Hermès Aubergine Color | Handmade Birkin Bags

Introduction to Hermès Aubergine Color

Hermès Aubergine stands as one of the most culinarily evocative and profoundly nuanced deep purples in the luxury house’s contemplative color library. This sophisticated, deeply resonant hue embodies a fascinating gastronomic narrative—simultaneously referencing the Mediterranean eggplant’s lustrous skin and culinary heritage—creating a color that projects cultivated depth while maintaining the elegant restraint synonymous with the heritage brand. Aubergine occupies a distinctive position in the Hermès spectrum—a profound, vegetally-derived purple with remarkable culinary clarity that draws inspiration from both Mediterranean kitchen excellence and agricultural wisdom while embodying the meticulous sophistication expected from this storied maison.

What distinguishes Aubergine is its exceptional culinary resonance and agricultural authenticity. Unlike more florally inspired Hermès purples such as Cyclamen or more wine-derived tones like Raisin, Aubergine offers a more distinctly vegetable quality with substantial depth that gives it a sophisticated, almost gastronomically precise character. This perfectly calibrated color profile allows Aubergine to function as both a contemplative color statement and a versatile expression of refined culinary heritage—an evocative choice for the Hermès client who values colors with agricultural significance and authentic Mediterranean refinement.

The History of Hermès Aubergine Color

Hermès introduced Aubergine in its contemporary formulation during the early 2000s, with its notable appearances beginning around 2002-2003. The color emerged during a period when Hermès was developing colors that reconnected with its Mediterranean foundations and culinary heritage—creating hues that bridged traditional gastronomic aesthetics and contemporary luxury while adding authentic agricultural depth to the brand’s celebration of craftsmanship and sophisticated sensibilities.

The development of Aubergine reflected broader cultural currents that valued authentic connections to culinary traditions and hues that evoked particular vegetable essences rather than abstract color concepts. Color specialists at Hermès have noted that creating Aubergine required particularly precise pigment formulation to achieve its characteristic eggplant presence with perfect depth—capturing the specific quality of the Mediterranean aubergine, its glossy skin, and culinary traditions with their mixture of agricultural luminosity, substantial complexity, and perfect calibration that feels simultaneously profound and sophisticated.

As a color with specific culinary and agricultural references, Aubergine represents Hermès’ thoughtful approach to connecting luxury to authentic experiential dimensions—creating colors that offer not only aesthetic appeal but also meaningful connections to Mediterranean traditions and gastronomic heritage. This approach resonates particularly with sophisticated clients who value substantial connections between luxury craftsmanship and colors with genuine culinary depth.

Characteristics of Hermès Aubergine Color

Visual Properties

Aubergine possesses several distinctive visual characteristics:

Base Tone: A profound, culinarily evocative deep purple with remarkable agricultural presence that communicates Mediterranean heritage with refined depth
Undertones: Contains subtle brown undertones that give it a sophisticated, vegetable-inspired quality distinct from more red-based or blue-based purples
Brightness: Calibrated brightness level that ensures substantial presence with culinary depth
Saturation: Precisely balanced saturation that creates a luxurious color statement while maintaining refined elegance
Complexity: Creates an impression of agricultural depth and culinary richness, reminiscent of the most exquisite Mediterranean eggplants and kitchen traditions in sophisticated settings
Aubergine offers eggplant-inspired deep purple character distinct from other culinary tones like Prune or grape expressions like Raisin.

The color displays fascinating behavior under different lighting environments. In natural daylight, Aubergine reveals its complex culinary character most clearly. Under artificial warm lighting, it develops a slightly more intimate quality that enhances its rich associations, while in cool artificial light, the subtle brown undertones emerge more prominently, demonstrating the sophisticated precision of its formulation.

How Aubergine Appears on Different Leathers

The visual impact of Hermès Aubergine varies significantly depending on the leather type:

Togo Leather: The natural grain of Togo gives Aubergine remarkable dimension, with the grain creating subtle variations that enhance its agricultural character
Epsom Leather: On structured Epsom, Aubergine appears more uniform and defined, with the embossed grain creating precise light and shadow patterns that emphasize its culinary presence
Swift Leather: The smooth surface of Swift allows Aubergine to express its most luminous character, with a subtle sheen creating sophisticated vegetable references
Clemence Leather: On the softer Clemence, Aubergine takes on a more relaxed yet still luxurious character that enhances its Mediterranean associations
Box Calf: On classic Box Calf, Aubergine achieves perhaps its most refined expression—profound and lustrous with perfect agricultural presence
Exotic Skins: On crocodile or ostrich, Aubergine creates spectacular effects that enhance the natural patterning of the skin, creating an intriguing dialogue between the material’s texture and the color’s culinary references

Color Pairings and Versatility

Hermès Aubergine offers exceptional versatility despite its distinctive character:

Neutral Companions: Works beautifully with sophisticated neutrals—ivory, dove gray, taupe, camel, and black
Culinary Harmonies: Creates sophisticated combinations with olive green, terracotta, and certain amber tones that reference Mediterranean traditions
Unexpected Elegance: Pairs surprisingly well with certain dark teals and burnished golds for contemporary expressions
Hardware Affinity: Particularly elegant with gold hardware, which enhances its rich character, though also effective with palladium for a more modern contrast
Seasonal Flexibility: Functions effectively across seasons, with particular success in fall and winter contexts but also as a sophisticated accent throughout the year

Fashion stylists often note that Aubergine functions as a “sophisticated culinary neutral” in luxury wardrobes—a color that offers distinctive character and authentic depth while maintaining remarkable versatility. This exceptional quality makes it particularly valuable for investment pieces and accessories that express profound elegance while offering practical sophistication.

Aubergine in Hermès Collections

Popular Hermès Bags in Aubergine

Throughout its appearances in Hermès collections, Aubergine has graced several iconic bag styles:

Birkin: On the structured Birkin, Aubergine creates a culinary statement that appeals to collectors seeking profound luxury with refined craftsmanship
Kelly: The formal structure of the Kelly provides a perfect showcase for Aubergine’s contemplative character, resulting in a bag that epitomizes agriculturally elegant luxury
Constance: The architectural simplicity of the Constance particularly complements Aubergine’s sophisticated Mediterranean character
Bolide: The curved structure of the Bolide showcases Aubergine’s refined depth, particularly with gold hardware
Garden Party: The relaxed elegance of the Garden Party creates an intriguing harmony with Aubergine’s agricultural legacy

Beyond Bags: Aubergine in Other Hermès Products

Aubergine has appeared across various Hermès product categories:

Small Leather Goods: Featured in wallets, card cases, and accessories for those seeking culinarily sophisticated luxury
Silk Scarves: Particularly effective in printed silk designs, especially those with Mediterranean and agricultural themes
Ready-to-Wear: Appearing in select garments, especially in collections focused on profound elegance
Home Collection: Used effectively in decorative objects and textiles, bringing culinary depth to sophisticated interiors
Shoes and Accessories: Featured in select footwear and belt designs, highlighting the connection between agricultural context and Hermès’ commitment to craftsmanship

Collector Appeal of Hermès Aubergine Color

Rarity and Market Value

Aubergine occupies an interesting position in terms of collector appeal in the Hermès color spectrum. While not among the rarest colors, it has been produced in carefully managed quantities throughout different seasons that maintain its distinctive character and culinary appeal.

Auction houses and luxury resellers report several notable patterns:

Agricultural Connoisseurship: Particularly sought after by collectors with appreciation for culinary references and profound luxury
Sophisticated Investment: Recognized for its particular success in balancing distinctive character with practical versatility
Leather Affinity: Valued across virtually all leather types, with particular enthusiasm for its appearance on Box Calf and Togo that enhance its deep character
Size Distribution: Appears across various sizes, with particular success in medium and larger formats that showcase its agricultural character
Secondary Market Performance: Demonstrates strong performance in the secondary market, with well-preserved examples maintaining value due to their distinctive character and culinary appeal

Authentication Aspects of Aubergine

For collectors and authentication experts, Aubergine presents specific characteristics that help in verifying authentic Hermès items:

The color has a distinctive agricultural richness and balance that’s difficult to replicate precisely
Under natural light, authentic Aubergine displays subtle variations in tone with sophisticated complexity
The brown undertones should be present but balanced, never overwhelming the essential purple character
Counterfeit versions often appear too bright, too flat, or lacking the sophisticated balance of the authentic shade
The color’s remarkable consistency across different materials demonstrates the brand’s exceptional color control

Caring for Hermès Aubergine Leather

Color Preservation

Maintaining the beauty of Aubergine requires specific care considerations:

Light Stability: Demonstrates excellent stability under normal lighting conditions, with minimal fading over time
Color Transfer: Less susceptible to showing transfer from dark clothing compared to lighter colors, offering practical versatility
Handling Evidence: Shows oils or marks from handling less readily than lighter colors, requiring standard but not excessive care
Resilient Character: With proper care, Aubergine maintains its distinctive character beautifully over time, often developing a slightly deeper patina that many collectors particularly prize
Agricultural Evolution: Particularly successful for sophisticated everyday pieces due to its profound nature and ability to develop deeper character through considered use

Cleaning and Maintenance

Hermès recommends specific approaches for Aubergine items:

Storage in original Hermès dust bags away from direct sunlight
Regular gentle cleaning with appropriate leather care products
Periodic conditioning to maintain leather suppleness without affecting color depth
Professional Hermès spa treatments for significant cleaning or refreshment needs
Acceptance of natural patina development as part of the color’s evolution and character

Aubergine Compared to Other Hermès Colors

To fully appreciate Aubergine, understanding its relationship to other Hermès colors is helpful:

Prune: Both have culinary references, but Aubergine is more vegetable-derived while Prune is more fruit-inspired
Raisin: Both have Mediterranean origins, but Aubergine is more agriculturally profound while Raisin is more vinously sophisticated
Cassis: Both reference kitchen traditions, but Aubergine is more vegetable-based while Cassis is more berry-derived
Bordeaux: Both have rich depth, but Aubergine is more culinarily nuanced while Bordeaux is more wine-inspired
Rouge H: Both have profound characteristics, but Aubergine is more agriculturally precise while Rouge H is more historically grounded
Vert Cypress: Both have Mediterranean references, but Aubergine is more vegetally purple while Vert Cypress is more botanically green
Violet: Both are in the purple family, but Aubergine is more culinarily nuanced while Violet is more chromatically assertive
While Aubergine provides deep vegetable-based darkness, Prune offers another culinary purple with different plum-inspired character.
For collectors seeking another deep purple with different inspiration, Raisin provides grape-inspired depth with distinctive presence.

The Cultural Significance of Hermès Aubergine Color

Historical and Cultural References

The name “Aubergine” refers directly to the French word for “eggplant”—a designation that connects the color to centuries of Mediterranean culinary excellence and agricultural traditions deeply embedded in cultural identity. This gastronomic reference connects the color to traditions of kitchen refinement, particularly the sophisticated world of Mediterranean cuisine that has influenced cultural expression throughout history. The distinctive eggplant-inspired coloration embodies both agricultural authenticity and culinary refinement while maintaining sophisticated Mediterranean complexity.

Beyond its vegetable reference, Aubergine carries cultural significance in its connection to Hermès’ foundational heritage, particularly the sophisticated representation of the brand’s appreciation for Mediterranean terroir and culinary traditions that captured both their agricultural significance and cultural influence throughout history. This dual reference to both vegetable specificity and broader Mediterranean heritage gives Aubergine particular depth in the Hermès color library.

In Fashion Context

Aubergine represents an important development in luxury fashion’s approach to agricultural color values and culinary authenticity. Its introduction coincided with a period when sophisticated luxury consumers were increasingly valuing products with Mediterranean resonance and authentic vegetable references alongside traditional craftsmanship.

Fashion historians note that Aubergine emerged during a time when the concept of “culinary heritage luxury” was gaining renewed appreciation—the idea that certain colors and aesthetic values could simultaneously reference specific agricultural traditions while maintaining sophisticated execution. This perspective reflected changing patterns in luxury consumption, as clients increasingly valued products with authentic character and vegetable color references that celebrated distinctive Mediterranean aesthetics.

Styling Hermès Aubergine Color

Personal Styling Recommendations

Fashion experts offer several approaches to incorporating Aubergine items:

Culinary Sophistication: Pairing with other agriculturally-inspired colors for authentic aesthetically-oriented palettes
Profound Investment: Leveraging its distinctive character for pieces intended to make sophisticated statements of contemplative luxury
Mediterranean Depth: Using Aubergine as a sophisticated accent that adds agricultural richness to otherwise neutral ensembles
Seasonal Adaptation: Particularly effective in fall and winter combinations with other deep tones, though versatile enough for year-round use
Authentic Character: Embracing its specific culinary references for pieces that communicate sophisticated appreciation of Mediterranean aesthetic sensibilities

Interior Design Crossover

The distinctive quality of Aubergine has inspired crossover into sophisticated interior design:

As a foundational color in spaces seeking agricultural character with refined execution
In luxury textiles for statement pieces in culinarily-inspired elegant interiors
Paired with natural materials like terracotta, brass, and linen in sophisticated spaces
In art collections and decorative objects with themes of Mediterranean splendor and culinary heritage
In spaces that reference agricultural luxury and gastronomically-derived elegance

Aubergine in the Context of Hermès Color Evolution

Aubergine represents important aspects of Hermès’ ongoing color evolution:

Agricultural Balance: Demonstrates Hermès’ commitment to colors with culinary references beyond abstract concepts
Mediterranean Sophistication: Exemplifies how colors can express profound character without sacrificing contemporary relevance
Authentic Resonance: Represents the development of colors that connect to genuine vegetable references
Perfect Calibration: Connects to Hermès’ appreciation for colors that achieve ideal balance between agricultural depth and sophisticated wearability
Heritage Continuity: Showcases Hermès’ understanding of colors that maintain their relevance through Mediterranean connection

Conclusion: The Agricultural Sophistication of Hermès Aubergine Color

Hermès Aubergine color exemplifies the brand’s unparalleled ability to create colors that offer both culinary resonance and refined agricultural sophistication. Unlike more conventional luxury purples, Aubergine evokes a particular vegetable quality—the perfect balance of eggplant authenticity with sophisticated complexity that connects to Mediterranean heritage while maintaining impeccable execution.

For collectors and connoisseurs, Aubergine represents a sophisticated addition to any collection—distinctive enough to communicate profound elegance, yet versatile enough to function across numerous contexts. Its balanced character ensures it brings agricultural richness to any ensemble, while its connection to culinary heritage adds meaningful depth to its aesthetic qualities.

As luxury continues to navigate the balance between abstraction and agricultural reference, Aubergine stands as evidence of Hermès’ thoughtful approach to creating colors with both visual sophistication and meaningful context. This balance between culinary character and refined execution ensures that Hermès Aubergine will continue to captivate discerning collectors who value colors that celebrate Mediterranean heritage while offering sophisticated functionality in their luxury acquisitions.

Discover more distinctive Hermès deep purples in our guides to Prune, Raisin, and Cassis.