Hermes Oran Sandal Women Swift Calfskin Blanc Noir

White on top, black at the edge: which one does the eye read first? On this Orans the answer depends on what you pair them with, and that is precisely the appeal. The upper is white swift calfskin; the edge is black, drawn tight around the sole in one continuous line. The contrast is sharp but not loud, and it gives a white sandal the graphic quality white usually lacks.

Swift behaves the way I want on a sandal: supple, smooth and slightly matte, so it grips rather than slides under the foot. The H cut-out is cut cleanly and sits flush across the top. Heel height is one centimetre with a half-centimetre drop, and the fit across the instep is generous enough that a slightly wider foot stays comfortable. Made in Italy, from 36 to 41.

I wear mine with black and white together, a striped shirt, a simple dress, dark denim, where the edge looks deliberate. They also work with an entirely white outfit as the one line of contrast. Evenings outside are their best setting; the black edge means the sandal does not glow in low light.

Two things to know. White swift will accept dye from dark denim if you wear them on a hot day with new jeans, and the black edge will scuff to grey with heavy city wear. Clean the upper with a barely damp cloth, treat the edge gently, and this pair will hold its graphic look for seasons.