I haven’t talked bags in a while here at MWS. My last bag lust was over 6 months ago! Gosh! It’s not to say I haven’t been lusting – I have and I still am, I just never got round to talking about them 😉 For those who may not know, my true penchant is for bags. Makeup comes a distinct 3rd after skincare 😀 And for many of us “bag ladies” the ultimate of bags would usually be the Hermes Birkin or Kelly. Well, whose isn’t eh? 😉
However, I recently came across one of Hermes’ less popular bags and like it is when stars align, I found myself falling head over heels in lust with it.
The bag in question is the Hermes Garden Party bag which comes in 2 sizes – small and medium. The design is fairly unobtrusive and simple and some might even argue, too simple. But it appeals to me in a way I never expected it to.
The Garden Party bag comes in a full leather option as I have pictured here and also in a canvas option with leather trim. I don’t particularly go for canvas bodies for bags, so my pick would have to be the full leather version.
Hermes says their Garden Party bags are made of negonda leather, which is a soft and supple leather that is also durable and more water resistant with a matte finish. I thought it made sense because the Garden Party bag isn’t one you’d baby, as you would a more structured Birkin or Kelly. It has a more casual, relaxed vibe to it.
I could and would take it to work, paired with a business-like white shirt and pencil skirt with heels, because it looks structured enough; but I would also take the same bag when I travel or when I’m out on a weekend, paired with flats, jeans and a polo tee or shirt, and it wouldn’t look out of place!
The interior is lined with canvas instead of leather, which is quite natural since the price isn’t as swoon-worthy as many other bags from this uber luxury brand, coming in at about US$3,400 for the medium leather version. I just like how it looks like a workhorse, but an elegant one.
Whilst it looks plain, I’ve seen pictures where people dress it up with a scarf or a bag charm to add some visual interest. Also, the leather versions come in beautiful colours including a beautiful bright blue and the signature Hermes orange, which appeals to me because I love colourful bags. But as much as I’d love an orange Garden Party, I think if I were to end up getting one, I’d go for one in Gold or Etoupe. Gold isn’t gold at all, and looks more like a tan while etoupe is a workable cool grey-taupe. Just to get a little more mileage out of it 🙂
Granted, there are similar looking options out there from more affordable brands. The Prada Saffiano Luxe Tote has a similar design and vibe, as do many more affordable brands, if you look in Michael Kors, Coach or Kate Spade.
For me however, I have my eye set on a leather Garden Party. It looks like something I’d get a lot of use out of, it suits my style and it isn’t obtrusive nor immediately noticeable. I like that in bags 🙂
Dare I ask if anyone out there has this and can venture some tips or advice on it? 😀
I’ve certainly got my eye on it and I would probably stroll in and have a look in store. I know local prices will be mad so there’s no fear of my credit card being whipped out at all, although I can’t say for certain I’d feel the same way if I was in Europe LOL! After all, a girl can dream eh? 🙂
Paris B
Glad you picked this. I dismissed this years ago but it’s starting to grow on me. Like you, I’d pick the Gold as well. I love how you can definitely dress it up or down. Next on the list maybe? ?
Definitely on my list, alongside the Picotin which I have to take a look at as well 😉 We’ll see, we’ll see …
I love it! Perfect size, not too in-your-face!
That’s how I feel abou tit too Carole! Glad we’re on the same page 😀
I have to say I’m not a big fan of Hermes bag. I’m more of a Michael Kors, Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch, Celine, Prada, Louis Vuitton kind of a girl. Yes, I did in fact list down all my favourite designer handbag brands. Of course, being normal and 18, not an anak datuk or anak tan sri or anything, designer bags are soooo out of my league, especially since I’ve just entered my first semester of college. I don’t see myself carrying anything designer for the next 8 years, I’m not pushing myself onto getting a designer bag but I do like to indulge in designer/high end shoes (but not Loubotins of course oh gosh!!!). It’s a guilty pleasure of mine especially since they are much cheaper than bags. Let’s just say, Steve Madden is my man and Nike has put the sneakers trend on a whole new level!
As with all fashion, it won’t appeal to everyone 🙂 And there’s no shame in knowing what you like – it gives you something to aspire and work towards so the day you acquire your first designer bag, at least you’ll know what you want, and you’ll know that you earned it yourself 🙂
Good choice. I like the subtle and classic design. I’m not usually for solid black bags but this black one looks good too.
It does! But I’m not one for black bags so will definitely keep an eye out for the lighter colours. The red one is very nice too 🙂
Oh i’ve seen this, but i love the herbag more! I would actually love to hear your opinion on the herbag, i bought it (the older version thats interchangeable) and i LOVE it!
Ooh I saw some pics of the Herbag but I’m not really into canvas bodies so I didn’t consider it. Very happy that you’re loving yours though. A good bag deserves a lot of love 😀
Good choice!
I like bags too. But these days I’m determined to let my shoulders have a break.
Oh I’ve moved on so far from large bags now too! These days, if a bag is heavy even while empty, I pass. There’s no way I want to torture myself anymore. These old bones can’t handle it! LOL
I’ve been seeing this bag appearing everywhere on instagram. Initially, I dismissed it as an aunty bag but it’s starting to grow on me! For me though, I prefer the canvas or the black one. 🙂
Ooh it must be the bag of the season LOL! I haven’t seen it myself but it’s nice to have one of the more understated ones right? A few years ago I might have dismissed it as being aunty too but then I think I’ve grown into the auntiness hehe
My dream bag is the Hermes Kelly bag.
Mmm…. mine too! 😀
Hello Everyone,
I bought the Hermes Garden Party Tote in 36 Gold after seeing pictures and reading comments on this thread. I LOVE the bag. It is big enough for all the things I take with me when I go out plus it is well made and the smell of leather never gets old. Handheld or worn over the shoulder are options that works well for me. One reason why I do not see myself in the near future owning a Birkin is because of the limited way in carrying the bag, holding it for a long time can feel like having an arm workout while doing some shopping.
I have my eyes set on a Picotin.
I enjoy reading your Blog Paris.
Hi my SA from Hermes called me to say she got my wish list and so I went to Sydney store and did purchase the Garden party in size 36 Gris Meyer colour in all leather calf version. I am loving it how it feels and so supple. I like neutral colour so I can pair it to anything. I would say go for something you will like bec it’s not a cheap luxury item. It is quite costly so buy something you will love and use often. I myself haven’t used mine. It’s in my collection cupboard that’s my second bag from Hermes. First one I purchased was from Petit H collection- Bell Bag. It’s rare and a unique piece so I bought it I haven’t used it yet as well. In Covid time, I rarely go out so I don’t have any reason to use it yet but I like looking at it from my glass cupboard. I bought Twillies to go with them to give it more character and personality.