PHOTO COURTESY OF HERMÈS
The Garden Party occupies a unique space in Hermès’ leather goods line-up. Its design, a study in understated utility, sees a seemingly simple open tote scoring top points for practicality and style. In recent years, the cult-favourite design has cultivated a dedicated following for its blend of practicality and understated elegance. Whether you love petite sizes or prefer a larger casual carryall, there’s a Garden Party for you.
01 - First introduced in 1964, the Garden Party Bag was originally designed to hold gardening tools. Although its foundational emphasis was on function, it has become a go-to bag. Today, its many fans appreciate its versatility and ease of use.
02 - A signature design element is the ingenious Clou de Selle snap closures. Located on the sides of the bag, they let you adjust both shape and capacity. You can either snap it in for a more streamlined look or expand it to accommodate more belongings. Another Clou de Selle button in the centre further gives the tote an extra layer of security.
03 - Unlike some of its more rigid Hermès counterparts, the Garden Party boasts a softer, less structured form. This allows it to be slightly relaxed for the everyday, making it an adaptable companion that moulds to its contents.
04 - Another plus point is a lack of overt branding, appealing to those who prefer a more discreet accessory. Celebrated for its minimalist appeal, most renditions come in a tonal leather exterior. Those featuring a mix of canvas and leather tend to feature dual shades.
05 - True to its design philosophy, the Garden Party seamlessly transitions between different settings. It serves as a petite carryall either for the office or for afternoon tea with friends. The smaller sizes will work equally well from day to night, which also saves you the need to switch to a different bag in between activities.
06 - The current rotation showcases several sizes, starting with the newly introduced Neo Garden Party 23. The Garden Party 30 is the next size up, while the Garden Party 36 and Garden Party 49 Voyage follow. Vintage iterations, such as the TPM and Garden Party 39, were discontinued some time back.
07 - This Hermès favourite isn’t solely for women either. Extensions to the family include larger sizes, as well as the Garden Party Pockets Vertical, for men. The Garden File is another practical choice that comes in a taller north-south silhouette and with an extra strap for hands-free carry.
08 - Aside from the soft and durable Negonda leather, selected styles also feature sturdy canvas construction and leather trims to withstand the rigours of daily use. The Garden Party showcases an equally exciting array of colours, ranging from classic Noir and Gold to bi-coloured styles like Bleu Marine/Vert Vertigo and Beige/Alezan.
09 - While often featuring a simple, open interior emphasising ease of access, some variations include a zip pocket. Tucked at the back of the canvas-lined interior, this discreet compartment is perfect for storing SLGs, keys and other bits and bobs.
10 - The clean and relatively unadorned design makes the Garden Party an ideal canvas for personalisation. Looking to infuse your everyday companion with your own unique style? Either tack on a Rodeo charm or decorate the handles with a silk twill as you like.
