When we talk about iconic fashion accessories and notorious brands, Hermès is up there as one of the most coveted, the most talked-about, and the most famous.
The Birkin and Kelly bags enjoy the kind of status that’s backed by waitlists and ever-increasing prices, while the rest of the Hermès range benefits from its connection to celebrity customers and prestigious collaborations.
But while the Birkin and Kelly bags are often the first that come to mind when considering the full Hermès range, they are by no means the only bags available. In this article, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the brand’s younger collections, that is fast rising in demand and becoming a must-have for the most committed of fashion enthusiasts.
Introducing the Hermès Picotin
First launched in 2002, the Picotin bag is the younger cousin of the famous Birkin and Kelly bags, boasting a much more relaxed aesthetic and a stylish structure which increases its versatility.
From a design perspective, this bag is what you might call a bucket bag, with a deep interior body and wide straps which sit comfortably over the shoulder or in the crook of your arm. Compared with the much more structured shape and style of the Birkin and even the Kelly, the Picotin is considerably more informal – bringing Hermès to a whole new market of buyers.
But that’s not all.
In fact, when we talk about the popularity of the Picotin bag among fashion enthusiasts, we must look right back to the very start of the Hermès brand and where the now world-famous luxury name came from…
The Picotin’s Link to Hermès History
Originally an equestrian brand, Hermès launched the Picotin bag in 2002 as a nod to its own roots as a brand. When looked at through the perspective of Hermès’ history, the Picotin bag becomes recognisable as a modern take on a horse feeding bag.
This is only made more obvious by the name itself, Picotin, which translates to traditional form of unit measurement for horse oats.
This backstory and the inspiration behind the design and release of the Picotin makes this arguably Hermès’ most iconic bag – in that it brings the modern audience and buyer right back to the brand’s origin and roots.
For those enthusiasts who consider themselves true afficionados of fashion and luxury brands, owning a Picotin is a must.
Key Features of the Picotin
Now that we’ve covered the history of the bag and what makes it such a coveted bag in terms of its position on the luxury market and its link with brand history, let’s look at the design of the bag itself.
Relaxed in structure, this is one of Hermès’ more versatile bags. The bucket shape of the main bag’s body means it can be carried from day to night with ease, while the plethora of colours and finishes renders it a suitable accessory for any occasion – similar in style and usage to a modern tote bag.
Despite its more informal structure, however, the Picotin does boast some of the hallmarks of Hermès in terms of its ornate details and features. The Kelly lock is a signature inclusion on the strap which runs across the bag’s opening, while the feet underneath the base of the bag protect its fabric from the surface.
This bag is available in a selection of sizes and has been subjected to some of Hermès’ notorious collaborations, releasing limited edition models and collections to suit trends and fashions.
Should You Buy a Picotin?
When it comes to the luxury market, there are some buyers who know exactly what they want and others who are more open to availability and to exploring the market and what best suits their personal style.
The Picotin is an unlikely but often highly popular bag that buyers fall in love with both when they see it and when they learn about its history. Arguably one of Hermès’ most significant styles thanks to its direct link with the brand’s history, this is a bag that belongs in the collections of Hermès’ biggest fans.
And with the limited edition models and releases, it is another example of a Hermès bag that commands high demand and sees high price rises on the market. You can buy and sell authentic Picotin bags through your local luxury goods boutique reseller, accessing valuation and authentication services to further secure your investment.