Hermès Haut À Courroies
One of the holy grails of bags as far as I’m concerned, the Hermès Haut À Courroies (or HAC for short) has been in existence (and production) since 1892, created by Émile-Maurice Hermès who modelled it after the totes used by Argentinian cowboys while on a trip to South America. Since then, other bags have been created with the original as the muse, including the Kelly in 1956 and the Birkin in 1984, which was modified from the HAC to be shorter and smaller, but with handles made a tad longer for toting over the arm.
Traditionally made in sizes from 40 cm through to 55 cm (which refers to the width of the bag), it has stayed true to its original form, large and imposing, which also happens to be its Achilles’ heel. Being so huge also means it is a less popular option as far as the guys are concerned. Sometimes, trying to spot one on the streets is like trying to find a unicorn, but when you do, you’ll drop everything you’re doing just to stare at it a little longer, taking in its magnificence and basking in its glory.
The one shown above, in Togo calfskin, is a HAC50. A gorgeous hue of golden cocoa brown, it is priced at SGD19,000, which while out of reach to most mere mortals does also makes it all the more covetable as well.
There are newer sizes which include the smaller 28 cm, 32 cm and 36 cm (though I think they are only made when special orders are received), catered specially to ladies who like its vertical shape as opposed to the Birkin‘s more squarish proportions, but that’s irrelevant as far as this post is concerned, since I’m still on the fence as to whether a HAC50 (or a HAC45 for that matter) is one of the bags I should be seriously considering, even if I will only probably use it as a carry on when I travel. What do you think?
Image: Hermès
Do you know how much is the smaller 28 cm??
I don’t have the exact prices Irra, but a good estimate for the HAC28 should be around SGD11,000 to SGD13,000.
An SA in Paris FSH and another in NYC Madison told me that the smaller sizes are no longer in production.
As expensive as Birkin? (FB)
Buy… why not…
imho, buy it if you can get your hands on one. i have not heard of anyone who has regrets with their h purchases… I think you will find more use for it in your daily life than just for travels… I think the bag must be quite heavy though…
I think you should go for the regular birkin in 50cm. The HAC itself is very broad. In my opinion, a 50cm Birkin will look better than a 50cm HAC. The latter will look ernormously gigantic. Hope you get your holy grail soon!
Do you know where I can get a Birkin 50? Believe me, I have tried EVERYWHERE, from Paris to London to Tokyo and even as far away as an Hermes boutique in Brazil.
I might just get this HAC 50 or 55 instead, but I feel like I’m settling, if I have always wanted a Birkin.
I bought one in Black on Nov 11 from the Fall 11 fashion show and hardly ever use it. Let me know if interested.
Nice color. U should go buy & add into yr collection!!!
*buzzer*
i guess the utility (and even classiness somewhat) has been affected adversely by the Birkin and its “snobriety” factor in popular culture.
or it might be the fact that i dislike double handle totes.
anyways why not consider the Kelly 40? the Kelly with its top handle design just gives it a slight edge over the Birkin in classiness. the design and the fact that it’s not as ubiquitous as the Birkin means its also versatile for work-play unisexually (in more sober colours and sizes).
or take a leaf from Katie Holmes, a Kelly Depeches?
yes, I’m in love with the Kelly. hah.
with that price i rather get a vbh croco brera instead.
To each his own I guess, but there’s no way one can (and should) compare a HAC with a Brera, even if it is made of exotic croc.
Too big and heavy, IMHO. 40 cm would be better, but if it looks proportionate with your height, why not? Every fashionista should have a Birkin in his/her lifetime. (FB)
Hear hear!
If the bag is too heavy, it is going to be a problem… better think properly as it is not cheap.
Btw, what do you think of the Hermes Globetrotter retailing at SGD1100? Is it worth buying? Thank you.
If by Globetrotter you’re referring to the agenda cover, I do think it is rather pricey, with the refills costing extra.
Yes, it is the agenda cover. Thanks for the reply!
I’ve been obsessed with this bag for many years. My dream is a 45 HAC maybe, in a dark grey, khaki/olive, navy or black.
It sure is a beautiful bag, and it deserves to be used every day.
Should. The bag is damn handsome. (FB)
how much would a similar sized birkin cost?
and DAMN… thought only investment bankers pulled enough money to buy $10K bags!
the 45 cm HAC is discontinued, as far as I know. it has to do with the proportions of the bag that makes it structurally weak, I think. so it’s either 40 or 50, unless you see a vintage (and authentic) one. I know A LOT of men who have regretted buying the 50 because it’s too big and heavy for everyday. silly people.
Thanks for update Allan! As much as I love the HAC50, this is also one of the reasons I’m holding back. The 40 is much too small for me (tried it on before), so the 45 would really be ideal.
try it again with a structured leather and in a different color. that was my impression when I tried the black Fjord: small. but then with my prussian blue Epsom, it looks OK. sometimes it even looks big, even my friends wonder why it sorta changes sizes.
The HAC50 is a joke – the weight is ridiculous, especially in togo or clemence. I’ve purchased one in Raisin and had to give it up. You’re better off with a Birkin40.
DEFINITELY A WANT. A HUUUUGE WANT.
Cocoa brown is my favourite color. Really really want to have this gorgeous bag!
Do check with your local Hermès boutique then, they might just have one just for you.
Hi BB, are you saying that this bag is available in one of the Hermes boutiques in SG? OMG. I have a serious decision to make!!!
Best you check directly with the boutique with regards to availability.
http://theectetera.tumblr.com/post/11895508515/hermes-haut-a-courroies
A case of plagiarism?
Can’t be helped I guess. Thanks for letting me know by the way.
I believe there is a new version of the HAC 50 coming out for 2012. This one (H2) will have a fabric interior and some other changes which will bring the weight down. It’s on display at the H men’s store on Madison ave. It’s big.
Thanks for the update Jim! If not for the size of it (rather than the weight) I would have gotten the current version as it is.
Hi Jim, I concur. A shop assistant who works in the Hermes boutique in LA told me the same thing about there being a lighter HAC 50 this year.