Étoupe, A Must Have Neutral for the Hermès Bag Collector
Explore why collectors are captivated by the timeless and iconic Hermès Étoupe color.
É toupe, a taupe-grey shade, is a favorite among modern Hermès collectors who appreciate minimalist yet chic style. Its subtle yet statement-making presence pairs effortlessly with a range of colors, drawing many collectors to this Hermès neutral. Read on to discover more about the Hermès Etoupe color.
Etoupe, A Must Have Neutral
Much has been said recently about the dominance of Etoupe among other Hermès greys. A shade that deftly straddles grey and brown, Etoupe is the most common grey on the secondary market, comprising around 2% of all Hermès bags sold at auction. In production since at least 2004, Etoupe has become part of the permanent collection of Hermès colors, along with Black, Gold, White and Rouge H. While the value of Etoupe bags at auction have remained below those of Etain, Etoupe has made steady increases of around 4% year over year. In March 2023, Sotheby's sold a Etoupe Epsom Kelly Sellier 20 En Désordre for 40,640 EUR.
The Color of Etoupe
Greige is a term often used to describe Etoupe. It is simultaneously grey and brown, the perfect neutral for any occasion and highly desired by most collectors. Most Etoupe bags are distinct for their white stitching, which contrasts the color of the leather and accentuates the skilled craftsmanship necessary to create an Hermès bag. The tone of an Etoupe bag is reliant on its hardware. With gold hardware, Etoupe is warm and rich, with palladium it turns soft, yet steely. Different leathers can affect the color of Etoupe as well. Etoupe is generally darkest on Clemence leather and lightest on Swift. Etoupe has yet to be produced as any exotic.
The Future of Etoupe
When Hermès released the new 25cm Shadow Birkin, one version was done in Etoupe, which signaled the shade’s continuing popularity. The new 20cm Mini Kelly II has also been produced in Etoupe, as has the new Sellier Birkin, which displays more of the color’s famous contrast-stitching than any Retourne Birkin ever could. Etoupe Togo Birkin and Kelly 25 bags are equal in popularity to Gold, commanding higher prices on the secondary market than almost any other color. Since Etoupe has been around for nearly two decades, examples of bags can be found in all sizes and many styles. Togo is the most common leather for Etoupe, making up 48% of the auction market for the color. Clemence accounts for nearly a third, and Epsom around 13%. Other leathers such as Tadelakt, Swift, Novillo and Chevre are rare finds in Etoupe.
A Touch of Gray
While Hermès may only have a handful of grey shades in their oeuvre, there are a few hues that make their way towards grey and have become especially sought-after for their multifaceted natures. Blue Orage, introduced in 2013, evokes the tension of a storm, combining blue and grey in a way that presents both on equal terms. Blue Glacier is a pale steely grey/blue introduced in 2015. This soft grey takes its inspiration from icy glaciers and the crisp, cold air above them. Vert Amand is the latest favorite grey among dedicated Hermès collectors. Released just recently in 2019, Amande, which gets its name from the color of fresh Almonds, effortlessly blends green and grey into a refreshing new neutral. This shade has proven itself among the most valuable colors on the Hermès secondary market. A new shade, Gris Meyer, has just recently been released. Compared to the dark clouds in a sky portending storm, Gris Meyer is proving to be a favorite new neutral.
Advantages to Buying Hermès on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Hermès bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Hermès Bag at a boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing a Hermès.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès or rare limited edition Hermès bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buy and Sell Hermès Bags at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.
Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
