Hermes Evelyne 23 CM Bag Handmade In Taurillon Clemence Leather Gold Hardware 2Z Blue Niut

There is a particular navy that reads almost black indoors and unmistakably blue in daylight, and 2Z Blue Niut is it. I bought it for evening wear and have been surprised how often it comes out at noon instead, usually with grey wool or a white shirt.

In Clemence, that deep blue has weight and movement: the pebbled grain catches light unevenly, so the surface never looks flat the way a smooth navy can. Against the gold hardware the colour turns noticeably dressier, which makes this the Evelyne 23 I would carry to a wedding rather than to the beach.

The dimensions are the standard 23 x 7.5 x 23 cm. In practical terms: a slim wallet, phone, keys, a lipstick and a folded scarf disappear inside, while the rear slip pocket keeps a card or a train ticket within reach. Worn crossbody, the bag hangs at the hip and stays there when you lean over a counter.

One caveat I would give a friend: with gold fittings and a dark blue body, this version looks smarter than the rest of the range, so it can feel overdressed with sportswear. If your wardrobe leans casual, the same colour with a different hardware tone would blend in more.

For anyone who wants one bag that carries a suit and a silk shirt equally well, Blue Niut is the quiet overachiever of the line-up.