The Garden Party is one of Hermès’ most iconic and beloved tote bags. Its simple yet elegant design makes it versatile and easy to use, earning widespread popularity across generations.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at everything you need to know about the Hermès Garden Party — from its origins and history to detailed comparisons of sizes, materials, colors, pricing, and how to find the perfect one for you.
The Hermès Garden Party was originally introduced in the 1960s as a practical bag designed to carry equestrian grooming tools. Its trapezoid silhouette, created for function and ease of use, reflects its utilitarian roots in the world of horse care.
Despite its origins, the Garden Party quickly gained popularity for its simple construction and spacious interior. The wide base allows for excellent storage capacity, making it a popular choice as a business bag. Yet, it’s also known for its versatility — by fastening the snap buttons on the sides, the bag becomes more compact and casual, suitable for a variety of everyday situations.
The Hermès Garden Party is available in a total of six sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect fit for your lifestyle and needs.
We recommend choosing the size by imagining what you want to use it for at your garden party.
One of the charms of the Hermès Garden Party lies in its wide variety of materials and color options — part of what makes choosing one such a delight. Below, we introduce key points to consider when selecting your ideal bag.
The Garden Party is primarily crafted from three types of materials, each offering a different look and feel:
This is a durable, abrasion-resistant cotton canvas material made by plain weaving two different colored threads.
It is characterized by its durability and resistance to friction. The weave is expressed with two different color threads.
This male calf leather material was introduced in 2007. It features large embossed patterns.
The Garden Party is available in a wide range of colors, from timeless neutrals to seasonal limited editions. Whether you prefer understated tones or vibrant accents, Hermès offers a palette to suit every personal style.
▶︎View all items on the official XIAOMA online store
Let’s explore the retail pricing of the Hermès Garden Party and how you can purchase one — whether new or through the secondhand market.
※Please note that all prices are approximate as of the time of this article’s publication. For the latest prices, check directly with Hermès boutiques. Actual prices may vary depending on material, condition, and market trends.
The retail price of the Hermès Garden Party varies depending on the materials used. Models that combine canvas materials such as Toile H with leather typically start at around ¥410,000 JPY, while fully leather versions like those crafted from Negonda leather begin at approximately ¥620,000 JPY.
In recent years, Hermès has implemented annual price increases of about 5–10%, and this upward trend in pricing is expected to continue.
On the resale market, Garden Party bags generally start from around ¥500,000 JPY, though prices can vary widely based on the bag’s condition, material, and rarity.
Here is a comparison table outlining the features of purchasing a Garden Party from an official Hermès boutique versus the secondhand (resale) market.
For those who want to get their hands on a Garden Party bag right away, the resale market is a viable option.
However, it’s important to be aware that purchasing from the resale market also comes with risks — especially the possibility of encountering counterfeit products.
Since it’s rare to find a Garden Party readily available at official Hermès boutiques, many shoppers turn to the secondhand market.
That said, buying pre-owned luxury items always carries the risk of counterfeits. Below are key points to help you choose a trustworthy reseller:
Resellers with a long history in the industry and physical retail locations tend to be more reliable. Check whether the company's website clearly lists its corporate profile, physical address, and contact number.
Look for resellers that provide certificates of authenticity or official documentation. It’s also important to confirm whether they offer a money-back guarantee in case the item turns out to be counterfeit.
Reliable sellers will include detailed photos of not only the exterior of the bag but also the bottom, interior, and hardware. They should also honestly describe any signs of wear or imperfections, with full transparency.
Choose resellers with qualified appraisers on staff — ideally with specific expertise in Hermès products. If in doubt, visiting a physical store can offer peace of mind and the opportunity to ask questions directly.
Be cautious of prices that are suspiciously low compared to official retail prices or other resale listings. Make sure the reseller clearly explains the reasoning behind their pricing, especially if the price deviates significantly from market norms.
The Hermès Garden Party is known for its versatility and is often chosen as a first Hermès bag. For those new to Hermès, you may also be considering other models. In this section, we’ll compare the Garden Party to other popular Hermès bags, highlighting the key features of each — and helping you determine which is the right fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
The Picotin is one of Hermès’ more accessible models in terms of price and is often seen as a great entry-level option. Compared to the Garden Party, the Picotin has a more casual aesthetic and is lighter and softer in structure.
If you're looking for a bag that’s easygoing and effortless to carry, the Picotin may be the better choice. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy Hermès in a more laid-back, everyday style.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bag with a more structured silhouette and higher storage capacity, the Garden Party is the more suitable option. It works well for both casual and business settings, making it a truly versatile choice.
Another model often compared with the Garden Party in terms of usability is the Bolide.
Since the Bolide features a zipper closure, it may be more suitable if you are looking for a bag with enhanced practicality compared to the Garden Party.
On the other hand, if you prefer the convenience of snap button closure for easier and more casual access, the Garden Party would be the recommended choice.
To ensure your Garden Party remains beautiful and lasts a long time, proper care and storage are essential. While these tips apply broadly to all Hermès products, keeping the following points in mind will help you maintain your bag in pristine condition:
The Hermès Garden Party is a simple, versatile handbag that suits any occasion. It’s also an accessible choice as a first Hermès bag. We hope this article helps you discover the Garden Party that perfectly matches your style and needs.
At XIAOMA, a specialist Hermès store, we offer a wide selection of Garden Party bags along with many other Hermès models. You’re welcome to visit our store to explore different sizes and options at your leisure. You can also browse our collection on the official XIAOMA online store.
▶︎View all items on the official XIAOMA online store
▶︎Here is the list of XIAOMA store locations.
