For Hermès, colour has always been an integral part of its legacy – whether woven into luxurious silks, painted onto fine leather, or integrated into the brand’s coveted designs. In its latest bold move, Hermès brings colour to the forefront of high jewellery for the very first time with the launch of Les Formes de la Couleur.
This stunning collection by Creative Director Pierre Hardy translates his expertise in colour theory into wearable masterpieces, showcasing diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires in daring new ways.
“This collection expresses colour through form,” explains Hardy, who has an academic background in colour theory. “I wanted to create jewellery with a strong, independent identity.”
The result is a striking series of sculptural pieces that blend geometric shapes with vibrant colour palettes, reimagining the art of high jewellery. Hardy’s use of colour theory is evident in every facet of the collection, which challenges conventional notions of how we perceive jewellery.
The Portraits de la Couleur chapter is where Hardy’s designs truly come to life. Rubies are reimagined as perfect squares, sapphires form deep blue circles, and beryls take on the shape of bright yellow triangles.
“If red is square, what does that square signify?” muses Hardy. “It could evoke a superhero’s emblem, a work of art, or even a cherished memory.”
The collection goes beyond form to explore texture and movement. Pieces in the Fresh Paint series mimic the fluid brushstrokes of a painter, with precious and semi-precious stones arranged in rich, gradient patterns that evoke the imagery of a canvas.
The Arc en Couleurs range features articulated necklaces and bracelets that shimmer with smooth transitions of colour. One necklace, composed of nearly 1,400 individually selected stones, creates a seamless spectrum of hues. “I wanted to explore the entire spectrum,” Hardy reflects. “Rather than limiting diversity, I aimed to celebrate it.”
There’s also a scientific aspect to the collection, as Hardy incorporates light diffraction into his designs. The Supracolor necklace is a captivating architectural piece that uses rutilated quartz as a prism, revealing hidden rays of colour beneath its surface.
The Hermès Diaprés necklace contrasts emerald-cut diamonds and sapphires with iridescent mother-of-pearl, causing the gems to glow gently against intricate settings. Meanwhile, Color Flash takes a modern approach, using pavé-set stones in pixelated compositions that resemble a digital screen frozen in time.
Les Formes de la Couleur represents a groundbreaking shift in how Hermès approaches haute bijouterie, with pieces that are experimental, bold, and unafraid to explore the full spectrum of colour.
These designs don’t merely adorn the wearer – they spark conversation and challenge perceptions. “I wanted to express multiple ideas at once,” Hardy says. “It’s possible to desire different things simultaneously.”
With Les Formes de la Couleur, Hermès redefines what high jewellery can be, creating not just pieces to wear but expressions of artistry, craftsmanship, and vibrant imagination. As Hardy’s collection proves, the possibilities for colour at Hermès are endless.
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