As fashion folklore goes in 1984 the actress, Jane Birkin, met Jean-Louis Dumas (the then chairman of the Hermès group) on a flight from Paris to London. The young mother complained that she could not find a stylish handbag big enough to carry the paraphernalia that comes with a baby (we hear you Jane!).

No sooner said than done, and Monsieur Dumas had designed a deep and supple holdall. Its distinguishing features included a polished plaque, a swivel clasp, of course, the Hermès signature saddle stitching, and a dedicated space for baby bottles. The Birkin was born.

The bag has gone on to be one of the most sought after and desirable accessories in the world and the timeless piece is still the ultimate fashion status symbol today.

While a Birkin may be out of reach for most (that pesky waiting list!) there is now a way we can wear a touch of Hermès luxury every day as the brand launches a new collection of limited-edition lipsticks, Rouge Hermès. The three incredibly wearable shades; Beige Ebloui, Rose Oasis, Corail Aqua designed by Pierre Hardy are “at once poetic, functional and refillable” in a durable, lacquered, polished and brushed metal casing. Each Rouge Hermès is protected by a canvas pouch and slipped inside the famous orange box! An instant classic.

The three radiant, sunny shades have a shimmering satin finish designed to enhance the luminosity of the lips.

But don’t get too attached to the shades, like all the best things, these are limited edition and have been designed specifically for SS21. At £62 these lipsticks are not cheap but the formulas are of the quality you’d expect from a fashion house of this reputation. But for us it’s about the feelings these lipsticks evoke. Treating yourself to one of these design classics is a high and then comes the buzz that can only come from designer packaging. Finally, when you apply a lipstick that is this expensive it feels almost like an illicit act. Perhaps, in some way, it brings a kick of excitement to what has become an everyday ritual - a moment of untold luxury, enjoyed only by you.

If you like your lipstick precise there is a lipliner and brush available in the range but the formula is sharp enough to apply straight from the bullet or for instant Jane Birkin style insouciance use your ring finger - tres chic!

BEIGE EBLOUI: might be one of the most perfect nude shades we have ever seen.

ROSE OASIS: all of a sudden makes wearing bright pink lipstick a serious option again.

CORAIL AQUA: a hot shade, perfect for a summer evening.

The collection is available now

An Instant Classic, 3 New Limited Edition Lipsticks from Hermès