I hit the ground running with this bag, switched from my enormous Margiela cabas when I got home after getting the Empire then went right back out to test drive it. There was a need in my wardrobe for a roomier hand carry, the Speedy 25 just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I’m all for a big bag. My last two bag purchases were big shoulder bags (MM6 Japanese bag and Margiela cabas). The Empire 40 is great, the size is perfect, I’m 5’3 and the bag is nowhere close to touching the ground when carried by hand. It just looks and feels like a chic, well loved carryall. It does get heavy so that’s something to keep in mind, I think
Coach made a thoughtful choice in having the lining in fabric, leather would’ve made this bag too heavy.