The Haut à courroies (HAC) is Hermès' oldest bag design and certainly the blueprint for the Birkin. When Hermès was still primarily a saddlery, the HAC was designed as a sturdy and practical way to carry saddles and riding boots. Over the years, the HAC has been reimagined as numerous Limited Editions and in some rare and exquisite materials. We take a look over some of the most exciting HAC collector’s pieces from the past few years.
The latest HAC to have made an appearance on the runway is The Rock, a utilitarian design that debuted at the Hermès Autumn/ Winter 2022 runway show at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. The Rock was showcased in Black Evercalf, featuring a diagonally zipped pocket shaped like a saddle, one popper-fastened pocket, and a keychain. Oversized bags and luxury men’s bags are both strong trends for the year, so this addition to the Hermès cannon will undoubtedly be a popular one.
If you can’t wait for The Rock to hit the stores, HAC Cargo is a similarly utilitarian bag that was debuted at the Hermès Spring/ Summer 2021 runway show at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. It’s available in sizes 40 and 35 and a handful of colors including Sesame and Bleu Nuit. This functional design has five outer pockets, including a cardholder and drinks holder, allowing you fast access to your belongings. HAC Cargo is made of leathers including Swift, Box and Evercalf paired with Toile Canvas, which keeps the bag lightweight.
This David Hockney-inspired pop art design depicts a road winding through a Californian mountain landscape. It was launched in 2018 and has been interpreted on numerous Hermès items, including cashmere pullovers, a zipped-collar sweater, a laptop case, belt bag, luggage tag, and, of course, the HAC Endless Road. This piece features an intricate patchwork of leather marquetry, a meticulous form of inlaying.
This celestial, multicolored design was debuted during the Spring/ Summer 2019 menswear runway show. It’s available in Togo and Clemence leathers in sizes 40 and 50 in two colorways: Bleu Nuit with Violet and Bleu Nuit with Jaune De Naples with Chevre lining.
The Flag is one of the best known HACs. This simple, wide-striped Toile Canvas and leather (usually Evercalf and Barenia) handbag was first seen in Spring 2013. Canvas makes the HAC much lighter weight and more practical.
This subtle, beautifully embellished Togo leather handbag is a rare and sought after addition to the HAC family.
This special leather is extremely rare and any bag its used for is an immediate collector’s piece. Volynka leather has an unusual history.
The story begins when the Metta Catharina, a ship transporting Russian tanned leather, sunk to the bottom of the ocean. The leather was found in a remarkably preserved state some 200 years later. Hermès purchased some in order to discover the long-lost secret behind its durability and, after six years of analysis, they recreated this once-revered leather. Three limited edition bags, a Kelly, Plume and HAC, were unveiled in this distinctive leather in 2021. The bag’s most distinctive feature is its strong, peaty aroma.
This rare leather is made from unborn calf leather and is covered in strokable hair. It’s featured on just a handful of Hermès handbags, including Birkin, Kelly, Bolide and HAC.
This lightweight fabric makes a great option for the HAC, a typically large and heavy bag. The body is made entirely from a thick piece of felt with no additional lining, meaning even the largest sizes are manageable to carry. Other lighter weight materials used for the HAC are Denim and Canvas.
