Hermes Picotin 22 – a backstory
I’ve loved Hermes bags for a long time, and personally own a few of them – currently the favourite in my entire bag collection is a Birkin 30 in Rose Extreme, followed closely by the Kelly 28 in Gold.
The Hermes Picotin, surprisingly, was actually NOT on my radar. While I encountered it multiple times, and definitely noticed its existence, it somehow didn’t really draw me in.
Until one day, another bag lover friend of mine acquired HER picotin (in size 18), and I saw how much she loved it. I felt the soft and luxurious leather – Clemence leather – in the same quality as the Hermes Garden Party.
However, I did find the size 18 a little too small – there were days that I wanted to fit a long wallet in a bag (scroll down for what fits in the Picotin 22!) – so I contemplated on the size 22. On a whim, I asked my sales associated if she could show me something in the size 22 – and then she pulled out this beauty.
And the rest is history
I took it home that very day – and have never looked back since.
Structure of the Hermes Picotin
The Hermes Picotin’s design was inspired by a horse feeding bag. As such, the overall shape resembles a handheld bucket bag.
Hermes Picotin 22 in Gold with Gold Hardware
Flexible and soft, the bag is meant to have a relaxed outlook.
The bag can get really shapeless, depending on what’s inside (or not). For this reason, I personally prefer using a bag organizer or insert to keep the bag’s shape. For reference’s sake, I use the ones from Samorga.
Side view – empty bag
Side view – with a bag organizer / insert
The Picotin LOCK
The Picotin is also referred to as the Picotin LOCK, and for a good reason.
Lock – comes with a separate key
The Lock hardware latches at the end of a strap – pulling this strap helps to open and close the bag.
Closed
With the Lock, its actually pretty dense- so by default, its weight would pull down the strap and shut the bag’s opening.
Open
Of course, one can totally remove the lock – doing so allows the bag to fully open.
Lock removed
With the Lock off, the middle strap can fold down one side – allowing the bag to fully open
Personally, I tend to keep the Lock on all the time – it is VERY easy to get in and out of the Hermes Picotin even with the lock on, and it’s generally easier to just leave it Locked.
Bottom of the Picotin: notice the words ‘Hermes. Paris. Made in France’.
What fits in the Hermes Picotin 22
I don’t exactly consider the Picotin 22 a mini bag – it can after all hold a small water bottle and an A5 notebook. Compared to my other mini bags, such as the YSL mini camera bag or Lady Dior Mini – those are true minimalists and do not even hold a long wallet.
The following items can comfortabl fit in the Hermes Picotin 22:
Waterbottle, key holder, card holders x2, long wallet, A5 notebook, bit of cosmetics
Let’s put in a long wallet – in this case, the Ostrich Hermes Bearn wallet in the most beautiful Mykonos blue. It easily fits the bottom of the Picotin 22, with room to spare (Note: the long Bearn wallet would not lie down easily in the size 18 – so do take note if you’re considering the smaller Picotin).
Adding on two card holders and a snap-button closure keyholder.
Throwing in the A5 notebook. This does NOT lie flat on the bottom easily – so to accomodate the notebook I’ve stacked it upright together with the Bearn wallet.
A5 notebook and Bearn wallet propped upright
Final touches: small water bottle, lip balm, eyeshadow compact (Currently, I do not actually use a cosmetic case or catch-all – maybe one day I will, if i find something suitable? But for now I throw cosmetics in as they are, lol).
Water bottle’s upright now, but it does fall over when the bag is actually carried.
All packed and ready to go – the bag closes effortlessly.
Yes, I supposed that more stuff can be added on – e.g. sunglasses or snacks etc – but keep in mind that this is a HANDHELD bag, so any weight would be borne either by the wrist or the crook of the arm, depending on how it’s being carried.
There! Fits perfectly.
However, I always prefer the use of a good bag organizer / insert, not only does it preserve the shape of the bag, but it also helps to organize the stuff inside the bag.
Hermes Picotin 22 bag organizer from Samorga
Especially the pockets in the bag organizer – these are super handy.
Slide in a couple of card holders and key holders in the pocket…
Then include the A5 notebook and long Bearn wallet.
Finally, the small waterbottle, lip balm, and eyeshadow compact.
Transferred the bag insert into the Hermes Picotin itself – voila!
Mod Shots
For reference, I am 154cm tall – so that’s pretty short.
There are two ways to carry this bag. First would be on the crook of the arm.
Hermes Picotin 22 hung on the arm
The other way is simply to carry it as a handheld bag.
Hermes Picotin 22 handheld
Overall Review
The bag has pleasantly surprised me – over the months, I’ve ended up loving the Picotin 22 more than I thought I would.
My Reasons for Loving it include:
1) Not only does the neutral colour goes well with anything (and matches ANY twilly) – the gold hardware absolutely complements the colour and gives it the extra bit of class.
I also possess a Hermes Kelly 28 in the same colour combo – Gold on Gold, and I adore that bag to bits.
2) It is very understated. It’s one of those bags that many people would not immediately identify (it’s not as famous not compared to a Birkin, Kelly, or Constance) – so if you’re a Hermes lover, you’ll know what it is. But if someone is unfamiliar with the brand, he/she wouldn’t even know that you’re carrying a piece of Hermes.
3) The leather is to die for. Soft, velvety, luxurious – once you have a taste of Hermes leather, nothing else can compare.
4) The Picotin 22 can be decorated. Occassionally, for a slightly different feel, get a twilly or scarf, and make a cute ribbon around the handle.
5) One huge plus point: the handles are insanely comfortable to hold. They look soft but the handles are thicker than the rest of the bag. Even if one stuffs the Picotin to the brim, and rests the bag on the crook of the arm – the handles absolutely do not dig in.
However, the Hermes Picotin may not be for you if:
1) Handheld bags turn you off. I know that for many, having a strap is a pre-requisite. Yes, it’s possible to get a separate strap from Hermes (or elsewhere really) and hook it on the Picotin, but personally I haven’t done it – it’s slightly awkward for my taste. I mean, a long-ish slouchy bucket-like bag on a strap – to each his/her own, but it didn’t sit well with me.
2) You like structured bags. (Or, you dislike bags with a relaxed feel). Even with a bag organizer, the Picotin (especially the larger ones) WILL slouch a little.
If empty, the bag can REALLY slouch
3) You are bothered by the lack of a traditional closure – e.g. zips, flaps, snap closure. The top is sort of closable, but the bag is pretty much open-ish. Personally, I don’t have a problem – this makes getting in and out of the bag quick and easy without needing to fiddle with an opening – but again it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Hello, Beautiful
Nevertheless, if someone is considering an entry level bag into Hermes, the Picotin is a worthy consideration (the other one would be the Garden Party Tote). Like all Hermes bags, it is a work of art and a piece of luxury. It’s been a joy to have the Hermes Picotin 22 in my collection – so glad to have discovered it, so blessed to enjoy it.
Love bags like these? Check out my Mini Bags category or see the Crossbody / Shoulder Bags that are featured on this blog! For a more general overview of luxury bags, do click the link below to see my entire bag collection (As of August 2020).
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