HAC 40 vs. Kelly Depeches 25 Pouch, or keep waiting? (Male)

[bb28]

Hi everyone. Need some advice here! I had an important birthday 6 months ago and I told myself I would buy myself a quota bag (which my SA originally said would take only a couple weeks to get). I put in a request for either of my top 2 wishes:
1. Kelly 35 in black with silver hardware
2. Birkin 40 in gold with gold hardware

I'm a guy. I was planning to use the K35 as an everyday/work/travel bag, especially with the strap around my shoulder. I was planning to use the B40 as a weekender bag to throw stuff in. Not to mention, obviously both are great investments regardless of how often I would use them.

6 months have gone by. My SA offered me a B40 in etoupe a few weeks ago and I passed because I'm not obsessed with that color. Now, I'm getting antsy and kind of just want to buy something. I'm feeling more OK with not getting one of my top requested bags right now. I do want to build a collection after all, and so I'm thinking I could get something now while I wait for my top requests.

I visited my SA over the weekend and he offered me 2 bags:
1. HAC 40 in gold with silver hardware
2. Kelly Depeches 25 pouch in black with silver hardware

I was really intrigued by both bags, but now I'm even more confused about what to do. Here are my pros/cons:

HAC 40 pros: It's GORGEOUS and I feel like a rockstar holding it. It would be used as a weekender bag the same way I wanted to use a B40, it's the same color that I wanted a B40, so it's almost the same bag. It can hold more than a B40, so maybe it's even better for travel? It's a classic Hermes bag.

HAC 40 cons: It's a big bag. It's not an everyday bag. Personally, I think it's way too bulky for airplane carry-on and I don't fly private lol. So I would be spending $12k (?) for a bag that would be used for train rides or car rides, which is less exciting than a bag that gets worn as part of my outfit in my daily life. It would probably stay in it's box 97% of the time. Even when it does get used, it wouldn't be used in "glamorous" settings.

KD25 pros: It's small and cute, very easy to style, very easy to use. I can see myself wearing it to work, while traveling, out to lunch, or to dinner parties. I could buy a leather strap from etsy and wear it cross body and it looks really chic. I would certainly wear it more than the HAC. It would be an accessory to elevate any outfit, any time of year.

KD25 cons: At about $9K, it's almost as expensive as a B or a K... but it's not a B or a K. It's not a classic bag and it feels less special. I don't believe it's resale value increases. I'm not sure if this bag is worth it's price. I think anyone random can walk into an Hermes store and buy this bag? It's also ironic to spend so much for this bag only to add a cheap strap from etsy just to wear it crossbody.

What would you do in my position? Should I buy the HAC, the Kelly Depeches Pouch, or just keep waiting for my dream bag?

 

[880]

Hi everyone. Need some advice here! I had an important birthday 6 months ago and I told myself I would buy myself a quota bag (which my SA originally said would take only a couple weeks to get). I put in a request for either of my top 2 wishes:
1. Kelly 35 in black with silver hardware
2. Birkin 40 in gold with gold hardware

I'm a guy. I was planning to use the K35 as an everyday/work/travel bag, especially with the strap around my shoulder. I was planning to use the B40 as a weekender bag to throw stuff in. Not to mention, obviously both are great investments regardless of how often I would use them.

6 months have gone by. My SA offered me a B40 in etoupe a few weeks ago and I passed because I'm not obsessed with that color. Now, I'm getting antsy and kind of just want to buy something. I'm feeling more OK with not getting one of my top requested bags right now. I do want to build a collection after all, and so I'm thinking I could get something now while I wait for my top requests.

I visited my SA over the weekend and he offered me 2 bags:
1. HAC 40 in gold with silver hardware
2. Kelly Depeches 25 pouch in black with silver hardware

I was really intrigued by both bags, but now I'm even more confused about what to do. Here are my pros/cons:

HAC 40 pros: It's GORGEOUS and I feel like a rockstar holding it. It would be used as a weekender bag the same way I wanted to use a B40, it's the same color that I wanted a B40, so it's almost the same bag. It can hold more than a B40, so maybe it's even better for travel? It's a classic Hermes bag.

HAC 40 cons: It's a big bag. It's not an everyday bag. Personally, I think it's way too bulky for airplane carry-on and I don't fly private lol. So I would be spending $12k (?) for a bag that would be used for train rides or car rides, which is less exciting than a bag that gets worn as part of my outfit in my daily life. It would probably stay in it's box 97% of the time. Even when it does get used, it wouldn't be used in "glamorous" settings.

KD25 pros: It's small and cute, very easy to style, very easy to use. I can see myself wearing it to work, while traveling, out to lunch, or to dinner parties. I could buy a leather strap from etsy and wear it cross body and it looks really chic. I would certainly wear it more than the HAC. It would be an accessory to elevate any outfit, any time of year.

KD25 cons: At about $9K, it's almost as expensive as a B or a K... but it's not a B or a K. It's not a classic bag and it feels less special. I don't believe it's resale value increases. I'm not sure if this bag is worth it's price. I think anyone random can walk into an Hermes store and buy this bag? It's also ironic to spend so much for this bag only to add a cheap strap from etsy just to wear it crossbody.

What would you do in my position? Should I buy the HAC, the Kelly Depeches Pouch, or just keep waiting for my dream bag?

Of these two bags, #2. You make a convincing argument that no a HAC 40 may not be
easy or practical to use in modern times (And I am a HAC fan)

However, I might personally prefer a HAC a dos PM (I don’t have one, and I haven’t tried it,
but there are pics in the guys and their Hermes thread and elsewhere)
Or my DHs personal favorite travel bag, the sac a depeches 21 (shown below)

i like the kelly 25 wristlet quite a bit, but I have not tried it.

if the B35 is your first choice, I’m sure one will pop up eventually. There is also
always resale.

 

[880]

Forgot to add:

if you are planning to load up your bag with work, I think the B 35 is better suited to the weight than the K35

there may be a messenger crossbody kelly bag coming for fall 23?

the on,y way a K25 might be worth it’s price is via cost per wear.

have you thought about getting a jypsierie at resale ( apologies, my spelling and grammar havegotten worse since Covid SIP

 

[WhiteBus]

Hi everyone. Need some advice here! I had an important birthday 6 months ago and I told myself I would buy myself a quota bag (which my SA originally said would take only a couple weeks to get). I put in a request for either of my top 2 wishes:
1. Kelly 35 in black with silver hardware
2. Birkin 40 in gold with gold hardware

I'm a guy. I was planning to use the K35 as an everyday/work/travel bag, especially with the strap around my shoulder. I was planning to use the B40 as a weekender bag to throw stuff in. Not to mention, obviously both are great investments regardless of how often I would use them.

6 months have gone by. My SA offered me a B40 in etoupe a few weeks ago and I passed because I'm not obsessed with that color. Now, I'm getting antsy and kind of just want to buy something. I'm feeling more OK with not getting one of my top requested bags right now. I do want to build a collection after all, and so I'm thinking I could get something now while I wait for my top requests.

I visited my SA over the weekend and he offered me 2 bags:
1. HAC 40 in gold with silver hardware
2. Kelly Depeches 25 pouch in black with silver hardware

I was really intrigued by both bags, but now I'm even more confused about what to do. Here are my pros/cons:

HAC 40 pros: It's GORGEOUS and I feel like a rockstar holding it. It would be used as a weekender bag the same way I wanted to use a B40, it's the same color that I wanted a B40, so it's almost the same bag. It can hold more than a B40, so maybe it's even better for travel? It's a classic Hermes bag.

HAC 40 cons: It's a big bag. It's not an everyday bag. Personally, I think it's way too bulky for airplane carry-on and I don't fly private lol. So I would be spending $12k (?) for a bag that would be used for train rides or car rides, which is less exciting than a bag that gets worn as part of my outfit in my daily life. It would probably stay in it's box 97% of the time. Even when it does get used, it wouldn't be used in "glamorous" settings.

KD25 pros: It's small and cute, very easy to style, very easy to use. I can see myself wearing it to work, while traveling, out to lunch, or to dinner parties. I could buy a leather strap from etsy and wear it cross body and it looks really chic. I would certainly wear it more than the HAC. It would be an accessory to elevate any outfit, any time of year.

KD25 cons: At about $9K, it's almost as expensive as a B or a K... but it's not a B or a K. It's not a classic bag and it feels less special. I don't believe it's resale value increases. I'm not sure if this bag is worth it's price. I think anyone random can walk into an Hermes store and buy this bag? It's also ironic to spend so much for this bag only to add a cheap strap from etsy just to wear it crossbody.

What would you do in my position? Should I buy the HAC, the Kelly Depeches Pouch, or just keep waiting for my dream bag?

You have analysed the pros and cons very well.
It is good that you see this as a long-term investment.
I understand that it would be good to use something special every day.
In that respect the best choice for you would depend on the nature of your daily needs.
Do you carry a lot of stuff around, or would it be for small lightweight basics.

Of all your options I would choose the HAC; a bag for the long-term.
I have a HAC 45 that I use exactly as you describe and also for supermarket shopping.
The KD25 has a lot of favour on here; it depends how it would fit in with your lifestyle.
I personally dislike the HAC a Dos; the turnlock/sangles fastening is not easy, nonetheless I do not favour bags on the back for security reasons and IMO it is very clumsy across the chest.
A Jypsiere could be the one - an inspired addition to the line-up.
However, I rejected one a few years ago because of the way the bag has a wide base which then cinches together at the top, much reducing its useful volume.
I await the Kelly Messenger.
My recommendation for the here and now - something from the Evelyne range:
if you can source one, an Evelyne Sellier.

 

[lara0112]

if you are not 100% into something, I would keep waiting. I have frequently NOT waited and genuinely regretted it afterwards.

 

[Stickierice]

Hi everyone. Need some advice here! I had an important birthday 6 months ago and I told myself I would buy myself a quota bag (which my SA originally said would take only a couple weeks to get). I put in a request for either of my top 2 wishes:
1. Kelly 35 in black with silver hardware
2. Birkin 40 in gold with gold hardware

I'm a guy. I was planning to use the K35 as an everyday/work/travel bag, especially with the strap around my shoulder. I was planning to use the B40 as a weekender bag to throw stuff in. Not to mention, obviously both are great investments regardless of how often I would use them.

6 months have gone by. My SA offered me a B40 in etoupe a few weeks ago and I passed because I'm not obsessed with that color. Now, I'm getting antsy and kind of just want to buy something. I'm feeling more OK with not getting one of my top requested bags right now. I do want to build a collection after all, and so I'm thinking I could get something now while I wait for my top requests.

I visited my SA over the weekend and he offered me 2 bags:
1. HAC 40 in gold with silver hardware
2. Kelly Depeches 25 pouch in black with silver hardware

I was really intrigued by both bags, but now I'm even more confused about what to do. Here are my pros/cons:

HAC 40 pros: It's GORGEOUS and I feel like a rockstar holding it. It would be used as a weekender bag the same way I wanted to use a B40, it's the same color that I wanted a B40, so it's almost the same bag. It can hold more than a B40, so maybe it's even better for travel? It's a classic Hermes bag.

HAC 40 cons: It's a big bag. It's not an everyday bag. Personally, I think it's way too bulky for airplane carry-on and I don't fly private lol. So I would be spending $12k (?) for a bag that would be used for train rides or car rides, which is less exciting than a bag that gets worn as part of my outfit in my daily life. It would probably stay in it's box 97% of the time. Even when it does get used, it wouldn't be used in "glamorous" settings.

KD25 pros: It's small and cute, very easy to style, very easy to use. I can see myself wearing it to work, while traveling, out to lunch, or to dinner parties. I could buy a leather strap from etsy and wear it cross body and it looks really chic. I would certainly wear it more than the HAC. It would be an accessory to elevate any outfit, any time of year.

KD25 cons: At about $9K, it's almost as expensive as a B or a K... but it's not a B or a K. It's not a classic bag and it feels less special. I don't believe it's resale value increases. I'm not sure if this bag is worth it's price. I think anyone random can walk into an Hermes store and buy this bag? It's also ironic to spend so much for this bag only to add a cheap strap from etsy just to wear it crossbody.

What would you do in my position? Should I buy the HAC, the Kelly Depeches Pouch, or just keep waiting for my dream bag?

Hey There,

Just signed up for the Forum myself and this is the first post that I am replying to. I am also a guy and based on your request I think that you should wait for what you want. I currently have a black 40 cm Birkin with PHW in Togo. And I love it. I have had it for 5 years now and I use it pretty much every day. I have LV, Gucci, and Goyard both in messenger and totes. I switch them out all the time, but my go-to is still my Birkin.

I feel that the 40 HAC is only good for travel. And not for everyday use. Unless you're over 6'0, it's not the size you'd want to carry around in general. When I tried it on, it felt like I was trying too hard to look cool/fashionable. It just didn't work for me.

I am on the search for a Kelly 35 or 40. I am loving the size of the 40, however, when I tried it on with the strap (resale store) it was ridiculously large and where it landed on me, it was too short and it wasn't comfortable. I think the Kelly 40 would look great in your hand. The 35 is a great size for a guy wearing it on the shoulder and it looks great. It's still short to wear as a crossbody, but I believe you can order a longer strap. I was thinking that a cool guitar strap would be great to use.

The wishlist bag that I have with my SA is a 40 cm Birkin in Barenia or Barenia Faubourg in Fauve or Ebene. I don't know how long I will have to wait. But I think even if it takes a few years, it'll be worth the wait.

So, I'd wait, it'll come and it's great that your SA is looking for you. It's easier for us guys since we're looking for larger bags and they are not as in demand. Just wait, larger bags are going to get popular again and we'll have the upper hand. Someone mentioned the resale market for the 40 cm Birkins. They are right, you can get a great deal on that size via resale. Even in great condition, they are still obtainable at a really good price. Compared to the 25 and 30 that can fetch triple the retail price at Hermés.

Good luck on your journey!

 

[allanrvj]

As someone who used to have a HAC 40: don't get a HAC 40.

It's too big for everyday and you'd just look ridiculous. You'd think you'd use it for travel or weekend getaways, but even then it's an unusable travel bag because it's difficult to open and close. You'd be much better off with a Rimowa for traveling. It has wheels, it has compartments, and it has those dividers that adjust depending on how much is inside. Plus it's like 1/10th the price of a HAC 40.

 

[Stickierice]

if you are not 100% into something, I would keep waiting. I have frequently NOT waited and genuinely regretted it afterwards.

I agree. Why feel pressured to get a bag you don't want from your SA. They're not going to be upset and you have every right to refuse a bag. Also, if you get something you don't want in the BKC, that's also eating up your quota for the year.

I don't know why, but I am not a big fan of Etoupe. It's a great neutral, but not for me!

 

[Christofle]

I would say to wait for the Birkin / Kelly that you initially wanted.