If there’s one brand that tops the list of the most coveted labels in the handbag world, it’s Hermès. With iconic bags such as the Birkin and Kelly, both of which feature on both big and small screens and have been spotted on the arms of the world’s best known celebrities, investing in any Hermès is a dream come true for most accessory enthusiasts.
But, while many are guilty of adding their name to the Birkin or Kelly waitlist before sitting back to wait for a piece to fall into their laps, we’re here to ignite some interest and enthusiasm in Hermès’ other collections. The Picotin is just one such bag that is often underrated on the market, but which fuses the brand’s history with its affinity for style, quality, and the finest core materials.
The Hermès Picotin bag is derived from the brand’s equestrian history. When Hermès was first launched way back in 1837, it was a professional saddlery and harness workshop, catering to the needs of its equestrian customer base. The Picotin bag boasts elements of the brand’s equestrian history, with its style that’s reminiscent of a horse feed bag, and a name that doubles as the term used to describe a horse’s daily ration of oats.
The more you look at the Picotin bag, the more you see how it fuses history and innovation with function, style, and the kind of versatility that makes it a popular and incredibly practical bag to buy. With that in mind, then, let’s look at what it is that makes this bag such a perfect but minimalist tote bag.
Key Features of the Picotin Hermès Bag
The Picotin bag boasts a bucket structure with a wider opening than its base, and two handles for ease of portability and everyday use. The shape of the bag comes directly from its original inspiration as a horse feed bag – though, in a move away from some of Hermès’ other bags that were originally built and designed for their equestrian uses, the Picotin bag has always been a staple of everyday style.
This is because, while many earlier equestrian pieces, like the Evelyne bag, were released in the 1900s, the Picotin did not reach the market until 2002. By then, Hermès had moved away from its core equestrian roots and embraced the wider market of luxury style and fashion – with the Picotin perfectly occupying a corner of the market that Hermès had not previously ventured into – everyday tote bags.
The shape of the Picotin sits in direct contrast to the Birkin and Kelly bags. While these bags are structured in design and have a wider base to sit on a surface, the Picotin bag has a smaller base and wider opening to represent a bucket shape.
Because of this shape and its depth, the Picotin bag is deceptively spacious and ensures that there is plenty of space to carry all your possessions for the day ahead. The handles are long enough to sit in your hand or on the crook of your arm, with the option to add longer straps should you prefer to wear this bag over your shoulder.
All of these features that make the Picotin bag so functional and ideal for everyday use only serve to enhance the design of a bag that boasts all the hallmarks of a popular and coveted Hermès creation.
High-quality materials, excellent attention to detail, exquisite craftsmanship, and premium colours and hardware options elevate the finish of every Picotin bag so that it becomes as sought after as any other Hermès bag.
Why the Picotin Bag Is Such a Coveted Luxury Accessory
Aside from the Picotin boasting the spacious and versatile design of an everyday tote bag, the variety of finishes, colour palettes, and hardware options make this bag a great option for those keen to start their Hermès collection.
The hardware comes from the strip of leather that fastens over the two sides of the bag to keep your possessions safely contained and secure – before being locked with an Hermès padlock. Palladium is the hardware most commonly used, though more modern variations of the Picotin bag have been seen with yellow-gold hardware finishes too.
Of course, the right hardware for you will depend on the colour that you choose – with the Hermès Picotin renowned for its plethora of neutral and bright colours. With both seasonal releases and year-round timeless classics, buyers enjoy a range of options, some of which are in-demand and sell out quickly, while others tend to be more readily available.
Another thing worth noting about the Picotin bag, particularly as we discuss its popularity as a minimalist tote bag, is the range of three sizes that Hermès has released – and the fact that all three boast the same simple, relaxed shape and structure. The 18, 22, and 26 pieces all measure 18cm, 22cm, and 26cm in length respectively – and Hermès even released a Micro version measuring in at just 14cm thanks to the popularity of the Mini Kelly.
Needless to say, it’s not just the story behind the Picotin and its direct link with the Hermès brand history that makes it so coveted among buyers. It is also a relatively accessible bag when compared with the renown of the Birkin and Kelly bags, and boasts the kind of everyday design and versatility that make it infinitely more wearable.
If buying an authentic Hermès is on your bucket list, and you’re keen to explore the different bag options and designs available, the first step to take is to visit your local boutique reseller and browse their stock. Armed with authentication certificates and formal valuation services, they will be able to provide great investment options and the widest selection of available models.
