When Hermès unveils a new colour, the fashion world pays attention. From the cult-favourite Etoupe to the timeless Gold, each shade carries a story, a mood, and a place in handbag history. And now, the maison has gifted us with Gris Pantin—a smoky, sophisticated gray that’s quickly climbing the ranks of must-have hues among collectors and luxury lovers alike.
Gris Pantin isn’t just another gray—it’s a nuanced, quietly powerful shade that embodies the essence of quiet luxury. If you’re looking for the next It colour that won’t scream for attention but still turns heads with subtle elegance, consider this your ultimate guide to Hermès’ Gris Pantin.
What Is Hermès Gris Pantin?
Gris Pantin, named after the Parisian suburb Pantin (home to the Hermès workshops), is a medium gray tone with cool undertones and a soft, almost powdery finish.
It sits somewhere between the deeper Gris Asphalt and the lighter Gris Perle, offering a perfectly balanced gray that works across seasons and skin tones.
Unlike stark steel greys or warm greige tones, Gris Pantin has a distinct urban chicness to it—evoking the clean minimalism of concrete architecture, misty city mornings, and classic wool coats. It’s the kind of shade that immediately elevates an outfit without overpowering it.
Why Gris Pantin Is Creating a Buzz
1. It’s Neutral—but Not Boring
Hermès is known for its kaleidoscope of colors, but Gris Pantin proves that neutrals can still pack a punch. It’s versatile enough to pair with everything in your wardrobe—from black blazers to ivory dresses—yet different enough to make a seasoned collector take a second look.
Unlike flashy seasonal colours that fade in relevance, Gris Pantin has that timeless Hermès quality. It’s wearable in both casual and formal settings, and it transitions beautifully from day to night.
2. Quiet Luxury in a Shade
In the current era of understated elegance and label-less affluence, Gris Pantin fits the narrative perfectly. It doesn’t scream “look at me” the way bold reds or popping oranges do, but it whispers, “I know exactly what I’m doing.” For those who subscribe to the quiet luxury aesthetic, this is the handbag equivalent of a cashmere turtleneck and tailored trousers.
3. It Highlights the Leather
This specific shade works magic on Hermès’ most iconic leathers. Whether it’s Togo, Clemence, Epsom, or Swift, Gris Pantin allows the natural texture and structure of the leather to shine. The soft gray gives Togo leather an even richer grain, and in Epsom, it adds a tailored, almost architectural effect.
It’s especially stunning on structured silhouettes like the Birkin, Kelly, or Constance, where the color plays beautifully with gold or palladium hardware.
How Gris Pantin Compares to Other Hermès Grays
For collectors and enthusiasts, comparing Hermès grays is like tasting different vintages of wine. So how does Gris Pantin stand out?
- Gris Tourterelle – Lighter and warmer with beige undertones.
- Gris Pantin feels cooler and more urban.
- Gris Etain – Deeper, almost gunmetal-like gray. Gris Pantin is softer and more versatile.
- Gris Mouette – A light dove gray. Gris Pantin leans a bit darker and more grounded.
In essence, Gris Pantin offers a modern twist on classic Hermès grays—rich enough for visual interest, but subtle enough to serve as a neutral.
What Bags Are Available in Gris Pantin?
As of 2025, Gris Pantin has begun appearing on several coveted Hermès handbag styles, including:
● Birkin 25, 30, and 35
The structured Birkin in Gris Pantin is a lesson in refined elegance. Paired with gold hardware, it exudes warmth and richness. With palladium, it’s cool, sleek, and ultra-modern.
● Kelly Sellier and Retourne
Gris Pantin’s versatility makes it stunning in both Sellier (structured) and Retourne (softer) Kelly versions. It adds just enough color to keep things interesting without losing that timeless feel.
● Constance
In a smaller Constance silhouette, Gris Pantin becomes the ultimate on-the-go neutral. Especially with gold “H” hardware, it strikes the perfect balance between minimalism and statement.
● Picotin & Evelyne
For a more casual take, Gris Pantin is starting to appear on relaxed shapes like the Picotin and Evelyne. The colour adds polish without taking away the laid-back feel of these styles.
How to Style a Gris Pantin Hermès Bag
Gris Pantin is the rare colour that doesn’t demand a specific season or dress code. Here are a few styling ideas:
City Minimalist
Pair a Gris Pantin Birkin with a black blazer, wide-leg trousers, and sharp loafers for a sleek, business-meets-fashion vibe.
Winter Neutrals
Let it be the star of an all-cream outfit: think cashmere turtleneck, wool coat, and beige boots. The soft gray adds depth without disrupting the palette.
Monochrome Chic
Go full grayscale with shades of gray in different textures—knits, suedes, and wools. Your bag becomes the anchor of a sophisticated tonal look.
High-Low Weekend
Style your Evelyne or Picotin in Gris Pantin with jeans, a white tee, and sneakers. The contrast between luxe and casual is what makes it modern.
Gris Pantin: A Collector’s Perspective
In the world of Hermès collecting, colour can be just as important as style and size. Gris Pantin is already being talked about as the next “investment neutral”—a color that will hold value and remain relevant for years.
Because Hermès colours are often produced in small batches, Gris Pantin is not yet widely available. This scarcity, combined with its visual appeal, makes it even more coveted among VIP clients and fashion insiders.
Final Thoughts: Should You Invest in Gris Pantin?
If you’re considering your next Hermès purchase, Gris Pantin is one of the most compelling new additions to the colour lineup in recent years. It’s chic without being loud, fresh yet timeless, and practical while still feeling undeniably luxe.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer looking for a versatile starter color or a seasoned collector seeking something new yet classic, Gris Pantin checks every box.
It’s more than a gray—it’s a mood. A Parisian sidewalk at sunrise. A smoky silk scarf. A perfectly aged leather journal. And in true Hermès fashion, it’s a colour that makes simplicity feel like the ultimate luxury.
