Hermes Garden Party 36 review

Hermes Garden Party 36 review

In my previous bag post (featuring my Birkin 30), I mentioned the Garden Party 36 was the very first bag I bought from Hermes.

Throwback to the day I saw her in my local Hermes boutique

Colour: Bougainvillier

The first time I laid eyes on her, I was drawn to the colour – Bougainvillier. In the boutique’s yellow light, it looked like a coral. But under natural sunlight, it took on a bright red with strong pink undertones.

Colour: Bougainvillier under natural sunlight

Hermes does make the most gorgeous colours – and that’s no matter what the shade. My Sales Associate has joked that Hermes has about 20 shades of red alone, yet she was not exactly kidding.

I personally find Boungainviller to be most similar to Rose Extreme, which is VERY SLIGHTLY more pinkish.

Birkin 30 in Rose Extreme, Garden Party 36 in Bougainvillier

Granted, my Birkin 30 is also in Epsom leather, while the Garden Party’s in Vache Country. This also gives the Birkin has a more structured feel and the Garden Party a more slouchy look.

Nevertheless, Boungainville does give the bag a lovely pop of colour. It also dresses up really well with twillies of both similar and contrasting shades.

With Three Graces Twilly in Bleu, Vert and Marron – tones of brown, green, and bright blue

Twillies are an awesome addition to any bag. I love wrapping the handles up in one; it gives the bag a totally different look.

When pressed for time – even tying a simple bow makes a difference.

With Parures Des Maharajas Twilly in Rouge Grenadine and Rose Mauve – Red / Pink matchy matchy

With Animapolis Twilly in Marine, Bleu Royal and Blanc

Structure of the Hermes Garden Party

The garden party comes in 3 sizes

• Garden Party 30 (30 x 22 x 13cm / 12 x 8.5 x 5 in)
• Garden Party 36 (36 x 26 x 17cm / 14 x 10.25 x 6.5 in)
• Garden Party 39 (50 x 36 x 24cm / 19.5 x 14 x 9.5 in)

Most people usually prefer the size 30 or 36, depending on their needs. The 39 is really large and my SA mentioned that it’s more popular with men or for travel.

The bag has two handles and the 36 can be handheld, carried on the crook of the arm, or over the shoulder (scroll down for mod shots).

Two Handles and a Snap Button 

There is also a single button closure on the bag, and a zipped compartment inside.

Inside zipped compartment

One of the criticisms of the Garden Party – there’s no feet on the bottom. But again, the bag, especially the leather version, can get really heavy, so it’s possible that Hermes chose not to put any feet there to reduce the slouchy look.

No Feet on the Bottom

To add structure and size flexibility, the bag does has side snap button closures. 

Snap Buttons on the side

For all the above pictures in this post so far – I have snapped the buttons shut. But leave them open, and you will see exactly how roomy the bag is.

So. Much. Space

What fits in my Bag

Given the large expanse of space – the Hermes Garden Party 36 actually is a pretty good bag for work. Everything can be easily thrown in. Personally, I also use a bag organizer to keep the bag’s structure.

With Bag Organizer

As far as bag organizers go, I tend to use Samorga’s. The upside being that Samorga makes organizers to exactly fit a specific bag (great if you are OK with a non-transferable organizer), and the downside being that Samorga can get a pricey (Think USD 50 to 100 per organizer).

There are cheaper alternatives available. Depending on what country you reside in – there are great options on Ebay, Etsy, Shopee, and other online shopping channels. My suggestion – if you prefer a more generic organizer that can be used in multiple bags, I would recommend a more standard item.

Easily holds a 13 inch macbook air. Lots of room left!

Anyhow, a major plus point of the Garden Party 36: It easily fits a 13 inch macbook. Plus a bunch of other stuff. On most days, I carry my notebook, wallet (could be long or short, depending on the day), card holder, keys, and water bottle.

Added in: A5 notebook, Chanel Long Wallet, Chanel Cardholder, Water Bottle

Usually, my card holder goes in the zipped compartment or one of the bag organizer’s pockets, for safety reasons. 

Making Use of the Organizer’s Pockets

With the laptop, I am unable to use the snap closure. (The laptop sits as high as the snap buttons). Without the laptop however, it easily snaps shut. 

For this – if closing the bag is important, use an ipad instead of a computer if possible.

Easily snaps shut – Without a laptop

In fact, if snapping it shut isn’t a must – THEN the bag – a workhorse – can really hold a ton. If i wanted, I could have thrown in more items: cosmetic pouch, jacket, sunglasses, etc, and all additional items would easily fit in.

Mod Shots

The Hermes Garden Party 36 can be carried three ways: handheld, resting over the crook of the arm, or draped over the shoulder. 

Handheld – Notice how the colour just pops? Especially with neutrals such as white, grey or black – the red gives such a gorgeous contrast.

Resting on the crook of the arm. However, I find this possible only if the bag isn’t too filled up. Holding it this way can feel VERY heavy, especially if prolonged

Slung over shoulder. Do note – this method of carrying works only for the Garden Party 36 and 39. For most people it’s not possible to shoulder-carry the size 30.

Overall Pros and Cons

In summary, my general thoughts of the Hermes Garden Party 36 are as such.

Pros: 

1)  It’s a great entry-level Hermes bag. Like all Hermes bags, there’s a huge colour variety.

2) A tote bag is a safe, idiot-proof option for a bag.

3) It’s an amazing bag for work – easily holds what most people need. It doesn’t look too formal or casual, and having it in a non-neutral just makes the overall work look more unique (assuming you personally find it appropriate for your specific workplace).

4) The leather versions are made out of…. well, Hermes leather. Enough said 🙂

Cons… Well I only have one. Bug it’s a major one.

The leather version of the Garden Party 36 is VERY VERY HEAVY.

This is a huge turn off. Currently, the bag is OK for work because I only (i) take it to work, (ii) plonk it on the table all day, and (iii) take it home when the day’s over.

I have attempted to use it as a shopping / going out  bag, and boy did I regret – as the day went on, the bag just felt heavier and heavier. It didn’t help that I actually bought some stuff, which just painfully added to the weight.

It’s not a bag that’s meant to be carried about all day -you WILL end up with wildly tired arms. If you however MUST have it as a shopping bag, my recommendation is to

(i) go for another tote – there are other nice options, e.g. the Neverfull from Louis Vuitton, or a Chanel Deauville tote. Or,

(ii) Get the Garden Party in CANVAS, which is much lighter. It won’t feel as luxurious as the leather, but the weight will be significantly more manageable in this case. Sadly, the leather version will leave you with a bag that’s Great for Work, and Not for Play.

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