Is there anything more chic than a timeless picnic-style bag? Picture yourself strolling through sun-kissed streets, channeling the effortlessly cool French girl vibes with a wicker basket in hand. These understated and classic accessories are a summer must-have, and when it comes to embracing the picnic bag trend, luxe lovers may argue that nobody does it better than Hermès.
Unsurprisingly, the Hermès Picnic remains one of the most highly coveted styles from the French fashion house. Whether your heart leans towards the timeless elegance of the Picnic Kelly or the more contemporary Picnic Birkin – these bags command attention wherever they go. A sophisticated blend of Hermès’ renowned heritage leather and meticulously woven wicker, the Picnic bags exude feminine charm.
Of course, it’s no secret that Hermès Picnic bags come with a price tag that reflects the craftsmanship and exclusivity. The extensive construction process for the Picnic bags is truly what makes them so special. Crafted from Osier Wicker, these bags demand the expertise of two highly skilled artisans – an expert weaver for the body, and a master saddler for the leather. The meticulous process of creating the Hermès Picnic takes approximately 10 hours.
In 2022, the Hermès Picnic Birkin retailed for $21,000. However, the appeal and sheer rarity of these bags often drive their prices well beyond the initial retail value, with secondary market bags easily exceeding $80,000.
While the Hermès Picnic bags remain the holy grail, they can be incredibly hard to come by. Luckily, there are some fabulous and perhaps more attainable alternatives (Read more: This is Guaranteed to be Your Go-To Bag for Your Summer Vacation). So, if you’re looking for that certain je ne sais quoi to add to your summer closet, here are top alternatives to the Hermès Picnic Birkin and Kelly. After all, who can resist the allure of the ultimate picnic companion?
Hermès Park Bottle Basket
It’s not all about the Hermès Picnic Birkin and Kelly. Hermès offers other wicker bags. You can’t get more picnic appropriate than this Park Bottle Basket. Crafted in hand-braided wicker and smooth taurillon leather, this simplistic design is elegant and understated. The price, although not inexpensive, is nowhere in the region of the Hermès Picnic Birkin. This Bottle Basket retails for $8,100. However, the bag comes complete with two Intervalle crystal wine glasses – all ready for a glass of chilled rosé in the park.
Hermès Wicker Bag PM
The timeless Hermès Wicker Bag retails for $8,000, complete with Parisian chic. Everything you need for a rustic but chic aesthetic, this bag is crafted in the iconic Hermès wickerwork with leather detailing. You’ll find this bag available in a range of colors, as well as leathers such as calfskin, crocodile, alligator, python, and taurillon – you’ll be the envy of all your picnic guests! A larger GM size of the Wicker bag is also available and retails for $9,800.
Louis Vuitton Capucines BB, Rattan
When looking for chic, classic, and feminine bags from Louis Vuitton, the Capucines style typically comes to mind. Making a splash in the latest grouping – LV By The Pool 2023 – you’ll now find the highly coveted style available in Rattan with tan leather detailing for $7,000.
As with Hermès’ Picnic bags, construction is complicated. To shape the rattan, the Louis Vuitton weaver first soaks it in water to soften the natural material before shaping it. This process is believed to take about three hours.
The bag is finished with a classic thin, adjustable, and removable leather strap that can be worn on the shoulder or cross-body. An ideal summer handbag for both casual and formal occasions, this chic variation of the lady-like bag adds a natural and relaxed elegance to any outfit.
Dior Medium Lady D-Joy Bag
A reinvented classic – the Dior Medium Lady D-Joy Bag – is constructed with a blend of natural and black wicker. Subtle touches of the much-loved blue Dior Oblique leave no mistake as to branding. Adorned with the iconic D.I.O.R charm and featuring sleek expanded east-west shaping, the bag pays homage to the iconic Lady Dior.
Inside, you’ll find a blue Dior Oblique jacquard interior pouch with a drawstring to secure your belongings. The bag includes both a detachable chain strap and an adjustable leather strap, providing this medium-sized bag with both handheld and crossbody options. Not inexpensive at $4,800, however, this Dior can easily transition from beach to city.
Loro Piana Extra Pocket Bamboo Pouch
Although it may be mini, Loro Piana’s bamboo pouch certainly makes a statement. In a very quiet luxury manner, of course. Miniature in size – 3.5″ x 4.7″ x 2” to be exact, the bag can only accommodate a couple of credit cards, keys, and maybe a smaller iPhone! With handwoven natural wicker and smooth leather details, it is a summery take on the classic and popular Extra Pocket Pouch from the brand.
Priced at $3,975 for the mini, the bag also comes in a larger size. Available in various colorways – including pastel pink, bright orange, and sage green, the natural wicker compliments each shade beautifully.
Prada Panier Wicker & Canvas Bag
Prada has been heating up summer with its bags over recent years. With several wicker and basket bags to choose from, there’s one (or more) for nearly every summer closet. One popular option is this Panier Wicker and Canvas bag, available in both black and white. Elegant and feminine in design, the bag boasts a removable shoulder strap for carefree wear. Available for $3,100, this is a fantastic option for summer days.
Celine Basket in Wicker & Calfskin
Off to a picnic? The Celine Basket in Wicker and Calfskin could be a suitable summertime addition. Celine is no stranger to a basket bag, with everything from the Classic Palm Leaves Panier to the new Raffia Hobo – there’s something for everyone. This quintessentially picnic-inspired basket bag is crafted in wicker, with tan calfskin detailing, and retails for $1,950. The bag is unlined and features a rotating lid to secure those summer-time treats. While it may appear a little bulky for some, this bag packs a picnic punch!
Jacquemus Le Bambino Long Osier, Le Raphia
Introducing the Jacquemus Le Bambino Long Osier, Le Raphia – a charming wicker and leather flap shoulder bag priced at $1,625. With a magnetic flap tab closure, slim shoulder strap, and interior card pocket, this bag combines functionality and style. Available in a variety of colors, including off-white, and brown – it’ll fit well within any closet. Measuring at of 10.2″ x 6.1″ x 2.8” it’s suitable for everyday use. From the beach to the bar, the timeless and elegant design is a great raffia addition to any summer look.
With so many luxury raffia/rattan/straw options, are you still pining for an Hermès Picnic Birkin or Kelly? Could one of these be a replacement, or at least a temporary substitute until the real one comes your way? Let us know.
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Updated: August 8th, 2023
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1 Responses to “Pick of the Picnics: Alternatives to the Hermès Picnic”
Beautiful very impressive which I could afford it