Handbags and Accessories

The Effortless Hermès Picotin

By Lindsey Weiss
Shop Hermés Picotin , Available for immediate purchase.
Hermès Picotin

Hermés Picotin Equestrian Origins


The Hermés Picotin Lock bag is a contemporary ode to the equestrian roots of the Hermés. In 2002, the fashion house launched the bucket-style handbag modeled after a horse’s feed bag. The name Picotin, pronounced “Pee-Co-Tuh”, references the unit of measure used to portion out a horse’s daily ration of oats. The Sotheby's team best describes the Hermés Picotin as functional and easy! This bag keeps up with your on the go lifestyle. With a simple closure and spacious interior, the Picotin will be a minimalists’ best friend and ultimate day bag.

Hermès Picotin 18

Hermés Picotin 18


The Hermés Picotin is still produced in France today, and is available in the following sizes: 18cm, 22cm, and 26cm. The most popular size is the Hermés Picotin 18, the smallest standard size. Consistent with overall bag trends, smaller sizes continue to be the most popular. In 2022, the micro Hermés Picotin was introduced in Swift leather with a Daisy pattern.

Hermès Picotin 14

Hermés Picotin Bag Variations


Hermés Picotin comes in staple colors such as black (noir), etain, etoupe, and gold. However, when shopping, keep your eye out for rare color schemes such as: abricot, anemone, craie, blue jean, rose jaipur, vert criquet, vert bosphore, vert cypress, vert vertigo, vert verone, white, jaune de naples (yellow), Rouge Casaque taupe and gris asphalt. With hardware options of gold or palladium, the unlined Hermés Picotin is made most commonly in Clemence and Epsom leathers. Clemence is one of Hermés’ most popular leathers; with a matte finish, flat-grained and resistant to scratches, soft and heavy. Epsom leather, though less soft and more light weight when compared to Clemence, is still highly durable and easily cared for. Both help to give the Picotin its relaxed look and casual aesthetic. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot the occasional suede, canvas, or nuit-feutre wool Picotin… and if you’re having an especially lucky day you may score yourself a Picotin in an exotic skin such as crocodile or ostrich. The handles are reinforced leather sewn together using exposed traditional french sellier (saddle) stitching for durability, and a single strap closure. The four protective metal base studs strengthen the base and keep the bag upright, and is topped off with the signature Kelly lock which gives the understated design an air of sophistication.

Hermès Picotin 22

Hermés Picotin Limited Editions


The Hermés Picotin bag is revered for its simplicity. But for those times when you’re in the mood for a little something extra, you can count on Hermés to take the perfect approach. Some feature subtle combinations of color, some include an exterior pocket, and there is even a So Black edition! Here are some of Hermés’ limited edition Picotin bags to grab this summer.

Hermès Picotin 18 Lock Cargo
Hermés Picotin

Hermés launched the Robert Dallet Initiative For Wild Cat Conservation and held a charity auction to jumpstart the initiative. Referencing his Équateur silk scarf designs that features a depiction of his Dallet cat portrait, this embroidered Picotin Lock calfskin and crocodile handbag took over 1,000 hours to create. Artisans used a technique called “needle painting,” which employs the use of almost 50 different shades of silk thread and 11 hues of pearls. With striking handles made of crocodile, and an emerald green calfskin interior, this bag is valued at $75,700.

Hermés Picotin Price

Hermés Picotin price varies based on the size and materials but the Hermés Picotin 18 in leather starts are about $3,000 retail. Sotheby's Hermés Picotin price is generally a premium to retail if the bag is new and store fresh, meaning new with the box and no signs of wear. Prices for the limited edition Hermés Picotin bags is generally higher bit this bag and the Hermés Evelyne are the most accessible Hermés bags.

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