The allure and some might even add the competitive edge of Hermès’ leather goods is its particularity regarding their dimensions. Blown up to the gargantuan Haut à courroies (60cm) or shrunken down to the twee-sized kelly (15cm), each of Hermès’ bag designs is structured but not spiritless for design flexibility.

It means that regardless of the climatic season or the occasional finicky tastes of people, each of them keeps living on in the life of the person who owns it.

Size does matter, but sometimes, something small can still be beautiful. With the Hermès Sac à dépêches Messenger, its design is at once as familiar as it is fresh. First launched in 1928, version 2.0 can be carried as a clutch with its 38cm size and sans gusset construction.

Hermès shrinks the third riff to a more-modern 29cm (the original measures 41cm). It comes in contrasting colours with a lacquer insert on the clasp (a first for the men’s goods) and is crafted in two of the House’s most loved leathers. The matte and veiny Togo calfskin gets more supple as it softens over time, while the finely grained Evercalf calfskin takes on a patina, depending on the habits of the person who owns it.

Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our October 2022 issue!