Hermès Vert Vertigo vs. Malachite: What's the difference?

While both are iconic greens from Hermès, Vert Vertigo and Malachite serve distinctly different aesthetics. Vert Vertigo is a deep, sophisticated green with noticeable blue undertones, giving it a cool, slightly mysterious quality. Malachite, in contrast, is a bright, vibrant, and energetic green inspired directly by the striking patterns of its namesake mineral, delivering a bold and eye-catching pop of color.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you decide which Hermès green complements your personal style.

Hermès Vert Vertigo

Vert Vertigo is a refined and contemporary shade known for its depth and intensity. First introduced in the Fall/Winter 2017 collection, this color quickly became a favorite for its unique bluish-green hue. It offers the richness of a jewel tone but with a modern coolness, making it incredibly versatile for styling across different accessories, from leather goods to silk scarves.

• What it is: A signature Hermès cool-toned green with distinct blue undertones.
• Key features: Deep, intense, and mysterious color profile that shifts depending on the light.
• Aesthetic: Sophisticated, elegant, modern, and cool-toned.
• Price: Accessories with this color typically range from $400 to $1,200+. Pricing is dependent on the item (silk vs. enamel vs. leather) rather than the color itself.
• Pros: Highly versatile and pairs well with neutrals and other cool tones. Sophisticated look for both day and night. Less Crayon-like and more subtle than brighter greens.
• Cons: Lacks the vibrant "pop" of a true green. Its blue undertones may not appeal to those seeking a warmer, more earthy-toned color.

This color is perfect for those who want a chic, versatile green that works almost as a neutral while still offering a hint of distinctive color.

Explore this color: hermes.com

Hermès Malachite

Hermès Malachite is a vibrant and luscious true green that instantly brings to mind the lush, swirling patterns of the polished mineral. Introduced around 2014, it is a statement color - bold, energetic, and full of life. It’s an unmistakably rich green that's designed to be noticed and adds a powerful burst of color to any accessory collection, evoking a sense of nature and vitality.

• What it is: A bright, true green inspired by the vibrant natural patterns of the Malachite stone.
• Key features: Lively, opaque green tone that stands out distinctly.
• Aesthetic: Bold, energetic, nature-inspired, and eye-catching.
• Price: Similar to other shades, accessories range from approximately $400 to $1,200+ depending entirely on the product.
• Pros: Makes a beautiful statement and adds a brilliant pop of color. Pairs stunningly with gold hardware. A timeless and recognizable Hermès green.
• Cons: Can be less versatile for everyday wear compared to a more subdued color. Its boldness may not fit minimalist or classic styles as easily.

This shade is ideal for collectors and fashion enthusiasts who appreciate a confident, statement-making color that brings energy and luxury to their look.

Explore this color: hermes.com

Hermès Vert Vertigo vs. Malachite Comparison

Color & Aesthetic

The primary difference is the undertone and vibrancy. Vert Vertigo is a cool, deep green with a strong blue influence, giving it an almost teal-like character in certain lighting. Its aesthetic is modern, chic, and understatedly elegant, evoking imagery of deep ocean waters or a shadowy pine forest. It feels mysterious and polished.

Malachite, on the other hand, is a much brighter, warmer true green. Its inspiration is clearly seen in its vivid, lively tone, reminiscent of a lush jungle or the decorative stone it's named for. Malachite is unapologetically bold and naturalistic, designed to capture attention with its pure, energetic hue.

Versatility & Styling

Vert Vertigo is arguably the more versatile of the two. Its cool, deep tone allows it to function as a sophisticated accent that complements a wide array of colors, including black, grey, cream, beige, and navy. It transitions seamlessly from season to season and can be dressed up or down without ever feeling overpowering. It’s an easy-to-wear color for a first-time luxury buyer.

Malachite is a classic statement color. It works best when it's the star of the show, adding a dramatic pop to an otherwise neutral or simple outfit. It pairs beautifully with white for a fresh, summery look, or with black for a striking contrast. Because of its intensity, it requires a bit more thought when styling to avoid clashing with other bold elements in an outfit.

Who Each One Works Best For

Vert Vertigo works best for individuals with a classic, chic, or minimalist style. If your wardrobe revolves around refined neutrals and you're looking for a color that will add a hint of sophisticated personality without shouting, this is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for the person who values elegance and modern versatility.

Malachite is ideal for the fashion-forward individual with a confident and bold sense of style. If you love to make an entrance and use color to express yourself, Malachite’s energy will resonate with you. It's for the person who sees their accessories as key statement pieces within their wardrobe.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both greens are beautiful investment pieces, but they serve different style sensibilities.

Choose Vert Vertigo if:

• You prefer cool-toned, mysterious colors over bright, warm ones.
• Your wardrobe is built on a foundation of neutral colors like black, white, grey, and navy.
• You want a versatile color that you can wear daily without it overwhelming your look.
• You appreciate a modern, sophisticated aesthetic.

Choose Malachite if:

• You are drawn to vibrant, attention-grabbing jewel tones.
• You want an accessory that delivers a powerful pop of color.
• Your style is bold, expressive, and you enjoy making a statement.
• You love nature-inspired hues and want a classic, true green.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Vert Vertigo and Malachite?

The main difference is the undertone and intensity. Vert Vertigo is a deep green with distinct blue undertones, giving it a cool, muted feel. Malachite is a bright, true green with no apparent blue or yellow influence, making it appear more energetic and vibrant.

Is one color more popular than the other?

Both colors have a dedicated following. Malachite has been around longer and is considered a classic staple green. Vert Vertigo is slightly newer but is highly appreciated for its unique, modern versatility. Popularity often follows fashion trends, but both remain sought-after Hermès colors.

Does Vert Vertigo ever look teal or blue?

Yes, due to its strong blue undertones, Vert Vertigo can look closer to a dark teal, especially in different lighting conditions. This chameleon-like quality is part of its appeal for many.

Which color pairs better with gold hardware?

While both look fantastic, many enthusiasts prefer Malachite with gold hardware. The warmth of the gold creates a rich, classic combination with the vibrant green. Vert Vertigo looks stunning with both gold and palladium (silver) hardware, with palladium often enhancing its cool, modern feel.

Is there a price difference between items in these two colors?

No. For any given product from Hermès (like a CDC bracelet or a silk scarf), the price will be the same regardless of whether it is in Vert Vertigo or Malachite. Pricing is determined by the item, material, and hardware, not the color.

Are these colors limited edition?

While their availability may fluctuate from season to season, both Vert Vertigo and Malachite are considered part of the Hermès recurring color palette and are not classified as limited-edition colors per se.

How do I care for products in these colors?

Care instructions depend on the material (leather, silk, enamel), not the color itself. Follow Hermès' care guide for the specific product to ensure longevity. The dyes are high-quality and stable, so fading is not a significant concern with proper care.

Which color is better for a first Hermès purchase?

This choice depends entirely on your style. Vert Vertigo is often recommended as a 'safer' or more versatile choice if you want something subtle and easy to integrate into your wardrobe. Malachite is a better choice if you want your first piece to be a bold, signature item.