One of the first-ever Smythson handbags, which was made in the early 1900s, was advertised as the bag that would ‘always hold just a little more’. And – thanks to clever yet stylish design remaining a trademark of the luxury leather goods company – the same can be said for the brand’s Panama Small Moon Purse made almost 120 years later. 

Hand-crafted in the UK from the same crossgrain calf leather as the brand’s iconic Panama diary, which was first created by Frank Smythson in 1908, the purse is lightweight, supple and hard-wearing, while at the same time effortlessly chic and refined. 

Small but perfectly formed, the purse is designed to be stowed in bags of all sizes, holding loose change in its coin section, and cards in its three internal card slots. There is also an external slip pocket where your extra-important or most-used cards and special notes can be kept safely separate.  

Taking inspiration from the phases of a waning moon, a semi-circular closure at the front references a half moon shape, while the inside features a smooth, dark leather lining. This minimalist design is an ideal everyday (cosmic) companion. 

Panama Small Moon Purse in Nile Blue, £185, Smythson

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