The Hermès Birthday Reveal… Micro Edition

Read: The Hermès Constance Slim That Sparked a Silver Crush and a DIY Cargo Birkin

I’m about to drop a bag bombshell on you. Because what you think I’m about to whip out of this blue box is a limited edition mini Kelly, or maybe a feathered Kelly Elan or quite possibly even a special B20 (manifesting this one hard 🧚🏼‍♀️).

Our most recent NYC Hermès shopping haul.

Well it’s none of those this time. But what I am about to reveal to you is so absolutely incredibly precious and has had me totally smitten since I first laid eyes on her in Paris some two years ago. And I am quite certain no one can guess as it’s hardly ever been seen. It’s not a big, flashy, in-your-face, type of Hermés treasure. Rather a very discreet, understated, and most definitely a IYKYK type of discovery. Can we call this the ultimate kind of quiet luxury, maybe?

The very special -limited edition blue box that I incidentally had no idea this treasure came in.

Introducing a Micro Picotin.

Starting off this journal entry with a bit of an unconventional twist. Let me show you first 👀 and then you can follow along my long but sweet journey to finally bringing home this delectable pint size treasure🧚🏼‍♀️

Wearing my Hermès Adage ring given to me last year for our anniversary. Read: Part I: Hermès Double Dip Anniversary Surprise

Its Picotin Lock big brothers and sisters (three to be exact) are not newbies to the Hermès world. In fact, my guess is that many budding Hermès enthusiasts begin Hermès journeys with one of these cute, functional bucket bags typically found in a squishy, luxurious Clemence leather.

A little Picotin 101 for you here:

The Picotin Lock was officially introduced in 2002, and while it’s now a staple in the Hermès lineup, its equestrian roots go way back. The word ‘Picotin’ is an old French term for a measure of oats given to horses, and the bag’s shape mirrors that very feeding pouch. Since its debut, the Picotin has stood the test of time, thanks to its minimalist structure, superb craftsmanship, and effortless elegance.

Originally offered in three core sizes – the ever-popular 18 (PM), the mid-sized 22 (MM), and the roomy 26 (GM) – each number refers to the width of the bag’s base in centimeters. In Spring-Summer 2022, Hermès added a fourth, more petite size – the Micro Picotin (also known as the Picotin 14). It made its first appearance in the ‘Lucky Daisy’ print, where horseshoes were cleverly arranged into floral shapes – a playful nod to the house’s roots. Since then, the Micro Picotin has been released in exotic skins including ostrich, lizard, and alligator.

With the rising popularity of the vast range of ‘non-quota’ bags, demand for the Picotin Lock has grown. Most recently, it was quietly thrust back into the spotlight during the Hermès Fall-Winter 2025 runway, in a Feutre wool and Swift leather combination. This one is at the top of my fall wishlist 🍂.

Photo courtesy RED.

hermes picotin size, picotin comparison

But you know me, I don’t seem to follow traditional trajectories of collecting – so my very first Picotin comes now in the rarest miniature size and would be in none other than matte alligator and in one of the dreamiest exotic colors to date called Vert d’Eau.

Let me take it back to the first sighting in Paris at FSH. I wish I had a photo, but I don’t think I took one. That’s perhaps because I was so busy peering into the case with my nose pressed hard against the glass on my tippy toes trying to see the interior of the treasure resting on the top shelf of a tiered display. This one was in black matte gator with its dainty details in gold hardware. I was completely mesmerized by its petite stature. During my leather appointment that day, I asked my sales associate if it were possible to secure one. I was told there were none available and the display piece would not be sold. She did however, bring out the miniature Daisy version in printed Swift leather that many of you may have seen. But there was no way for me to un-see the gator one that stole my heart.

No amount of flowers would satisfy a brewing obsession. On subsequent trips to Paris for the runway shows and any and all leather appointments, I would specifically request this exotic Micro Picotin. I was repeatedly reminded that few were produced, and the sales associates would remark they had never seen one. Sigh. Then out would come yet another daisy print that I would respectfully reject.

Hermès FSH Paris, Spring 2023

Hermès FSH Paris with @karenzpurses in Oct 2024. Presented the Daisy Swift version again when requesting the exotic Micro Picotin.

Fast forward to March 2025 at Madison in New York City. As I strolled the fourth floor mentally documenting all of its treasures, my gaze lifted to a top shelf – OMG, there she was – a Micro Picotin staring right at me in Vert Cypress lizard skin. Again on a shelf too high for me to peek inside, but calling my name and saying, “Monika take me home…” I stood there a very long time examining it from all angles. It was as precious as I had remembered.

Spotted! The Micro Picotin in Vert Cypress lizard, Hermès Madison March 2025.

My sales associate returned with a big box and as we were in the special gold room unveiling my Shoulder Birkin, I asked again about this tiny treasure. She explained that these came in very rarely, and she would certainly check and keep it in mind for the future. I may have discussed the Micro Picotin more than I did the Shoulder Birkin 29, lol. I don’t know when I have been more smitten by a non-quota Hermès bag. I documented this in full narrative here:

Hermès Reveal: A Special Birkin Makes its Way to the City of Big Shoulders

They say we receive what we manifest from the heart. This one was all heart because just a few weeks ago, on a special trip to NYC orchestrated by Mr PurseBop, this pint-sized beauty came into my life in a color/skin far prettier than any I had seen to date in real life (IRL) or online. Well, I have only seen two, to be exact – plus the printed swift one, so in theory, three.

Bringing home all the Hermès loot. Miss Vert d’Eau packed up and sitting pretty with us. Last stop was the Louis Vuitton café on 57th before heading to the airport.

To my utter surprise, this tiny treasure comes in a limited edition blue box. A detail I knew nothing about till my NYC sales associate lifted the lid. What followed were a lot of giggles and I am sure a few pivots on one foot. May I officially introduce you to one of my orange – blue box – birthday 2025 treats, haha, pun intended. For several years now I have been fortunate to commemorate a new trip around the sun with a special Hermès treat, and this years has proven equally special 💝 (so far).

Here’s last years birthday/anniversary shenanigans:
Part I: Hermès Double Dip Anniversary Surprise
Part II: What’s in the Hermès Anniversary Box Mr PurseBop?

The color is sublime. It’s the softest, muted shade of minty pistachio green. I almost want to call it a mix of daiquiri ice cream blended with buttery pistachio gelato. How’s that for a delicious visual? It’s a very clean shade. Often with exotic matte skins the variation between the high and low of the scales can give a more grainy look. But in this particular shade, the color is pure and not disrupted by that darker outline, which can sometimes read dirty (to me at least) in lighter colors.

Truthfully, it’s a color I have always wanted to add to my collection, but knew it had to come in the form of an exotic offer and we all know those are far and few between. Hermès times have certainly changed since I began my journey some 12 years ago with that big beautiful Orange Epsom B35. If there’s one thing Hermès aficionados learn, it’s patience.

Micro Picotin 14 Size and Capacity

Let’s talk a little bit about the size of the Micro Picotin. In this case, the expression a picture is worth a thousand words is 100% correct. But I’m still going to debrief you for a moment, so bear with me. The Micro Picotin measures 14 cm across the bottom, which makes it smaller than the mini Kelly, which measures 20 cm end to end at its base. It is tiny.

Miss Mimosa (joined the family in 2022) welcomes home the new arrival.

I don’t think there is anything cuter than these two sitting together 🧚🏼‍♀️

The beauty of matte gator.

However, because the base is round like a typical bucket bag, the bag’s capacity far exceeds that of a Mini Kelly. You can comfortably put a pair of sunglasses, iPhone, lipstick, and small wallet or Calvi. The thicker straps have enough of a drop that you can very comfortably carry it from your wrist or forearm unlike the mini K20. And obviously can be delicately carried as a top handle.

Now, it is an open top with just that one sangle to cinch its top. I’m not too worried about the open top because it’s not a bag I am going to dump my life into. Despite the Picotin generally being a casual style, I suspect that this one in gator skin can be more formal, perfect for special occasions, weddings, and cozy restaurant dinners.

As I write this story from my bed, I gaze over to my pretty new Micro Picotin sitting in front of me with the most beautiful birthday flowers and realize what a great travel bag it will be. Tucked away in my carry on, it can be filled gently with soft clothes without worry of its structure being compromised. It’s no secret that since half my life is spent away from home, my most useful bags are the smallest ones because they come along – think all the smaller Kelly models like K20’s/danse/pochettes.

Even the princess came out to welcome the newcomer. She (Himalayan Constance 1-24) joined the family in 2023.

My new baby feels very feminine, delicate, and secretly special. I can’t quite describe the emotion she evokes because it’s actually unfamiliar to me in the sweetest way. I confess I break a smile every time I pull her out of the dust bag. I am overwhelmed with this giddy feeling… I’m imagining her swinging from my hand wearing short Zimmerman floral dresses, long maxi silk Camilla ones with high slits… all paired with summery sandals, but also visions of faded worn in boyfriend jeans, white T’s, and chypre sandals. This year has been all about jeans for me. There’s been more than a few Rag and Bone deliveries at our front door, hehe. But wait, believe it or not I am even visualizing pairing her up with a couple of fully decked out sequined Manish Malhotra co-ord sets I picked up in New Delhi in March when we attended the most magnificent wedding at the Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur.

I guess time will tell, but the combination of the gator skin and micro size will allow me to pull it into several looks I love.

By now, readers know I always document the new arrival before it’s maiden voyage. I had intended to carry Miss Vert d’Eau to my birthday dinner but opted for Miss Mimosa instead. I cannot wait to take this marvelous pint-sized addition out this weekend though. She’ll be the perfect accompaniment when we ring in our wedding anniversary this Saturday.

City bound for birthday celebrations.

I’m not quite done with my reveal writings just yet. July is always a month filled with joyous celebrations and I am a bit behind in my boxes. I did share a few of the smaller treats over on my IG page @pursebop in the form of short reels… and then there’s this article here in case you missed it:
The Hermès Constance Slim That Sparked a Silver Crush and a DIY Cargo Birkin

I’m soaking it all in – the many blessings – and trying to be as present as possible… My way of sharing with you is through my story telling. I have much more to narrate from that NYC escapade we took a couple of weeks ago but please be patient with me and I promise not to disappoint ❣️ stay close.

And there’s another part of this beautiful story that hasn’t come to fruition yet that requires a re-visit to Madison in the next couple of weeks (hint – hint – Mr PurseBop), so it might be fun to include that in Part II.