Few luxury bag makers are as widely known as Hermès, amongst those who love bags and those who don’t. While many people can identify a Birkin bag or even a Kelly, if they can’t, it’s still more common than not that they’ve heard the lore behind the elusive Birkin.
Still, Hermès’ handbag line extends well beyond the Birkin and Kelly, with offerings that are much more accessible and in line with the rest of the luxury market in terms of pricing. Take, for example, the Picotin, which often flew far more under the radar than its siblings but has had a major Renaissance in recent years (don’t say we didn’t warn you).
Beyond the Birkin and Kelly: The Underrated Hermès Icon
Once considered a rite of passage for many Hermès clients on a journey to the Birkin or Kelly, the Picotin has become an icon in its own right. Debuting in 2002, the Picotin has quietly become one of Hermès’s most popular non-quota bags—and for good reason.
The perfect daily haul-all, the Picotin offers a roomy interior and a slouchy bucket bag shape, but still chic, allowing for casual daily wear with an elevated touch. Its most commonly produced sizes include 18cm, 22cm, and 26cm, though a micro version does exist as well.
The Picotin is quickly gaining a reputation of its own. Demand is rumored to have increased drastically over the last two years, outpacing supply in many cases—though shoppers occasionally still report being able to snag one on a walk-in.
A Perfect Storm: What’s Fueling the Picotin Renaissance
A number of factors have contributed to the Picotin’s rise in popularity. For starters, demand for Hermès has risen overall, making quota bags like the Kelly, Birkin, and newly added Constance even harder to get than before. Plus, quiet luxury and the bucket bag silhouette have been trending simultaneously, leading to a major rise in Picotin love—it even returned to the runway for Fall/Winter 2025.
As the Picotin has risen in popularity, its shape has inspired a myriad of other brands to add a chic daily bucket bag to their line-ups. Everyone from Ralph Lauren and Tod’s to Loro Piana is trying their hand at a Picotin-esque silhouette. Celine even just debuted a chic and slouchy new bucket bag at its Summer 2026 show.
Imitation Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
As the shape continues to rise meteorically, the Picotin’s popularity will only increase—BRB: running to make a Hermès leather appointment while I’m in Paris—and more look-a-likes are sure to pop up.
Let’s take a look at the options below so far! Have you spotted any other Picotin cousins in the bag world?
I’ve said this before on the forum…I just don’t get the hype around the Picotin. Okay, it’s Hermes and maybe a step towards a quota (the whole “game” thing is just anti-luxury to me, but that’s another issue). It’s just an open bucket with only a hand-carry option…no practicality vs just carrying a pail, there’s no actual “design” (it’s based on a horse’s feedbag for f’s sake!). WHY do people pay $4000+ for this thing?!?!
Agree with all the comments below do not like this bag for me it’s the Birkin or nothing
Honestly, it looks like a tiny version of laundry basket.
Related to horses, it’s actually a peck.
I do not get it either…
I love how this bucket bag combines casual ease with a touch of luxury, making it perfect for everyday use. The fact that it’s inspired so many other brands to create their own versions speaks to its timeless appeal. While some may question the practicality, the Picotin’s chic simplicity and iconic status make it a standout piece in the luxury bag world. Definitely a bag that proves less can be more in fashion
I think it’s a stretch to say it inspired other brands to make an open bucket bag with top handles and no crossbody strap.
Gosh these bags are hideous
Other brands have been copying Hermes for years, I see so many bags inspired by Birkin, Kelly, & Lindy
Coach actually had the “Lindy style” first. The suspender bag from the 60s. Bags have always been similar in style across different brands.
I think this bag is cute and I love the colors. I like that it’s light not only in looks, but the actual weight. What doesn’t work for me is how you carry it and that’s where the Evelyne will always win. I am 67 years old and I have been carrying handbags for well over 50 years and frankly, I’m tired of it! I’ve carried every clutch under my arm, which is awkward. I’ve carried big crossbodies and mini crossbodies. Really not a fan of either. Every now and then I find a brand who is selling a crossbody size that’s in between that I jump on! Currently it is my Prada nylon and a Celine teen triomphe.
I want to add that I had the same vibe when I was in Dior looking at purchasing the Diana or Lady D. That’s a difficult bag to physically carry as well. They don’t fit well at all ie how you carry it. you’re basically carrying it with your hand.
I wanted to love mine, but I didn’t even like it. More photogenic than useful. It was a happy day when I sold it.
Do you mind me asking the range you got for it? I am prepping to sell one now and wondering what is considered competitive. It’s brand new.
Don’t forget about the Delvaux Pin, created in 1972. I actually sold my Picotin because I prefer the Pin’s silhouette and carry. They’ve made a few different variations over the years.
In terms of carry and comfort, I actually prefer Hermes’ very similar “in the loop” bag. It forms a really nice shape when you hook the clasp on top and it doesn’t have the weight of a lock making you fight the bag every time you reach in. Vastly underrated and highly recommend giving it a try!
I’ve tried to like the Picotin. It’s just such an awkward bag. I can’t.
Just go for Hermes.
The Hermes picotin is actually the least practical. Only hand carry and a big yawning hole. Others have pockets and options to shoulder carry or crossbody.