Hermes Birkin 25 Bag 7G Ciel Handmade In Togo Calfskin Leather Gold Hardware

Ciel means sky, and this is a pale blue with a touch of grey cloud in it, light enough to read almost white in bright sun and unmistakably blue in shade. Gold hardware warms it up and keeps the pale tone from going cold.

Twenty-five by twenty by thirteen centimetres, French Togo calfskin, gold-tone plates and base studs. The pebbled grain is a real advantage on a colour this light, since a textured surface disperses marks across the pebbles instead of showing a single scuff line. The pebble grain also means the pale surface never looks flat or papery, which is a common problem with light smooth leathers.

Contents fit the usual compact pattern: a phone, a cardholder, keys, a compact and a lipstick. It closes flat and sits comfortably on the forearm without pulling, which is what I want from a small bag I carry for hours.

Two things to be realistic about. Pale blue Togo will show colour transfer from dark denim at the back panel if you wear raw indigo, and it will show hand oil along the flap edge as a faint deepening. Both are normal for the colour family, and both are manageable with attention. Because it is so easy to carry in summer, mine sees most use between May and September, with a neutral bag taking over in winter.

Stored away from direct light, mine has stayed close to its original sky tone. The gold hardware has kept its finish and the stitching is even throughout.