Hermes Evelyne 16 CM Bag Handmade In Taurillon Clemence Leather Gold Hardware 55 Rouge H

Rouge H is the red I did not know I was looking for: deep, slightly blue-leaning, closer to a glass of wine than to a fire engine. On this Evelyne 16 it reads rich rather than bright, which is why it works as easily with a dark winter coat as with a summer dress.

The small size is the other half of the story. At 16 by 18 by 5 cm this is the version I throw on when I want both hands free; a phone, a cardholder, keys and a lipstick are its natural load, and anything more turns it lumpy. Clemence’s soft grain means it moulds to the hip instead of knocking against it, and the gold hardware gives the little bag more presence than its size suggests.

In use, mine goes grocery shopping, on school runs and to dinner. The adjustable strap works crossbody on most frames and can be shortened so the bag tucks under an arm. It is light enough to forget you are carrying it.

An honest caveat on the colour: red Clemence will show the odd pale scuff as a lighter mark, which lifts off with a dry cloth most of the time but is not invisible. I would rather have this red than a perfect one that lives in a box.

If you have always wanted one red accessory, and only one, this small Evelyne is how I would spend it.