Hermes Kelly Elan Handmade In Chèvre Leather Gold Hardware S4 Deep Blue

S4 Deep Blue and gold is a combination with a long life in jewellery for a simple reason: dark navy makes gold look liquid. This Elan, a 27-centimetre face of Chèvre goatskin, takes that logic and lies flat against the body, the grain under the navy reading almost like flannel. The gold hardware is restrained but unmistakable in the right light. It is a bag for the sort of evening where you arrive straight from work.

My load is modest: phone, cardholder, key pouch, sunglasses at a push. The single-layer interior means everything is visible at a glance, which matters on a dark bag — no black hole, no fishing. The strap is slim, sits on the shoulder or across the chest, and never tangles, which I cannot say for every bag in this shape.

Honest notes. Dark blue hides marks well but shows dust and dulling faster than you expect, especially around the strap anchors; a microfibre cloth is your friend. And the flat Elan shape, worn over a heavy winter coat, can ride up a little when the coat is thick — worth knowing for anyone in a down jacket three months a year. Otherwise, this is as close to a perfect do-everything evening piece as my rotation contains.

With grey wool and gold earrings, it is the entire outfit, and I have yet to find a coat it weakens.