One of Hermès' signature bags, the Picotin. Despite its simplicity, its refined and high-quality presence continues to captivate many. In this article, Ginza XIAOMA, with years of experience as a specialized Hermès boutique, will introduce everything from the Picotin's basic information to its practical usage.
The Picotin is a masterpiece filled with the aesthetic sense unique to Hermès, a company with a history as a horse equipment manufacturer. Its name comes from the horse gear "Picot," which was used to hold horse feed.
The functional beauty of a tool designed for practicality has been transformed into a sophisticated bag.
The Picotin is crafted from luxurious leather in a single-piece construction. Its distinguishing feature lies in its simple yet meticulously detailed craftsmanship.
Unlike the complex opening and closing mechanisms found in many Hermès bags such as the Birkin and Kelly, the Picotin offers a simple structure while maintaining a definite presence. Here are three reasons why it's favored as an everyday bag:
The most significant difference between the Picotin and Picotin Lock is the design of the opening. The original Picotin was discontinued in 2008, and since then, only the Picotin Lock has been available for purchase as a new item. Both models can be found in the pre-owned market.
The Picotin Lock comes in five sizes: Micro, PM, MM, GM, and TGM. We'll introduce the characteristics of each size in detail and suggest which might best suit your lifestyle.
We recommend selecting a size based on your intended use.
If you carry minimal belongings, the PM size should be sufficient, but for those who prefer extra space, the MM size is recommended. It comfortably fits a long wallet and smartphone, making it convenient for daily activities.
If you're only carrying essentials like a smartphone and lip balm, the Micro size works well, but if you need more capacity, the PM size is recommended. However, since it won't neatly accommodate a long wallet, using a compact wallet is better.
For those carrying fewer items, the MM size should suffice, but if you tend to carry more, the GM size is recommended. It can store bulkier items, giving you peace of mind.
The TGM size is recommended. It offers storage capacity comparable to a Boston bag and is also suitable for men.
The Micro size is recommended. It has an adorable form with just enough space to fit a smartphone.
For those who prioritize visual balance, we recommend choosing a size that complements your body frame. We also suggest checking the actual bags in-store to experience the feel firsthand.
XIAOMA offers an extensive lineup of Picotin bags, so please feel free to visit us.
▶︎View our store locations here
The Picotin Lock, one of Hermès' signature bags, changes its expression significantly depending on the combination of materials and colors. Here, we introduce popular materials and colors.
The main materials used for the Picotin Lock each have different characteristics.
Has a soft texture that develops more character with use. It features a moderate grain that gives a luxurious finish and is relatively scratch-resistant, making it practical. It strikes a perfect balance between casual and formal.
Made from bull calf leather, characterized by its smooth, high-quality feel. Its distinctive fine wrinkle pattern is resistant to scratches and maintains its shape well. With a balance of durability and luxury, it can be used for a wide range of occasions from everyday use to formal settings.
In addition to the above, there are Picotins made with Ostrich leather and the Picotin Lock Cargo (a limited model designed with pockets) made with canvas material.
Hermès offers various colors depending on the season, but here are some particularly popular ones:
Easy to match with any styling and suitable for business settings. A practical color where scratches and dirt are less noticeable.
An elegant grey representative of Hermès, a versatile color that can be used all year round. Suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
A warm color that evokes Hermès tradition, with a patina that becomes more beautiful over time. Recommended as an accent for casual outfits.
The price of an Hermès Picotin Lock varies depending on its size and material. There are also periodic price revisions, so we will provide you with the most up-to-date information.
*Note: The prices provided are reference prices as of the time this article was updated. Please check in-store for the latest prices.
There are also Picotin Lock models made with Ostrich leather, for example, a Micro/Ostrich/New item can be priced at over 1 million yen.
The Picotin Lock is a bag that can be expected to maintain its asset value for the following reasons:
Items that meet the following conditions in particular can be expected to have higher asset value:
Each Hermès bag has its own unique charm. Here, we'll introduce who the Picotin is particularly well-suited for, as well as those who might want to consider other models as well.
With its simple structure allowing smooth access to belongings, the Picotin is lightweight and ideal for daily use, making shopping and outings comfortable and enjoyable.
Thanks to its simple structure, the Picotin can easily store various items. It's a practical bag that will accompany your daily life for years to come.
Featuring Hermès' reliable quality while maintaining an understated design, the Picotin is attractive for its relatively affordable price point among Hermès bags, making it a popular model for those choosing their first Hermès.
We recommend considering other models for those who:
The Picotin is a model that can be cherished for a long time while maintaining its beautiful condition with appropriate care. Please refer to the following for daily care:
*Note: Hermès recommends avoiding commercially available creams and sprays for care.
We have introduced the Picotin, which is also popular as an entry-level Hermès bag. Due to its simple structure, the Picotin is especially recommended for:
If you have any questions or need more detailed information, please feel free to contact XIAOMA, an Hermès specialty store. We will provide you with the optimal recommendation while viewing the actual products.
▶︎XIAOMA Official Online Store
Recommended reading:
