Which Hermès Gray Matches the Pantone 2021 Color of the Year?

Gris Mouette Birkin 30 – read Miss Mouette Joins PurseBop’s Hermes Family

By now, pretty much anyone interested knows that Pantone selected two colors for the dominant shade(s) of 2021. It’s only the second time in 22 years that the chosen color is actually a pair. In 2015 it was Rose Quartz and Serenity – or, another way, pink and blue.

For 2021, it’s pretty much gray and yellow, though not just any hue of either. “Ultimate Gray” is essentially a neutral dependable gray that “quietly assures, encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience.” “Illuminating,” as it is called, “is a bright and cheerful yellow sparkling with vivacity, a warming yellow shade imbued with solar power.

Gris Mouette Kelly 32 @clairechanelle

Gris Mouette Constance 24 @j_que

Gris Mouette Birkin 30 @pursebop

Whether you follow Pantone’s ultimate message of hope and aspiration (yes, that’s what Pantone says), one thing is clear to Hermès fans: You can’t name an “ultimate gray” without looking at the multitude of gray options from the House of orange. Just try to name all of the Hermes gray options! Bet you can’t get them all. And with a range from Gris Perle to Graphite or even Plomb, it’s no easy feat. In between, you’ll find grays that lean taupe, beiges that lean gray, and blues, green and browns, all with hints of gray tint.

Etain Birkin in togo vs. Etain Bearn Wallet in epsom vs. Gris Mouette Constance in epsom vs. Gris Asphalte Jige in swift @by_md

So, what Hermès gray best compares to Pantone’s “Ultimate Gray?” Could it be Gris Mouette, clean crisp pure gray? As much as we love Etoupe, Etain, Beton, Gris Asphalt and Gris Torterelle, they really lean to beige or taupe. Vert Gris and Vert Amande, while gray, by their names have hints of green. Gris Perle is nearly a pale crisp silver. Blue Glacier is pale icy blue. And Himalaya Gray is just in a class by itself… and not the ultimate gray. Which bring us back to Gris Mouette… Thoughts?