Picotin 18 Black Clémence GHW

Description

This Picotin 18 Black Clémence GHW is in Black clemence leather with gold-tone hardware and has tonal stitching with two top handles. The interior is lined with black natural leather, no interior pockets and has a pull-through closure secured by gold-tone padlock.

The bag is crafted of Clemence, one of Hermès’s most popular leathers. Clemence is a large-grained skin that was originally created for luggage and first appeared in Hermès’ collections in 1992. The technique that produces this large grain is called Drumming, which softens the skin. Clemence, named for the daughter of the designer who introduced it into Hermès’ collections, is very similar to Togo. Both are very popular; Clemence is made from the male calf and Togo is made from the female.

Clemence has a semi-matte smooth, pebbled-grained surface that creates a slightly slouchy and relaxed handbag Clemence and Togo are both natural leathers and quite similar, but Clemence is smoother to the touch and has slightly larger grains and no veining compared to Togo.

As any Hermès aficionado will know, there’s more to the brand than Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags. Hermès’ stable of ‘non-quota’ handbags (those that fall outside of the annual allowance given to you by a Sales Associate) houses several tantalising styles. Leading the charge? The Picotin Lock. Accessibly priced and immaculately designed, this distinctive bucket bag has always been a fan favourite, and continues to steadily grow in popularity.

It’s said that Hermès’ first true customer was the horse. Perhaps more overtly than any other Hermès bag, the Picotin lock is evidence of these equestrian roots. It takes its bucket-shaped silhouette from the feedbag you’ll often see hung from a horse’s ears. Indeed, the name ‘Picotin’ is an old French term for a measure of oats!

The Picotin is a relatively recent addition to Hermès’ roster, launched in 2002. Due to its increasing popularity, it’s not always easy to get hold of the Picotin these days. It’s understandable why demand is growing — Casual, roomy and refreshingly logo-free (unless you look closely at the padlock), Picotin 18 Black Clémence GHW is a bag that’s easy to fall in love with.