The "Haut à Courroies" is the original design from which the Birkin was taken. It is taller than the Birkin, more a north/south shape rather than a east/west shape like the Birkin, the handles are slightly shorter, the turn key is square instead of round, It was originally designed to carry riding boots. The litteral translation would be "Tall with leather straps" since haut means tall/high, and courroie means leather strap...I'm sure the other ladies can add extra info about the HAC....HTH