Everything you need to know about the Hermès Picotin

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If you follow fashion closely, you know large and spacious totes have reigned supreme for quite some time. This comes as no surprise since huge purses are must-have carryalls for every working girl or busy mom. But despite their massive popularity, they eventually took a backseat thanks to the trendiness of petite bags. One such purse that received lots of love and adoration since its introduction is the Hermès Picotin.

But what exactly makes this chic piece and its style variations essential? Let’s take a look.

Quick navigation:

• • What is a Hermès Picotin?
  • Materials and Quality
  • Picotin Sizes
  • Pricing
  • Sizes And Pricing Overview
  • Special Releases
  • Pros & Cons
  • Personal Favorites

Hermès Picotin: What is it?

Like many goods from the luxe brand, the Hermès Picotin pays homage to its equestrian roots. Introduced to the market in 2002, the Picotin is a bucket-style purse that resembles a horse’s feeding bag. Because of its wide-open top, fashionistas can easily access its contents while on the go. But this doesn’t mean your belongings are unsafe. The bag features a locking strap that can be secured with a signature Hermès lock to ensure your stuff remains secure while maintaining stylish elegance.

Most Hermès bags bear female names. But this is not the case with the Picotin. The name directly translates to a unit of measure used for portioning a horse’s daily ration of oats. Thanks to its simple yet practical bucket design, the Picotin makes for a perfect everyday bag. Since its initial release, this Hermès mini tote has come in numerous variations, some of which are limited editions. One such example is the recently released Lucky Daisy Picotin.

The Hermès Lucky Daisy collection is equal parts elegance and whimsy. Where the OG Picotin features polished simplicity, the Lucky Daisy is adorned with a floral motif. Upon closer inspection, the subtle touch of playful femininity showcases flower petals formed with horseshoes.

You can learn more in-depth information and get close up looks to all details of the Picotin in this video review of a Hermès Picotin PM in etoupe:   https://youtu.be/lfiq0SQOudw

Materials and Quality of the Picotin

Bucket-shaped bags aren’t a novel concept. Everyone, from fast fashion labels to high-end maisons, has their version. So, what sets Hermès apart?

Off the bat, every label favors a specific fabric. Some common choices are suede, nylon, canvas, and leather. In the case of the OG Hermès Picotin it was scratch-resistant Epsom and Clemence (bull-calf leather) with a pebble grain. Limited editions like the Lucky series however favor soft Swift leather.

Despite fabric variations, the craftsmanship of the Hermès bucket bag remains top tier. The choice of fabric offers a classy aesthetic, and the material makes the bag incredibly lightweight yet durable.

Crafted in the artisan’s Retourine signature style, the purse’s inside-out construction keeps the corners of the bag flawlessly rounded. Compared to other purses, the Picotin’s interior is unlined. Save for the micro, the rest of the Picotin sizes have four metal feet reinforcing the bag’s structure and durability even when unfilled.

Completing the look are two leather handles attached to the body using hand-sewn saddle stitches. This technique is a testament to the brand’s craftsmanship no machine can replicate. To complement the overall style the bag is adorned with the brand’s signature padlock in palladium or gold finish.

Hermès Picotin Sizes

Whether it’s the classic Picotin or a Lucky Daisy, Hermès designed the bag for easy one-handed toting. As such, you can bring home the style in various sizes. Some go-to choices are the Micro TPM),  Picotin 18 (PM), and the 22 (MM).

Although on the dainty side, there’s enough room in this cute little number for your essentials. Headed to enjoy a cup of coffee? Why not pack your Kindle? There’s even room for your wallet, keys, and even makeup for touchups.

But if minis aren’t your cup of tea, you can always size up with the Hermès Picotin 26 (GM) or the hefty 30 (TGM). Perfect as an everyday purse, work, or a chic diaper bag.

Hermès Picotin Pricing

Like many luxe goods, the Hermès Picotin commands a fairly high price whether purchased from the boutique or the secondhand market. As of 2023, a standard Micro Picotin retails for $3,325 in the United States after a 3.90% increase. On the other hand, the Hermès Lucky Collection can go anywhere between $3,000  to $6,000.

Sizes and Pricing Overview

Hermès Picotin Special Releases

Beyond the “basic” models, the French label also produces several special edition bucket handbags. Other than the Lucky Daisy, collectors can set their sights on owning the style in ostrich or crocodile leather. Another sought-after style is the Cargo Toile.  This limited Picotin canvas tote with leather trim features multiple pockets inspired by the military uniform.

If you’re searching for something edgier, pick up the Picotin So Black.  This bucket bag combines gorgeous black leather and dark Ruthenium hardware. Like any limited release, the Picotin deluxe lineup sells out quickly and is only available to frequent spenders. As such your best chance at snagging these designs will be the secondary market.

Pros & Cons of Owning a Hermès Picotin Bag

Are you thinking of buying a Picotin handbag but can’t make up your mind? Well, you’re in luck coz here are a few pros and cons from bag owners to help you decide.

Pros

With so many new bag designs it can be challenging to choose which one to take home. If you’re considering the Hermès Picotin, these are some of the perks of owning one.

Classy – Unlike other brands, this French fashion label is known for its clean and sleek designs. You can tote your Pioctin day or night.

Lightweight – Thanks to its simple structure, the bag isn’t burdensome to carry around. It also makes it an ideal fashion piece to have when traveling.

Spacious – The Hermès Picotin comes in various sizes and features an unlined raw leather interior with no compartments. This simple style allows users to fill bags to the brim or mix and match the handbag with stylish pochettes.

Practical – For an Hermès bag, the Picotin is priced reasonably, making it an ideal purchase for first-time collectors. It’s polished structure and design is easy to pair with various outfits.

Discrete – If you’re looking for a bucket bag with loud colors, glaring logos, or blinged-out accessories then this is not for you. Picotin bags are the perfect fashion pieces for individuals who prefer quiet luxury.

Readily available – Save for the limited releases, the standard Picotin has a high chance of being available in-store. Compared to a Kelly or Birkin, there is no waitlist to acquire this style.

Cons

Now that you know the advantages, it’s time to tackle the downside of owning this bag.

Unstructured – Next to other totes, the Picotin lacks a sturdier structure. As such, the bag’s supple leather tends to slouch over time. Keep your bag in tip-top shape by storing it with a bag stuffer.

Zero pockets – Sad to say that unless you are buying the multi-pocketed Cargo Toile, you will need bag inserts, pouches, or organizers if you care for compartments.

Short straps – The Hermès Picotin comes with short handles making it impossible to sling on your shoulders. However, if you are willing to shell out extra cash, you can purchase an extra strap to turn it into a shoulder bag.

Vivians’ Opinion

Well before Hermès introduced the Micro, the PM was everyone’s favorite small Picotin model. Also known as the 18, the bag can hold essentials easily. It is sizable enough to carry mobile phones, wallets, car keys, and makeup without sagging or looking overstuffed.

But then there’s the micro bag craze on top of this new design, which made the Picotin 14 Lucky Daisy a hyped and thought-after bag. Personally, I love my Daisy and I still think it’s the cutest. It’s great for some occasions and never fails to garner compliments. However, I grew to see the Picotin 18 as more favorable for daily use. My etoupe PM Picotin is just more effortless to wear on the daily. There’s no drama or show about it. It’s just a nice bag and that’s it. I’m not worried about it and that’s how I use my Picotins: 18 in neutral color (gold or etoupe) as a casual and practical daily handbag, 14 Daisy as an occasion or evening piece. But no matter which Picotin you go for, you’ll enjoy it.

Watch a full in-depth review of the Hermès Picotin PM here:   https://youtu.be/lfiq0SQOudw

Learn more about the Hermès Picotin Lucky Daisy in this comparison here:   https://youtu.be/bWKN3jkaG-s

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Sources:

Hermès. Hermès Picotin. | Saclab. Hermès Picotin Guide. | Madison Avenue Couture. Hermès 2023 Prices.