Hermes Birkin Touch 35 Bag Handmade In Togo Calfskin Leather And Matte Alligator Leather Gold Hardware 0M Chai

Chai is one of those colours that sounds edible and looks it too: a spiced tan with a milkiness to it, lighter than chocolate and warmer than taupe. On this Touch 35 the tone runs across both skins, so the Togo body and the matte alligator flap sit in the same family, differentiated only by texture. Gold hardware ties it together without shouting.

What I notice first is the scale of the alligator across the flap: tight, rounded and matte, like a fine basketweave. The Togo, pebbled and softer, takes the knocks on the sides where a bag actually lives, while the exotic panel stays protected under your hand every time you open the bag. It is a clever division of labour, and it makes an exotic feel usable rather than precious.

Inside, the 35 swallows a working day: a thin laptop or tablet, a notebook, wallet, phone, keys, glasses and a small pouch, with the interior pockets keeping the small stuff ordered. I like the size for long lunches and travel days, when you want one bag and no second trip to the car. Togo on the sides also means the bag survives being set down on trains and cafe floors, which the flap would not.

One caution, and it applies to the whole family: matte alligator is thirsty for attention around water, so blot spills immediately and give the scales a light brush now and then. The Togo half will forgive everything; the alligator half will not.