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Eton Blue

October 18, 2024 2 min read

When I traveled to London, I became captivated by the reserved British lifestyle and the elegance in the way people dressed, especially the traditional gentlemen's dress code from Savile Row. It felt like a ritual, with every piece of men's attire preserving a history that stretches back over a century, retaining its classic style. The tuxedos, the blazers, the navy blue, and the Eton blue—all embodied a timeless sophistication. Initially, I mistook Eton blue for Tiffany blue, which led me to explore the origins of these colors.

The research uncovered intriguing details: this special and beautiful light blue was first associated with the aristocracy in Europe and used at royal courts. It became notably linked to Eton College, an institution founded in London in 1440, which has educated numerous distinguished leaders and remains one of the world's most prestigious schools. The college adopted the color for their blazers and badges, establishing a long-standing tradition. Officially recognized as Pantone 7464C, Eton blue predates Tiffany blue by nearly four centuries, as Tiffany & Co. was founded much later.

The color’s remarkable allure, a blend of bright green with a hint of blue, is now well known due to its association with the American jewelry company. Although these light blue hues vary on the strict standard color board, they share a similar refined quality at first glance, exuding a sophisticated vibe.

The popularity of the color surged again when the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711/1A-018 "Tiffany Blue" sold for $6.5 million at a Phillips auction in 2022. Regardless of the complexities of watch collecting, this blue hue became a focal point of discussion. Fendi even drew inspiration from "Tiffany Blue" for their Fall 2022 collection, reinforcing how instantly recognizable this bright blue has become due to its strong connection with the renowned jewelry brand today.