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Pick Your Hermès Picnic Bag
Learn all about Hermès Picnic Bags, from the iconic Kelly to the rare Birkin, celebrated for their exquisite craftsmanship and enduring collector appeal.
History of Hermès Picnic Bags
The art de vivre has always been central to Hermès’ identity—and few activities capture leisure and luxury like the picnic. Crafted from natural Osier wicker, the Hermès Picnic Bags are among the most technically complex pieces the Maison produces. Each bag requires two expert artisans: a master saddler to craft the leather elements and a specialized basket weaver to shape the wicker body. Completing one Hermès Picnic bag takes approximately 10 hours of meticulous work.
Osier wicker has long appeared in Hermès’ history, from trays and thermoses to bottle holders, all made in limited numbers. But in 2011, Jean-Paul Gaultier transformed this humble material into an object of high fashion with the launch of the Kelly Picnic 35. Debuting on the runway and in boutiques the same year, the Kelly Picnic 35 was designed less for function than for fantasy—a witty, summer-ready reinterpretation of an Hermès classic.
From their debut, Hermès Kelly and Birkin Picnic Bags have been coveted by collectors for their rarity and charm. While other Osier wicker accessories remain niche, the Kelly and Birkin Picnic Bags have maintained exceptional desirability since their launch, celebrated for their craftsmanship, seasonal exclusivity, and enduring collector appeal.
Hermès Picnic Bag Key Takeaways
| Origin | Debuted in 2011 under Jean-Paul Gaultier, blending Hermès leatherwork with Osier wicker; each bag requires two artisans and 10 hours to make. |
| Signature Models | Kelly Picnic 35, Mini Kelly Picnic 20, and Birkin Picnic 25, released in 2021. |
| Rarity | Produced in extremely limited numbers; colored Swift leathers and two-tone wicker examples are especially scarce. |
| Market Popularity | Mini Kelly Picnic leads demand, averaging 50% above Kelly 35; Birkin Picnic trades around 2× retail. |
| Auction Highlights | Bleu du Nord Mini Kelly sold for $150K (2023); Framboise Birkin Picnic achieved $148K (2022). |
| Collector Appeal | Coveted for craftsmanship and rarity—Sotheby’s has sold nearly $3M in Picnic Bags since 2021. |
Hermès Kelly Picnic: Mini and 35
The Hermès Kelly Picnic exists in two sizes: the Kelly Picnic 35 and the Mini Kelly Picnic 20, introduced in 2019. The Mini, part of Hermès’ Resort Collection, comes in seven colorways including Fauve Barenia, White, Jaune de Naples, Bleu du Nord, Rouge de Coeur, Vert Vérone, and Bleu Brume. Priced at $14,300 in boutiques, the Mini Kelly Picnic instantly captivated collectors, with secondary-market prices soaring to multiples of retail.
While the Kelly Picnic 35 is less practical and less frequently seen, it remains iconic—especially after Jennifer Lopez was spotted with the Fauve Barenia version in Paris in 2022. Auction prices for the Kelly Picnic 35 typically range between $26,000 and $40,000, with the Nata Kelly Picnic 35 among the most valuable examples.
The Mini Kelly Picnic continues to dominate at auction, outperforming its larger counterpart by over 50% on average. The most expensive Kelly Picnic ever sold was the Bleu du Nord Mini Kelly Picnic, which achieved $150,000 at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in 2023, surpassing the prior record of the Vert Verone Mini Picnic Kelly which sold for $105,000 in October 2021.
Hermès Birkin Picnic
Hermès introduced the Birkin 25 Picnic in 2021, priced at $24,200 in boutiques. Combining Barenia leather and Osier wicker, it quickly joined the ranks of Hermès’ most collectible limited editions.
Early examples were met with extraordinary demand—some private sales reached $148,000 in early 2022, setting a benchmark for the model. The record-holder was the Framboise Birkin Picnic, whose vibrant pink hue and immaculate condition made it the most expensive Birkin Picnic ever sold.
At auction, early results mirrored the excitement: Sotheby’s sold the first Birkin Picnics for over $75,000 in 2022, with prices stabilizing around $50,000 to $60,000, or roughly double retail. A rare two-tone Osier wicker Birkin 25 realized nearly $70,000 in December 2023, highlighting the enduring collector interest in these novelty pieces.
Since 2021, Sotheby’s has sold nearly $3 million in Hermès Picnic bags, underscoring their enduring appeal among collectors of rare Hermès editions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hermès Picnic Bag
What makes the Hermès Picnic Bag unique?
Each bag requires both a saddler and a basket weaver, two specialized crafts rarely combined, making it one of the most technically demanding Hermès creations.
How much does an Hermès Picnic Bag cost?
Retail prices start at $14,300 for the Mini Kelly Picnic and $24,200 for the Birkin Picnic 25, but exceptional examples like the Bleu du Nord Mini Kelly ($150K) and Framboise Birkin Picnic ($148K) have sold for six figures at auction.
Which Hermès Picnic Bag is the rarest?
Colored Swift leather and two-tone wicker versions are the rarest; these were produced in extremely limited quantities for select boutiques and events.
Buy and Sell Hermès Bags with Sotheby’s
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of luxury handbags, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Hermès bags on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
- Expertly Vetted Selection
Explore rare and iconic handbags, from Herbag, Garden Party, and Evelyne TPM bags starting around $3,000 to highly sought-after Birkin and Kelly bags exceeding $100,000 for the rarest limited-edition pieces. - Exclusive Global Access
Shop handbags through auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors and consignors. - Flexible Ways to Buy
Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated handbags concierge. - Exceptional Value
Every bag is authenticated and priced by Sotheby’s specialists to reflect true market value. - Constantly Evolving Inventory
Discover vintage and modern Hermès bags across all price points, with new pieces added regularly.
Ready to Get Started?
- Browse Sotheby's upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong
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