Hermes Oran Sandal Women Shiny Java Lizard Rose Sakura

Sakura pink is the palest of the pinks, a blossom shade that looks almost white in bright sun and turns properly pink in the shade. On shiny Java lizard it is subtle to the point of secretive, which is the opposite of what pink usually does. In shade it turns a warmer pink, almost rose tea. Against a tan it looks almost nude.

The Oran sandal is a flat — 0.4 inch at the heel, 0.2 inch of difference to the front — with the cut-out H above a natural leather sole; the rose edge and lambskin lining carry the colour inside. The 36 to 41 range, made in Italy. The flat shape follows the foot rather than flattening it, which is why it stays comfortable.

Mine go with white linen and pale denim, and they are the sandals I choose when I want to look as though I have made an effort without wearing a bright shoe. Against a tan they are extremely flattering. They go with everything pale – cream, oat, pale blue – and give a plain white dress something to hold.

The caveat: pale pink lizard marks. Sunscreen, spilled rose, dust — all of it shows, and shiny finishes cannot be buffed the way normal leather can. Keep a soft cloth with them and use it. Keep them away from sunscreen and lotions, which mark pale lizard first. A cotton dust bag, stored flat, keeps the scales from pressing.