Hello, everyone I’m Xiaoma When it comes to Hermès bags like the Herbag, Picotin, Garden Party, Mini Evelyne, people often associate them with the term "entry-level bags." The phrase "entry-level bags" can be misleading There have been viewers suggesting that the sequence of buying Hermès bags should start with entry-level bags and then gradually move on to BKC I do not entirely agree with this perspective because when it comes to choosing which Hermès bag to buy, the first and foremost consideration is your financial situation For those who have worked hard for many years before venturing into the world of Hermès, their financial strength may be higher , allowing them to potentially start directly with higher-tier bags like BKC . On the other hand, younger enthusiasts entering the Hermès world may prioritize cost-effectiveness leading them to choose relatively affordable bags, often referred to as "entry-level" bags. Besides financial capability, the second factor is luck. For instance, many years ago in Japan I was once offered a Birkin 35 which was highly sought after at that time. Being offered a Birkin without any pre spend is a pretty lucky situation Of course I cannot tell the SA "Sorry, Birkin is too high of a tier for me, please give me an entry level bag" So in my opinion, creating a buying order for Hermès bags, is not entirely realistic. Moreover, when it comes to Hermès there is no concept of "entry-level bags" While Hermès has released some bags with relatively lower prices the reason for their affordability is not to facilitate a broader audience to "enter" the brand. Instead, it is because these bags have simpler craftsmanship, use fewer rare hardware and expensive materials like leather, resulting in lower production costs and, consequently, lower prices. These bags are termed as entry-level not just due to their affordability affordability but also because they are more readily available, However, this ease of acquisition is often tied to their lower popularity. The practicality and cost-effectiveness of these entry-level bags might not be as high as one imagines. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing an entry-level Hermès bag, it's crucial to understand whether it genuinely serves your needs and suits your style. I will now share the pros and cons of classic entry-level Hermès bags their price range, and who each bag might be suitable for. Firstly, let's talk about Picotin I've mentioned in a previous video that if you have a limited budget and are unsure which bag to choose, the Picotin is a choice that's hard to go wrong with It has numerous advantages – not only is it durable and cute, but it's also a versatile style that can be used in various daily situations. Whether you're heading out for a stylish shopping spree or just making a quick trip to the supermarket, If your work doesn't require carrying a laptop and documents, it can also be a good work bag The Picotin's charm can be either fashionable or casual, Moreover, regardless of how many higher-tier bags you may own in the future, there will always be moments when you just want to grab a Picotin for a more laid-back outing. Even if you decide not to use it anymore selling it in the second-hand market will reveal its relatively high resale value especially for well-maintained 18 and 22 sizes, which can even fetch prices close to the original If there's any downside to this style it might be its casual nature. Although versatile, it might not highlight one's personality. Additionally, the open design of the bag can make people worry about the possibility of items falling out. So, if you are concerned about these issues, this bag might not be the most suitable for you. Instead of following the trend with the Picotin, you might consider In-the-loop that was released in the past two years. The bottom of the Loop is oval-shaped compared to the round shape of the traditional Picotin. Both bags have a large capacity, with the Picotin being slightly larger but it also has a rounder and more casual shape. In-the-loop looks more refined and elegant avoiding the dangling lock of the traditional Picotin and opting for a delicate metal clasp. This clasp allows the sides of the bag to be pulled in, creating a trapezoidal shape – like chinese rice dumpling not only is it secure but also adds a touch of design. You can even pair it with a shoulder strap to transform it into a stylish shoulder bag. Athough the Picotin is very versatile, if you often wear casual suits, dresses, and similar styles, In-the-loop will better highlight your fashion sense. The only drawback is its bottom, which is a leather shape without the four bottom studs like the traditional Picotin So, if you mind getting the bottom of your bag dirty, you need to be aware of this aspect. The price of In-the-loop is generally higher than the Picotin For example, the 18cm, after a price increase this year, is now priced close to 40K RMB around 10k RMB higher than the 18cm Picotin However, it is often more readily available than the Picotin, even for popular colors, and the waiting time is generally shorter. pre spend amount is also lower. Sometimes you can even get it with almost zero pre spend (You know what I mean haha) For Picotin the ratio is over 1:1 or above Now, let's discuss the most recognizable entry-level bag at Hermès the Herbag. Many young enthusiasts, upon entering the world of Hermès, find the allure of the Herbag irresistible However, a significant number of them end up leaving it unused. The primary advantage of the Herbag it's design and affordability. A 31cm size Herbag is priced at around 25,000 RMB and on the second-hand market, you can find well-maintained ones for even around 10,000 CNY. Additionally, it doesn't require a pre spend So, if you met an SA that wants you to buy pre spend for a Herbag my suggestion is: leave. One biggest advantage of this bag, is that it is very lightweight due to the use of canvas fabric suitable for students or those who just only started their career and spring summer Though I do like its appearance However, one notable downside is the stiffness and difficulty in opening and closing the bag flap, some may think that this is not a big deal as long as it looks nice and is versatile or we can just not close the bag Why do I say that many people end up leaving it unused? When we were young, we may not care much about the convenience of using a bag but as we age and your work and life become busier, you will increasingly value the convenience of daily necessities. So, small details like the difficulty of opening and closing a bag may become a source of frustration. This applies to those who are just starting to explore Hermès as well. If this is your first Hermès bag, you will undoubtedly love it as you see fit. However, as the novelty wears off or when you acquire other bags like BKC in the future the Herbag, which initially seemed acceptable despite its usability may start to feel less appealing. You will likely prefer using other bags over the Herbag. Therefore, in my opinion, if you are prepared to use it for only a year or two or occasionally pair it with certain outfits, then getting a Herbag is a viable option However, if you are looking for a bag that is suitable for long-term use and is convenient, it might be worth exploring other options. Next, let's talk about the Garden Party bag. The Garden Party bag is often chosen as a commuting bag bag or a bag for parents Its most significant advantage lies in its large capacity, making it suitable for carrying a laptop and documents during workdays workdays and baby essentials during weekend outings. The open design of the bag makes it convenient to access items. The Garden Party bag features minimal hardware, with only a small circular clasp and an internal zipper. The lining is also made of canvas, contributing to its overall lightweight feel. It is perceived as a versatile bag for various daily occasions due to its simple and understated design. However, Xiaoma believes that this simplicity can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. Unlike the Picotin, which has a round belly and a playful lock, the Garden Party bag has a reserved and square design. It appears modest and formal, lacking the playful touch that might enhance an overall outfit. If you genuinely appreciate its design and practicality, it might be a suitable choice. However, if you are drawn to Hermès for its brand and want something with a more recognizable logo, Its discreet design and lack of prominent elements elements make it less distinguishable as a Hermès bag if you are seeking a large, attractive bag at a lower price point, the Garden Party bag might not be the ideal choice. For instance, the LV Neverfull in the medium size is priced at around 10,000 RMB while a 30cm full leather Garden Party bag is approximately 34,000 RMB. For those who prioritize brand and price considerations the Garden Party bag may not offer the best value for money. These are my thoughts on these "entry-level' bags. What are your thoughts on these? Feel free to share them in the comments section I will continue to analyze popular entry-level Hermès bags such as the Evelyne, Halzan, Lindy, and 2424. Don't forget to like and subscribe! See you next time!
