Hermès HAC Birkin 40 Black Togo Palladium Hardware

The Haute à Courroies (HAC) Birkin, often known as the "original Birkin," has an illustrious history stretching back nearly a century. Initially conceived as a carrier for a horse's saddle, these bags have since evolved into cherished possessions, treasured for their generous interiors and sturdy handles, thus making them an ideal travel partner. This particular specimen, fashioned from Black Togo leather, serves as an exemplary travel companion.

Émile-Maurice Hermès, the creative mind behind the HAC Birkin, first crafted it in 1892, drawing inspiration from the sturdy tote bags employed by Argentinian gauchos during his South American excursion. In the ensuing years, a myriad of other iconic designs, such as the Kelly in 1956 and the Birkin in 1984, emerged, with the HAC serving as their foundational influence.

While the Birkin was reimagined to be more compact, slightly elongating the handles in the process, it remains true to the HAC's original dimensions, varying between 40 cm and 55 cm. Nonetheless, the considerable size of the bag, which can be a deterrent, potentially impacts its popularity among men. Sighting a HAC Birkin in the wild is an infrequent event, but when it does occur, it's hard to resist the allure of its magnificence.