tones
Leathers:
Clemence, Epsom, Swift, Evercolor, Agneau
Appearance Guide:
- Clemence: Coral pink with soft matte finish
- Epsom/Evercolor: Vivid coral, crisp texture
- Swift/Agneau: Warm peachy-pink glow
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Coral/Orange
Complements: Medium to Tan
9I – Magnolia
2018
Description: Saturated cool pink with a hint of purple
Leathers:
Clemence, Epsom, Evercolor, Swift, Novillo
Appearance Guide:
- Clemence: Orchid-like with matte grain
- Epsom/Evercolor: Bold pink-purple
- Swift: Smooth, luminous tone
- Novillo: Structured pink-plum
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Neutral to Cool
Undertone: Magenta
Complements: Light to Medium
90 – Framboise
2021
Description: Raspberry pink with a bold berry richness
Leathers:
Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Evercolor, Swift, Chèvre, Exotics
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Clemence: Soft berry pink
- Swift/Epsom: Crisp raspberry
- Chèvre/Exotics: High-shine, rich raspberry tone
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Berry/Blue
Complements: Medium to Deep
94 – Terre Cuite
Late 2000s or early 2010s
Description: Burnt terracotta or clay orange-brown
Leathers:
Ostrich
Appearance Guide:
- Ostrich: Warm terracotta pink with a soft quill shimmer
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Terracotta
Complements: Tan to Deep
A5 – Bougainvillier
2009
Description: Intense warm pink with reddish floral tones
Leathers:
Clemence, Epsom, Swift, Exotics, Novillo
Appearance Guide:
- Clemence: Floral red-pink
- Epsom/Swift: Bright, slightly redder
- Exotics: Deep, glassy pink-red
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Red-Orange
Complements: Medium to Tan
B5 – Rubis
2010
Description: Deep ruby pink, close to red with cool base
Leathers:
Clemence, Togo, Epsom, Swift
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Clemence: Deep ruby, slightly muted
- Epsom/Swift: Vivid and jewel-toned
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Ruby-Blue
Complements: Medium to Deep
E5 – Rose Tyrien
2011–2023 (sporadic runs)
Description: Neon shocking pink, electrifying and saturated
Leathers:
Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Swift, Chèvre, Ostrich, Alligator
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Clemence: Softened neon
- Epsom/Swift: Bright neon clarity
- Chèvre/Ostrich/Alligator: Highly polished pink flash
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Neon Blue
Complements: Fair to Medium
G5 – Bois de Rose
2010
Description: Dusky rosewood pink with brown undertones
Leathers:
Togo, Clemence, Swift, Chèvre, Exotics
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Clemence: Muted dusty pink
- Swift/Chèvre: Rosewood warmth
- Exotics: Glossy vintage rose
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Neutral
Undertone: Rosewood/Brown
Complements: Medium
I5 – Flamingo
2013
Description: Peachy-pink with a tropical coral vibe
Leathers:
Epsom, Evercolor
Appearance Guide:
- Epsom: Crisp coral-pink
- Evercolor: Silky coral blush
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Coral-Peach
Complements: Light to Tan
I6 – Rose Extrême
2021
Description: Vivid hot pink with cool blue base
Leathers:
Clemence, Epsom, Swift, Exotics, Chèvre
Appearance Guide:
- Clemence: Soft magenta-pink
- Epsom/Swift: Neon-like glow
- Exotics/Chèvre: Intense pink sheen
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Blue
Complements: Fair to Medium
J5 – Rose Shéhérazade
2011 (exotic shade)
Description: Bold exotic pink with reddish warmth
Leathers:
Crocodile only
Appearance Guide:
- Crocodile: Bold magenta-purple with luxe high gloss
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Red
Complements: Medium to Tan
J9 – Blush
Vintage
Description: Classic dusty pink with soft beige tones
Leathers:
Clemence only
Appearance Guide:
- Clemence: Muted dusty rose, soft and matte
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Neutral
Undertone: Beige-Pink
Complements: Light to Medium
K4 – Rose Été
Late 2010s or early 2020s
Description: Bright summer coral pink with golden warmth
Leathers:
Chèvre, Swift, Evercolor
Appearance Guide:
- Chèvre: Warm coral-peach
- Swift/Evercolor: Luminous, gentle glow
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Golden Coral
Complements: Medium to Tan
K5 – Tosca
2011
Description: Rich pink-red with a berry-like depth
Leathers:
Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Swift, Evercolor, Chevre
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Clemence/Epsom: Deep plum-purple, almost black in some light
- Swift/Evercolor/Chevre: Rich, vibrant grape-purple
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Plum-Purple
Complements: Medium to Deep
L3 – Rose Pourpre
2017
Description: Dark plum-pink, moody and elegant
Leathers:
Togo, Clemence, Swift, Epsom, Evercolor, Exotics
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Clemence: Rich plum-pink
- Smooth/Exotics: Vibrant grape-purple tone
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Plum
Complements: Deep
L4 – Rose Bubblegum
Re-released 2021
Description: Lively, classic candy bubblegum pink
Leathers:
Epsom, Exotics (Alligator, Ostrich)
Appearance Guide:
- Epsom: Bright bubblegum
- Exotics: Polished candy pink
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Blue
Complements: Fair to Light
L5 – Crevette
2013
Description: Salmon-pink with orange peach undertones
Leathers:
Clemence only
Appearance Guide:
- Clemence: Soft salmon-pink with muted coral warmth
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Peach/Orange
Complements: Light to Medium
P1 – Rose Églantine
Early 2010s (~2012–2013)
Description: Wild rose pink, soft yet slightly vivid
Leathers:
Swift, Exotics
Appearance Guide:
- Swift: Rosy pale pink glow
- Exotics: Delicate with pastel sheen
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Cool
Undertone: Rose/Blue
Complements: Fair to Medium
T5 – Rose Jaipur
2012
Description: Vibrant coral-pink with a spicy undertone
Leathers:
Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Veau Sikkim
Appearance Guide:
- Togo/Clemence: Earthy coral-pink
- Epsom: Spicy structured coral
- Sikkim: Warm, supple coral hue
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Coral-Red
Complements: Medium to Tan
U5 – Rose Lipstick
2006–2007
Description: Bright, retro red-pink resembling lipstick
Leathers:
Togo, Chèvre Maple, Chamkila, Swift, Evercolor
Appearance Guide:
- Chèvre/Togo: Matte lipstick pink-red
- Swift/Evercolor: Lively, glowing pink
- Chamkila: Slightly glossier finish
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Red-Pink
Complements: Light to Medium
U9 – Pêche
No documented debut
Description: Warm peach with orange and pink mix
Leathers:
Veau Sikkim, Chèvre, Clemence (likely)
Appearance Guide:
- Sikkim/Chèvre: Warm peach glow
- Clemence: Muted soft peach
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Peach-Orange
Complements: Light to Tan
52 – Rouge Salmon
No documented debut
Description: Orangey-pink salmon hue with rich warmth
Leathers:
Clemence only
Appearance Guide:
- Clemence: Muted salmon-orange pink with matte finish
Skintone Compatibility:
Tone: Warm
Undertone: Salmon-Orange
Complements: Medium to Tan
Undertone Guide (Cool / Warm / Neutral)
Identify your skin undertone.
Cool Undertones
- Skin has pink or red undertones
- Burns easily in the sun
- Veins on wrist appear blue or purple
- Silver jewelry looks best
Warm Undertones
- Skin has golden or yellow undertones
- Tans easily in the sun
- Veins on wrist appear green
- Gold jewelry looks best
Neutral Undertones
- A balanced mix of cool and warm
- Can tan and/or burn easily in the sun
- Veins on wrist are a mix of blue and green
- Both silver and gold jewelry look great
Disclaimer
The leather and color information provided in this guide is based on our personal observations and research from reputable sources. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, this guide is intended for reference only. Variations may occur due to differences in leather types, dye batches, and lighting conditions. We cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or misinterpretations.
While we include general notes on color warmth (warm, cool, or neutral), any connections to personal undertones or skin tone compatibility are subjective and meant only as informal guidance. Color appearance may vary depending on lighting, leather type, and age.
