Hermes Mini Herbag Zip 20 Bag Retourne Beton Naturel Sable Handmade In Militaire Canvas and Hunter Cowhide Gold Hardware

Béton is one of those colours that sounds austere and turns out to be gentle: a pale concrete grey with cream in it, closer to a freshly plastered wall than to pavement. Paired here with naturel sable canvas and gold hardware on the Mini Herbag Zip 20, it becomes a soft, architectural little bag, quiet in tone and very definite in shape.

I carry mine on days that involve a train and a long walk. The militaire canvas stands up well to being set down on steps and seats, and the hunter-cowhide top, firm when new, keeps the flap’s line crisp over the opening. The gold studs are the only ornament on the bag, and at this size they read almost like jewellery.

Capacity is honest and exact: phone, keys, a flat cardholder, a small powder compact and, this surprises people, a slim 250 ml bottle, if you angle it. The exterior zip pocket on the back takes the cardholder when I want quick access. Anything beyond this list means the 31, and that’s fine; the 20 is not trying to be everything.

The trade-off with béton is contrast: against sable leather it’s beautifully tonal, which also means marks from belts, walls and café chairs can sit unnoticed until the light changes. A gentle brush at the end of the week keeps it honest. Carried in a bag this calm, I find I take better care of my things anyway.