The Hermes Garden Party Bag fires up the bag lust!

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