Hermès may be a brand that defines luxury and exquisite style, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be practical, functional, and highly versatile. In fact, one of the hallmarks of some of Hermès’ most popular bags is their simplicity in design and in the way that high-quality materials are used to create timeless aesthetic finishes.
The story behind bags like the Birkin and Kelly bags speaks to the practical motivation that lies at the heart of each creation. The Birkin bag was famously spearheaded by a meeting between Jean-Louis Dumas and Jane Birkin, who stated her need and desire for a bag that could serve her needs as a young mother. The Kelly bag, meanwhile, offered practical storage and a classy accessory that was large enough to conceal a baby bump.
What this tells us is that versatility is nothing new at Hermès HQ – rather, it’s a design staple that underpins every bag the brand releases.
So, what role does versatility play in the Hermès Picotin, and how can this bag be carried effortlessly from day to night (and back again)?
What Is the Hermès Picotin?
The Picotin is one of the more relaxed bags in the Hermès range, boasting a deep body and wide straps that can be hooked over the arm or over the shoulder for ease of carrying.
The Picotin range is inspired by and closely linked to the design and shape of the original Hermès equestrian bags, giving this collection not just a versatile function but also a very real connection to Hermès’ roots. Starting life as an equestrian brand, the Picotin bag reflects this important brand origin and mimics the shape and design of feeder bags.
This immediately gives us some idea of how this bag was designed to be used. It’s an everyday bag with an accessible handle and the kind of carefree design that can just as easily be worn to the shops as on the red carpet or out for a night on the town.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the key features of this bag and how they play into its versatility.
Key Features That Enhance the Versatility of the Picotin Bag
The most notable feature of the Picotin bag is its overall shape and size. A type of bucket bag that has a deep interior, this bag embraces versatility in the most accessible of ways: that is, the multitude of things that it can be used to carry.
It’s here that it becomes useful to look at the name Picotin and its origin; another reference to the equestrian history of the Hermès brand. A Picotin is a French unit of measurement for oats, a popular horse food and something that avid riders would have used to fuel their horses when out riding. This is reflected in the bucket shape of the bag, which mimics those that would have been used to store and carry these oats.
The two short handles of the Picotin bag are designed to be nestled in the crook of your arm or held firmly in your hand while out and about – another feature that speaks to the versatility of the bag.
Moving on then to the top of the bag, this is where the Picotin design really differs from other Hermès creations, in that it includes an open top with one thin strap holding the bag closed. While some buyers question the security of an open-topped bag, you will tend to find that the deep interior and short but wide handles actually keep this bag well protected in terms of security. And actually, the thin strap has become a hallmark of this bag and a link to the refined designs of Hermès bags, with its ‘H’ clasp and the signature Kelly lock, which becomes a visual feature on an otherwise very simple bag.
Other design choices, like the central seam that runs vertically down the bag, and the visible stitching, are proof of both the quality of craftsmanship at play and the understated but relaxed feel behind the bag. Inspired by a purely functional equestrian accessory, the Picotin is an elevated everyday bag that countless buyers choose to bridge function with style.
Carrying the Picotin from Day to Night
Crafted from the finest materials, with soft leathers and an unrivalled rainbow of colours to choose from, there’s a Picotin bag for every buyer – and for every occasion.
The fact that this bag is designed with optimal storage in its interior, and with short, wide handles that can be carried in the crook of your arm or in your hand, means that it can be used out and about in your everyday life, or as a statement accessory when dressing up.
With its subtle but refined features that link it back to the Hermès brand, notably the Kelly lock and the high-quality materials and craftsmanship, this bag is undoubtedly luxurious to look at. Available in three main sizes, we tend to find that the smallest bag, measuring at 18cm, is the most decorative and therefore the most likely bag to be used as part of an evening look – while the two larger bags are more functional and practical.
With all that in mind then, is a Picotin bag a good buy? Whether you are a first-time Hermès buyer or an experienced collector, the Picotin is a go-between bag that spans the collection’s most functional and most stylish pieces. It feels modern, despite being closely linked to the brand’s earliest origin story, and boasts the kind of versatile shape and structure that lends it to all manner of occasions.
To find the right Picotin bag for you, and to see how this bag looks on your arm or in your hand, visit your local boutique reseller today.