Hermès 2026 Guide to Special Orders: New Colors and Insider’s Tips from Paris

Each year Hermès collectsors eagerly await the release of the new Special Order (SO) color charts. We have your first look at the new colors offered currently in Paris. Reports from Paris indicate that only a Mini Kelly II or Kelly Pochette are offered as a SO.

It is very possible your home store has an expanded offering of Special Orders to include Birkins and Kellys of all sizes. As these reports are just coming in, we would love to know your experience.

The new colors reflect more thoughtful and meaningful choices, offering more variety than in the recent past.

Hermès launched the 2026 Special Order season in Paris this month, permitting only the creation of a Mini Kelly II or a Kelly Pochette. Birkins or larger Kellys are not included in the Special Order offering at the present time. Therefore, there are no Togo or Clemence leather options included below. We will keep you updated as more information is made available.

The first notable change over 2025 is the return of Ostrich leathers. As many collectsors will recall, Ostrich was absent from last year’s charts and, if offered at all, was available under limited circumstances during the second semester of Special Order offers.

The 2026 color selection feels more expansive than in previous years. Hermès has struck a careful balance between light and dark neutrals, pastels, and newly introduced hues. The result is a palette that gives hope to the vast possibilities of timeless and modern creations.

Exciting new colors include Ardoise, Gris Pantin, Beton, Paille, Jaune Milton, Juane Mango, Rose Darling, and more, each bringing something bright and refreshing to the chart without overwhelming it.

After an absence of any pinks for the past 3 years, collectsors will be pleased to see the expanded pink offerings. Rose Darling (first released in 2024) is available in Chèvre leather, Mauve Sylvestre (an extremely popular pink released in 2019) is offered in Epsom leather, and Mauve Pale (which appeared in 2022) is available in Swift leather, opening up exciting possibilities for Multico (bi-color) combinations. Some may consider choosing Mauve Pale and Craie in Swift leather for a Kelly Pochette or Rose Darling and Nata or other pastel in Chèvre leather for a Mini Kelly II. These colors will create an elegant but playful bi-color Special Order that will be playful and timeless.

True to Hermès tradition, neutral colors are exceptionally well represented. Classic neutrals include Noir, Gris Perle, Rouge H, Rouge Sellier, Ardoise, Etoupe, Gris Meyer, Vert Mangrove, Caramel, Beton, Craie, and more. These classics anchor Special Orders with longevity and versatility.

Being invited by your Sales Associate (SA) to create a Hermès Horseshoe Stamp (HSS) aka Special Order (SO) bag is a coveted milestone – whether it is your first opportunity or one of many. Special Orders are typically offered twice per year. In the spring from February to May and again in the fall from September to November. They are generally not extended during the summer months or year end holiday period.

In recent seasons, many SAs have made a conscious effort to prioritize first-time Special Order clients. This has been well received by its expanded access beyond only long-established clients resulting in an exciting shift for newer collectsors.

The first decision in the Special Order process is selecting the bag style and size. Many collectsors gravitate toward difficult-to-obtain quota styles such as the Mini Kelly II or Kelly Pochette. Others opt for a beloved classic they know will be cherished and get the most use for years to come. Some even choose non-quota bags that complement their existing collectsion.

Every bag created through the Special Order process becomes a deeply personal and timeless addition to one’s collectsion.

Presently, the only bag style offered in Paris is either the Mini Kelly II or the Kelly Pochette. Additional styles and sizes may be added in the future.

In Paris, Clients may currently choose from two standard leather options for a Mini Kelly II or one leather option for a Kelly Pochette as follows:

Chèvre or Epsom leather for a Mini Kelly II

Swift leather for a Kelly Pochette

Exotic leathers are also available, though these options are typically reserved for VVIP clients and require special manager approval. The exotic leather choices currently available in the SO process in Paris are:

 Ostrich

Matte Crocodile

Shiny Crocodile

It is important to note that leather choice directly impacts color availability. Not all colors are offered across every leather. If you have your heart set on a particular color in a certain leather first check the current 2026 chart to insure it is being offered this season. Many appointments have been derailed because a certain color is not available in a chosen leather.

Read:

An Insider’s Guide to Hermès Leathers

Hermès does not usually chase trends and the 2026 SO color palette delivers a thoughtful, restrained edit that leans into nuanced neutrals, quiet luxury colors, and refreshing pastels that welcome a closer look. The choices insure a timeless creation whether one favors trusted neutrals, beloved pastels, or something in between.

The neutral colors have more depth than in past years with the addition of Ardoise, Rouge H, Bai Brun, and Vert Mangrove. There are more gray options including Etoupe, Gris Etain, Gris Pantin, and Gris Perle. Earth tones are also well represented with Gold, Caramel, Paille, Biscuit, and Jaune Mango. Pastels are a beautiful addition with Vert Fizz, Jaune Milton, Rose Darling, Mauve Sylvestre and Mauve Pale. The possibilities for creating beautiful Multi-Co or Verso bags has greatly increased with the addition of these colors.

Based on the information we have received so far, some colors only appear as a choice for one leather type. For example, beloved color Jaune Milton is listed as a color choice if Chèvre Mysore is chosen. We have not seen Jaune Milton listed as a choice for other leathers so far.

Matte Crocodile Colors

Shiny Crocodile Colors

When creating a Special Order bag, select from three core design configurations, each offering a distinct aesthetic and level of personalization.

Line

This option features a single color on both the entire exterior and interior. Line orders are defined by contrasting stitching on the exterior which adds just enough distinction while keeping the overall look clean and cohesive.

Multico (Bi-color)

Two different exterior colors are chosen. One is the primary color for the front and back of the bag. The second color is for the side panels, sangles, handle, and shoulder strap. The interior color is the same as the primary exterior color. Stitching may either be tone-on-tone or contrasting depending on the desired effect. 

Verso

Verso designs use one color for the entire exterior of the bag, paired with a contrasting interior lining color chosen from the specific Lining color chart. As with other layouts, stitching may be tone-on-tone for a clean and subtle look, or a contrasting shade for a distinct pop.

There are specific stitching colors to choose from for contrasting stitching designs.

Some collectsors gravitate toward Line or Multico (Bi-Color) configurations for their visual impact – these designs are unmistakably Special Orders, even without spotting the discreet Horseshoe stamp beneath the flap. Those who prefer a less obvious or quieter approach tend to favor a Verso design, which offers personalization that feels intentional but understated.

Stitching is another area where you can subtly shape the final look of your bag. Some clients choose tone-on-tone stitching for a seamless, cohesive finish in line with a quiet luxury appearance. Others prefer contrasting stitching to add definition and visual impact. Your SA can guide you through the most harmonious option, taking into account the leather selection and the overall aesthetic you are aiming to achieve.

Many boutiques have an iPad to assist in creating a rendering which visually details the selections made. This becomes an essential tool for the creative process. The iPad provides a realistic preview of the finished bag, reflecting the choices made, and how all the elements come together before the final submission.

Hermès offers six hardware options for all their Special Order bags. Since only Mini Kelly II and Kelly Pochette are offered presently in Paris, there are only three hardware options for a Mini Kelly and four options for a Kelly Pochette. Brushed gold and brushed palladium are not offered for mini bags. 

The hardware finishes available for the Mini Kelly II are:

Gold

Palladium

Permabrass

The hardware finishes available for the Kelly Pochette are:

Gold

Palladium

Permabrass

Rose Gold

A Mini Kelly II that is created during normal production has a 93cm shoulder strap. A Mini Kelly II that is ordered through the Special Order or ala carte process can be customized to a preferred length. There are 4 options.

70cm

85cm

105cm

120cm

The different lengths allow one to choose whether to wear the Mini Kelly II as a traditional shoulder carry,  or a relaxed, hands-free cross body style.

The first allotment of Special Order offerings in Paris has recently begun with a kick-off allowing only the Mini Kelly II or Kelly Pochette. There are presently no options available in Paris to customize a Birkin or larger Kellys. This is the first time we are aware of this limited offering by Hermès. Your home boutique may have an expanded offering.

We will update you as more information becomes available about expanding the size and style of bags to customize. 

Please share with us if you have been offered the opportunity to create an ala carte bag this season.

Read Related Articles:

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