Hermes Sellier wristwatch watch in stainless steel and gold plated Circa 1995, the Hermès Birkin has been among the most famous and coveted bags in modern handbag history. The legendary design has been the subject of pop-culture mania, cementing its relevance not only in the fashion world but in history as a whole.
Its top handle shape and rectangular, east/west body are instantly recognizable by both those in the know and those who aren’t handbag aficionados. Its cultural significance is unmatched, and its relaxed body remains the ultimate holy grail for many.
Still, as the Birkin’s ubiquity on social media and in the arms of celebrities and influencers alike continues to grow, its luster has faded slightly, leaving room for other bags to have their meteoric rise to the top. Is the Picotin on its way to becoming the next Birkin?
Let’s discuss.
Humble Beginnings
While the Picotin is a rite of passage for many Hermès fans on the Birkin or Kelly train, it deserves way more than just a passing glance. The Picotin debuted in 2002, and though it’s much younger than the Birkin and the Kelly, its roots are just as historical.
The Picotin’s shape, modeled after the feed bags used to hold oats fed to horses, is an ode to Hermès’ equestrian roots. Furthermore, the name Picotin is a French word referring to the unit of measure used to portion a horse’s daily feed.
Most commonly produced in three sizes—18cm, 22cm, and 26cm, the Picotin is known for its deep bucket-bag shape, sturdy base, and double-top handles. It offers the perfect balance of sleek and chic but casual and relaxed—just like the Birkin (but at a fraction of the cost). It’s ideal for daily wear, easily recognizable by its leather tabbed closure and lock detail.
Time to Shine
While the Picotin was once not nearly as popular as the Birkin or Kelly (in fact, over a year ago, Bolso de mano Hermes Constance en cocodrilo porosus negro), flying somewhat under the radar, that’s all begun to change. Its popularity has steadily increased in the last couple of years, with Picotin sightings IRL up too. Plus, it is quickly becoming a multi-generational favorite, and collectors of all ages can be spotted carrying it.
For Spring 2025, a large version of the Picotin hit the runway, once again proving the power of this daily hauler. The runway iteration offers the same appeal as the classic Picotins we know and love but is on trend in a larger size. No matter the size, the bag’s simple shape shows off the incredible artisanship that goes into making every Hermès bag.
Prices for the Picotin begin at $3,300 for a Picotin 18 in Clemence and $3,725 in Barenia Faubourg. With its affordability and unmatched style, it’s not surprising that Picotin’s popularity continues to grow.
Move over, Birkin; 2025 will be the year of the Picotin—don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Shop all Picotin bags via Fashionphile.
I’m sorry but this is a $$$$$ feedbucket. No one would pay more than $100 for a leather feed bucket if it weren’t Hermes, and therein lies the problem…people coveting something for its name rather than any actual design, creativity, or practicality.
I was exactly thinking that I would rather carry an actual feed bag over this thing.
Correct. It probably cost $50 to make. People are so gullible. Hermes could sell them turds for $1,000 and they would line up to buy one.
Honestly it is the cheapest leather bag out of all brand names. You look at LV, anything leather is easily 5k, Chanel nothing is under 5k, Dior ugly non leather totes are already more than this price. I am glad to pay 3k for this hand made bag.
I get that…about it being one of the more “affordable” designer offerings. But my point is that it has no actual design or intricacy to justify the cost (unlike other H bags). It is Just. A. Bucket. And most of the people on the H forum attest that only the Birkin and Kelly (and maybe Constance) are truly completely crafted by hand.
Very impractical to be a classic, with the open top and no strap to be worn on the shoulder or crossbody.
My 22 can be used as a shoulder bag.
I agree with this – except that the Birkin can only be practically used as an open top tote with no shoulder or crossbody strap.
hermes pre owned horse motif bangle bracelet item
Nope.
This actually is the only bag I really like AND could use often from Hermès. (I used to like Kelly but it doesn’t fit my lifestyle anymore plus nowadays you can’t just walk in and buy. So there goes that.) However, there is not a boutique where I live so I try to get it online. For quite some time, I checked their site often only to be met with defeat even on those days they did have them available. I am waving my white flag now. That’s abundantly clear they don’t value customers who do not reside in a locale of their choice. And I finally start to feel the insult now.
Verdict? It is indeed a lovely bag. But it’s from a family who does not wish to associate with people outside certain zip codes. I guess that is the end of the story.
It looks awful. Sorry. I do not like this bag at all. And also… for that price, you can buy bags that are a lot more luxurious.
I bought this bag a couple of years ago. It’s very cute. But at the end I hated the way it’s open. I just couldn’t deal with feeling like my stuff was so exposed. I prefer bags that are secured. Also, it’s very soft so it has zero structure. It’s basically a very simple bag made in supple leather. To be honest, it probably takes H employees about 10 minutes to make this. I ended up giving it to my sister who loves it. It’s her first H bag.
I have been an avid H collector for many many years and the Pico never appealed to me…. until recently. I adore my Picotin 18 and love to dress her up as sown in the pics here. Such a sweet, easy bag to carry. Will it be the next birkin? Uhhhm. Not in my opinion… but is it a fantastic alternative for those super casual days where you want less fuss…. ABSOLUTELY!
While it’s beautiful in some sense, it’s so impractical. You can’t wear it on your shoulder. You can’t wear it as a crossbody. When out, you can’t put it on the back of your chair, the table or even your lap. It would have to go on the floor. It’s basically the crook of your elbow or your hands. If it was Rebecca Minkoff, $150 would be too much.
hermes 2009 birkin handtasche 35cm item
I love the picotin! The 22 has become my most used bag, it fits more than my Herbag 31. I tend to carry by bags by the top handle anyways, even if they have shoulder or crossbody straps so I felt like the picotin fit into my lifestyle very naturally. I have a bag clip that can hook on a table, therefore I don’t really worry about where to put it when I’m out for coffee or dinner
I had two and sold them both. I wanted to love the bag but I thought the handles were too fat and it slouched way too much. Using an insert designed for picotin made it overly square and then it wouldn’t close properly. Then what to do with the lock? Put it through the hole and then I didn’t have full access to my stuff. So then I removed the lock and key and left them home. And finally, it was a terrible bag to take in public restrooms because water would splash it when hand washing with it slipped on my forearm. It’s a charming bag to look at, but it just wasn’t for me.
The Picotin might not be my favorite bag, but it’s definitely my most used. When I go out and want to carry some Hermès without drawing too much attention, I reach for the Picotin.
These days, I feel less secure when I’m out, but still want to carry Hermès, so the Picotin is my go-to. It doesn’t attract the same attention because it’s still considered “entry-level” . Yet, I love it. I’m carrying fewer things lately, so it’s just the right size for me. I also keep the lock on it – its weight provides a more secure closure.
No. There’s no way this could be the “next Birkin”. Floppy, open top, not even attractive tote.? I admit the Birkins are expensive, but, it is a smart, classic, design, beautiful bag, excellent size options. The top flap with lock is very handy. I’ve been in situations when I knew my bag wasn’t going to go missing but for piece of mind, I would lock it and keep the keys on me. It would be nice for a less expensive bag to be as desired but it could never take Birkins place!
I’ve always liked the Picotin especially in the bright colors. When it comes to Hermes bags that I like, the Birkin is at the bottom of the list. The Kelly is not even on it.
“Right of passage”?
Hermes Beige Coated Canvas & Red Leather Garment.
Gosh, I think it’s a cute bag, but I just can’t stand how square the base is. It sticks out from the body awkwardly… If the base was more of a rectangle I would probably buy one.
I like using my 18, it’s my only H handbag, but that’s only because the kelly and birkin 25 are SO HARD TO GET. The picotin is unlined and very simply-constructed, so I don’t think it can ever rival the quota bags for craftsmanship. However if you get one I highly recommend getting a good bag organizer. I have one from Samorga that has a petal shape specifically to help the picotin maintain sctructure but not make marks from corners poking the bag from inside, and like it a lot.
I am sure it is charming for many people, I just can’t stand the way people adorn their bags with Twillies and Rodeos.
Couldn’t agree more. They ruin the bags.
Love my Picotin. Use it tons