Hermès Garden Party: The Ultimate Tote Bag | Handbags & Accessories | Sotheby’s
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Hermès Garden Party Tote

History of Hermès Garden Party

The Hermès Garden Party was first released in 1964 and it quickly became one of Hermès’ most popular bags. Following closely behind the Constance, Kelly, and Birkin handbags, the Garden Party is one of the most understated bags Hermès has to offer. With its simplicity and generous dimensions, the Garden Party tote has earned ‘closet-staple’ status.

Hermès Garden Party

Hermès Garden Party Details


Unlike most other Hermès handbags, The Garden Party tote is predominantly produced in canvas as well as lined in canvas and features one main interior compartment. Some leather models feature the same single interior compartment, but with a leather zipper closure. The canvas material adds to the durability, practicality, and casual nature of the bag. Additionally, the canvas helps to keep this larger sized handbag on the lightweight side. The Garden Party features a Clou de Selle snap closure. As well as, additional snap button features on the sides that allows the bag to be just the right amount of malleable; to expand and create extra interior space to accommodate larger, or more items at once.

Hermès Garden Party

Why Choose the Hermès Garden Party?


The Garden Party handbag is easy to make a case for. The discreet, high functionality, and relatively modest price point (ranging from $2,200 to $4,375 USD) makes this bag the perfect entry-level luxury handbag. Though the Garden Party’s main characteristics are the canvas material and simplistic aesthetic, you never have to sacrifice quality. All Hermès products are held to the highest standards of craftsmanship and the Garden Party tote is no exception. Each item is constructed by one artisan from beginning to end.

Hermès Garden Party 30

Hermès Garden Party Materials, Sizes, and Colors


The Hermès Garden Party handbag is offered in either canvas with leather trim, or full leather. The most commonly used leather for developing the Garden Party is Negonda which has a matte finish, large-grains, is water resistant and very resilient. Alternative leathers the Garden Party comes in include Epsom, and Country. Epsom leather is also highly durable and easily cared for. Country is processed female calf leather and similarly to Negonda, has large-grains, is firm, and highly durable. The canvas Garden Party model comes with contrasting leather handles and stitching. Hermès produces the Garden Party in one of three canvas materials: Officier, military, and twill. The Hermès Garden Party is offered in three sizes: Garden Party 30, Garden Party 36, and Garden Party 49 Voyage. It is made with Palladium hardware and offered in an array of different colors.

Hermès Garden Party

A Very Special Edition Hermès Garden Party


You also might find special features such as a patterned canvas interior, exterior compartments, or detachable shoulder straps. A limited edition and highly coveted model of the Hermès Garden Party comes from the Picnic Collection. The handles and exterior lining is done in a classic Barénia leather paired with a body made of Osier woven rattan. This special edition tote is the ultimate garden party bag.

How to Spice up your Hermès Garden Party 


A benefit of the simplistic and understated design of the Garden Party is that it is easily customized! Using Hermès accessories such as Twillys, Milo Rodeo Horse bag charms, Micro Kelly Twilly bag charm, and so much more, you can dress your bag up to match any outfit or event.

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