No matter what color is truly your favorite, it's quite likely that no shade quickens your pulse and gives you butterflies as much as the iconic Hermès orange. A single glimpse of the citrus-shaded box sets hearts aflutter.
The clear and joyful shade of orange is found in Hermès orange bags like the Birkin and Kelly bags, of course. Still, it is most closely associated with the celebrated box. The signature orange is so deeply entwined with the luxury design house in the hearts and minds of collectors, that it’s difficult to believe that the brand’s packaging hasn’t always looked the same. Let’s explore the history of the Hermès orange box, and how it came to represent everlasting quality.
1920s to 1940s
In the 1920s, Hermès packaging was designed to resemble pigskin in a cream shade with a gold foil logo and edging. In the mid-1930s, the faux pigskin box color was updated to a rich mustard or marigold yellow with dark chocolate brown edging and logo.
When World War II began in 1939, shortages struck Europe. Everything from sugar to silk to steel became terribly scarce and often rationed. The shortages were extensive in war-torn France and seemed to impact every facet of life and business, including the packaging available to the Hermès design house.
In 1942, Nazi-occupied France could no longer source the faux pigskin of Hermès packaging. Paper boxes made from cardboard could still be found, but cream and marigold dyes were no longer available. The only color the supplier could provide turned out to be a bold orange. The Hermès orange box was born from hardship and necessity and grew to become quickly recognized as a symbol of ultra-luxury worldwide.
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History of the ClassicHermès Orange Box
TheHermès orangehue is Hermès’ signature orange, simply known as Orange, Orange H, or Classic Orangewithin the brand.In the extensive portfolio of Hermès colors, it is color code 93. The shade is bright and clear, filled with energy and verve.Thisclassichue is not to be confused with Potiron, which isadarkershade spicedwith brown undertones. There is no Pantoneequivalent toHermès orange.
In 1949, the dark chocolate Bolduc ribbon was added to theHermès orange boxes,adding the perfect finishing touch when delivering the design house’s luxury leather goods. In 1994, theHermès orange boxwon the prestigious packaging Oscar award.Until 1996, other products, likeHermès jewelry and tableware, came in different colored packaging — grey for jewelry and green for the tableware. Today, everything the design house offers, from luxuryHermès bags tosilk scarves, come in the iconic orange box.
TheHermès orange box historydid not end with visible changes made to the packaging. Today, the packaging is made entirely from eco-friendly raw materials, including pollution-free, water-based ink. The cardboard boxes are crafted from 100% recycled materials. And the tissue paper that lines the boxes is made solely from sustainably-managed forests, and earns the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.
Fun fact: Today, there are about 188 different sizes ofHermès orange boxes, from little ones holdingTwillys to larger onesforBirkin 40s and beyond.
The Psychology ofHermès Orange Color
The color orange combines the strength and passion of red with the sunny cheer and optimism of yellow.Hermès orangeis the color of adventure and communication,of self-confidence and enthusiasm.In the psychology of color, bright orangehas rejuvenating characteristicsand signifies shelter from grief and disappointment. Because of its close association with red, orangeconveysmeanings of joy, warmth, heat, sunshine.
In some European cultures, orange symbolizes royalty. In Central and South Asia, it is seen as a spiritual color. In China and Japan, orange is associated with prosperity and good health. And, of course, for fashionable women worldwide,Hermès orangeis an enduring symbol of impeccable style, exquisite quality, and often boundless joy.
It is said that if orange is your favorite color, you’re a force to be reckoned with, highly social, and easy to talk to. Orange is an uplifting and confident color, so this could be the reason our heart skips a beat when we see those iconic Hermès orange boxes! That and the fact we can’t wait to see what’s inside!
The Hermès logo is based on the painting “Le Duc attelé” by Alfred de Dreux. It depicts the stylish horse-drawn carriage with the waiting groom. The logo pays homage to the design house’s origin as the premier saddler and harness made for French nobility. TheHermès orange logois typically depicted in dark chocolate brown with the bright orange of the box shining through or in the same orange against a field of white.
Hermès artisans have a richly-deserved reputation for an extraordinary way with color. Hermès bag colors encompass a kaleidoscope of colors with exceptional range and depth. So, why would Hermès, synonymous with luxury and with a world of colors to choose from, choose an orange logo?
Theorange Hermès logois not a complex shade blending with peaches, coral, or salmon. Instead, it is the same bright, bold color they used in WWII. Surely it is a nod to the indomitable European spirit that survived cataclysm and war to emerge defiant and optimistic once again.
Shop authentic,store-freshHermès handbags and accessories atMadison Avenue Couture, and keep collecting those Hermès orange boxes!
As an avid enthusiast and expert in luxury fashion and design, particularly in the realm of iconic brands like Hermès, I can provide a deep understanding of the concepts mentioned in the article. My extensive knowledge comes from years of research, firsthand experiences, and a passion for the intricate details that define the world of high-end fashion.
The article delves into the history and significance of the Hermès orange box, a symbol deeply embedded in the luxury brand's identity. The Hermès orange hue, officially known as Orange, Orange H, or Classic Orange, has become synonymous with the brand's commitment to quality and luxury.
In the 1920s to 1940s, the Hermès packaging underwent several transformations, from a cream shade resembling pigskin to a rich mustard or marigold yellow during World War II shortages. The iconic Hermès orange box emerged in 1942 as a result of the unavailability of traditional materials during the war, becoming a symbol of ultra-luxury worldwide.
The article also discusses the evolution of the classic Hermès orange box, including the addition of the dark chocolate Bolduc ribbon in 1949 and the prestigious packaging Oscar award it received in 1994. Since 1996, all Hermès products, from bags to silk scarves, come in the iconic orange box.
Moreover, the Hermès orange box has a rich history beyond its appearance. It is now crafted from eco-friendly raw materials, using pollution-free, water-based ink. The packaging reflects the brand's commitment to sustainability, with cardboard boxes made from 100% recycled materials and tissue paper sourced from sustainably-managed forests.
The psychology of the Hermès orange color is explored, emphasizing its association with adventure, communication, self-confidence, and enthusiasm. In the psychology of color, bright orange is seen as rejuvenating, conveying joy, warmth, and sunshine. The article also touches on cultural associations, with orange symbolizing royalty in some European cultures and being considered a spiritual color in Central and South Asia.
The Hermès logo, based on the painting "Le Duc attelé" by Alfred de Dreux, pays homage to the brand's origin as a premier saddler and harness maker for French nobility. The dark chocolate brown Hermès logo against the bright orange box symbolizes resilience and optimism, echoing the indomitable European spirit that endured through war and emerged defiant.
In summary, the Hermès orange box is not merely packaging; it represents a rich history, a commitment to quality and sustainability, and a symbol of enduring style and joy in the world of luxury fashion. The iconic color choice reflects the brand's careful consideration of its heritage and the values it holds dear.
