Hermes Kelly Pochette Handmade In Porosus Crocodile Leather from South Africa Gold Hardware 5P Pink

Porosus is the saltwater crocodile, and its scales are the smallest and roundest of any of the crocodilians used for leather, so many and so evenly set that the surface looks almost woven. In pink with gold hardware, it is the most delicate-looking bag I have handled in this range.

The pochette stays 22 by 12 by 7 cm with the single top handle and the front flap. It carries a phone, a card sleeve, keys and a lipstick; the turn-lock meets easily, and the bag’s firm body means it stands upright wherever I put it down, which matters at a table with no room.

Porosus is durable despite its refined appearance, because the scales are dense and tightly packed, but it is not a leather to take into weather. Rain and humidity are what I protect it from most, and I keep it conditioned very lightly, since the fine scales dry out and lift before you notice.

Pink porosus is unapologetically pretty. Worn with white or grey it looks like the best thing in the room, which is sometimes the entire job.

Two things I did not expect. Porosus takes a knock better than its delicate look suggests, and the fine scales make the bag quieter in the hand than glossy alligator, because there is no hard reflection to catch the eye. Mine has stayed this pink through a summer of pale linen without leaving a trace on the fabric, which was my one worry.