Pick Your Hermès Picnic Bag
Learn everything you need to know about the Hermès Kelly Picnic and Birkin Picnic.
History of Hermès Picnic Bags
The Hermès Life Sportif has always been central to the brand’s identity, and the ultimate activity of leisure and luxury is picnicking. Crafted from Osier Wicker, the Hermès Picnic Bags are the only bags that require two top-level craftspeople to create: a master saddler for the leather and an expert basket weaver for the body. An Hermès Picnic bag can take 10 hours to craft. Osier wicker items such as trays, thermoses and bottle holders have been produced in limited quantities for decades, though Jean-Paul Gaultier’s introduction of the Picnic Kelly 35 in 2011 forever changed the identity of this eternally summery material. The Picnic Kelly 35, which walked the runway and hit stores that same year, was unique for its stark departure from practicality. Objectively difficult as both a handbag and as a picnic basket, the Kelly Picnic was undoubtedly meant for show.
The success of this design was not immediately cemented in the collecting community as early examples selling at auction soon after their release averaged only about double retail. Special examples of the Hermès Kelly Picnic 35 were produced in following years for boutique openings with unique colored Swift leather instead of the classic Fauve Barenia.
Hermès Kelly Picnic: Mini and 35
The Hermès Kelly Picnic is available in two sizes, the Mini Kelly Picnic and the original Kelly Picnic 35. The Mini Kelly Picnic was first released in 2019 as part of the Hermès Resort Collection. The Mini Picnic is available in seven different colors, Fauve Barenia, and Swift in White, Jaune de Naples, Blue du Nord, Rouge de Coeur, Vert Verone and Blue Brume. The Mini Kelly Picnic 20 was an instant hit with collectors with prices in the secondary market multiples of the retail price. The Mini Kelly Picnic 20 is $14,300 at Hermès boutiques.
While the larger Kelly Picnic 35 has been less popular with most collectors, Jennifer Lopaz was spotted in Paris carrying the Kelly Picnic 35 in the classic Fauve Barenia in July 2022.
Since its auction debut in 2019, the Mini Picnic Kelly has averaged over 50% above the Kelly Picnic 35, with prices for the latter dropping by almost 50% between 2017 and 2020. The Kelly Picnic 35 has sold from $26,000 to as high as $40,000 for a Nata Kelly Picnic 35 and in general seems to be selling around $30,000 at auction. The Mini Kelly Picnic 20 continues to sell at a signficant premium to the larger Kelly Picnic 35.
The most expensive Mini Kelly Picnic 20 sold in Hong Kong in 2023. The Bleu du Nord Mini Kelly Picnic sold for 825,500 HKD or almost $110,000. The previous record was held by a Vert Verone Mini Picnic Kelly sold for 819,000 HKD or just over $105,000 in 2021. The Mini Kelly Picnic 20 has been selling at around $50,000 at auction since 2020.
Hermès Birkin Picnic
Hermès released the Birkin 25 Picnic in 2021 and retails for $24,200 at boutiques. Consistent with new Limited Edition Hermès bags, the prices for the first bags to reach the secondary market peaked quickly with bags selling for as high as $148,000 in early 2022 via private sale. The first bags that came to Sotheby's auctions exceeded $75,000 in 2022 but prices have since settled closes to $50,000 to $60,000 or about 2x the retail price.
A gold colored Picnic Birkin 25 with two tone osier wicker sold for nearly $70,000 in December 2023 due to the wicker being two toned, which is very rare in the market.
Advantages to Collecting Hermès on the Secondary Market
There are many advantages to buying Hermès bags at Sotheby's. As one of the largest and most established global luxury secondary markets, Sotheby's offers clients many unique advantages when growing an Hermès collection.
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to some of the most exceptional Hermès bags through its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is one of the few global luxury marketplaces that sells rare and impressive Hermès bags exceeding $100,000 in addition to classic leather Birkin and Kelly bags in store fresh condition. Our Handbag specialists are always sourcing the best Hermès bags. Sotheby's global presence also means we are sourcing a wide range of Hermès bags including timeless classics, special vintage finds and rare limited edition bags. Sotheby's also regularly sells incredible private collections that can include custom designed Hermès bags. If you are looking to build a collection of Hermès bags, Sotheby's provides access to contemporary, vintage and one of a kind rare Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase Hermès bags. While Sotheby's is most known for its global auctions, Sotheby's also sells Hermès online and also in salons in New York and Hong Kong. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or marketplace. Another advantage to Sotheby's is access to desirable Hermès bags that are special order and limited edition.
3. Value
While the most popular Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Bag at an Hermès boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered an Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès quota bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing an Hermès bag.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury secondary market is discovering unique pieces from decades earlier and custom designed one of a kind items. Sotheby's curated selection is always changing since Hermès is one of the top brands at Sotheby's. Each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags that may be familiar but a slight variation, never before seen design or a vintage treasure that has been on your wishlist for some time. Browse our latest auction or curated selection to get inspiration when building a collection of both contemporary and vintage Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buying and Selling an Hermès bags at Sotheby's
Sotheby's has a curated selection of Hermès bags available to purchase online or in person in one of our global Salons. Sotheby's also sells rare and collectible Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Shop the newest colors with 2024 date stamps, classic neutrals in all sizes and rare limited edition bags. Expect to find pristine Hermès bags in leather and exotic materials in a range of sizes priced between $5,000 to $100,000 plus. Shop rare and limited edition Birkin and Kelly bags, the newest Constance Elan and leather Bolide and Picotins in the most popular colors. New bags arrive weekly, so you can also check back regularly for the latest selection.
- Browse Hermès bags available for immediate delivery.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions across the globe.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag & Fashion Specialist about selling an Hermès bag.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
