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
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.
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.
DEFINITELY A WANT. A HUUUUGE WANT.
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.
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.
and DAMN… thought only investment bankers pulled enough money to buy $10K bags!
how much would a similar sized birkin cost?
Should. The bag is damn handsome. (FB)
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.
I have a fabulous HAC in elephant grey Togo leather. If you want to use it for everyday use you’ll not be able to lift it after putting ( for example) a Mac Air and a folder or two. I can assure you the bag will give you little pleasure, you’ll be crying for something lighter. I’ve had both my HAC’s for about 8 years, and I’ve used them less than 10 times – and trust me, I adore them to look at, but they just are not practical.
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!