From sideline to street, the men’s bag has stepped into the spotlight. Once functional afterthought, the men’s bag has become a defining marker of modern style — carried everywhere from airport terminals to stadium arrivals. Yet decades before bags captured such prominence, Hermès was quietly perfecting them. Under Véronique Nichanian, men’s bags became exercises in longevity — designed not for seasons, but for decades.

Image courtesy: 10magazine

With the Fall–Winter 2026 collection, Nichanian closed her final chapter at Hermès, ending a 38-year tenure that helped define modern luxury for men. Across 76 runway shows, she never chased trends, never compromised on quality, and reportedly consulted the Hermès archives only twice. Her focus remained on creating pieces to be lived in, repaired, and treasured for years to come.

Image courtesy: 10magazine

Image courtesy: 10magazine

As the reins pass to Grace Wales Bonner, whose debut will arrive in January 2027, we look back at ten standout men’s bags from roughly the past decade of Nichanian’s extraordinary era — designs that showcase her mastery of craft, innovation, and enduring style.

Sac à Dépêches Briefcase

A cornerstone of Hermès’ menswear lineup, the Sac à Dépêches Briefcase received a clever update from Véronique Nichanian for Fall–Winter 2015. While retaining its signature geometric structure, lockable clasp, and top handle, the bag introduced an embossed motif depicting a camera tucked inside — almost three-dimensional in effect. Its construction, with layered detailing and subtle depth, bears a faint echo of the Shadow Birkin first explored by Jean-Paul Gaultier in 2009.

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

Bolide Shark

Some designs are timeless for a reason, and the 1923 Hermès Bolide is no exception. However, for Fall–Winter 2016, Véronique Nichanian infused playful personality into the classic arched silhouette, elevating it with a mischievous shark motif crafted in leather appliqué. Complete with wide-set jagged teeth and expressive eyes, the Bolide Shark balances playfulness with Hermès’ signature craftsmanship, proving even an icon has bite.

Kelly Dépêches 25 Pouch

From Hermès’ Fall–Winter 2019 menswear collection, the Kelly Dépêches 25 Pouch distills the elegance of the Kelly into a sleek, compact form. With clean lines, beveled corners, and a rounded base, it pairs the iconic Kelly sangles and touret fastening with a subtly structured silhouette. Lightweight and versatile, the pouch includes a central compartment for an iPad mini, a business card pocket, and a removable wrist lanyard, and can be carried by hand or on the wrist — primed for polished, everyday use.

Hac à Dos

Not all HACs need to be carried by hand. In 2022, Véronique Nichanian introduced a hands-free alternative to the iconic oversized silhouette: the Hac à Dos. Reimagined as a sleek, functional backpack, it retains all the hallmarks of its heritage — the elongated proportions, signature sangles, and iconic touret fastening, while offering modern versatility. Available in three sizes, from PM to GM, a prominent plaque beneath the pontets adds visual interest when styled open, and the wide, single, adjustable shoulder strap allows the bag to be worn comfortably over the shoulder, across the body, or as a backpack.

Kelly Messenger

Expanding the Kelly family, Véronique Nichanian introduced the Kelly Messenger during the Men’s Fall–Winter 2023 runway, offering a relaxed, practical twist on the iconic design. Boasting a classic messenger shape, the bag features the signature flap, sangles, plaque, and touret fastening of the original Kelly. Crafted from supple Togo leather, this casual iteration includes a wide, adjustable shoulder strap for comfortable crossbody or shoulder wear, while its widened base and spacious body make it ideal for carrying daily essentials. The Kelly Messenger seamlessly blends heritage charm with contemporary functionality, securing its place in the Hermès men’s lineup.

Coup de Soleil HAC

Hermès turned up the heat on its classic HAC with the Coup de Soleil for Spring-Summer 2024. Crafted in supple Togo leather, the bag forgoes its signature clochette in favor of a playful sun-kissed twist: a lighter, “sunburned” patch marks where the clochette would have sat, as if the bag had spent a day lounging along the French Riviera. The tonal contrast gives the otherwise deep-hued tote a sun-dappled effect — even Hermès’ most iconic silhouettes can have a little fun in the sun.

Équipier Pouch

For the Hermès man on the move, the Équipier Pouch from Fall–Winter 2026 pedals practicality into luxury. Inspired by cycling, its ergonomic design keeps essentials close at hand, whether strapped across the body, slung over the shoulder, carried as a clutch, or draped over bicycle bars. Crafted in smooth Calfskin, the pouch is fitted with multiple zippered compartments to keep your phone, wallet, and keys all within easy reach. The Équipier Pouch is the ultimate companion for city streets, weekend rides, or simply dashing from meeting to meeting in style.

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

Connect•the•Dots Shadow HAC

Véronique Nichanian knows how to have fun with Hermès’ most iconic silhouettes, and the Connect•the•Dots Shadow HAC proves it. For Men’s Winter 2025, the Maison’s very first bag is reimagined with a playful twist: the classic flap, sangles, and hardware are stripped away, replaced with embossed and screen-printed outlines that trace the original design. Tiny numbered points and a white overlay turn the tote into a clever “connect the dots” homage, celebrating Hermès’ heritage while reflecting the ’Drawn to Craft’ theme for 2025.

Long-Courrier Garment Bag

Hermès’ Long-Courrier Garment Bag from Spring-Summer 2026 turns packing into an art form. Comprising a large suit bag and a complementary holdall, the design is deceptively minimal but ingeniously functional — it’s a complete travel system, not just a protective cover. Crafted from H canvas and Barénia calfskin, each piece features dual top handles, allowing them to be carried independently, or combined into a single, modular travel system. To assemble, you simply lay the suit bag flat, place the holdall on top, and secure it with leather tabs and buckles at either end. Just add the Hermès R.M.S Cabin Suitcase to complete the look.

Plume Fourre-Tout On Radio

The standout star from Nichanian’s finale, the Plume Fourre-Tout On Radio bag reimagines the iconic silhouette as a music-inspired masterpiece. Masterfully crafted in smooth leather, the bag features speaker appliqués and raised playback buttons, while a zippered slider doubles as a functional pocket and a subtle design detail. A removable leather cassette opens to reveal a discreet storage compartment before snapping back into place, a miniature nod to the mechanics of a real boombox.

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

Across nearly four decades of Véronique Nichanian’s tenure, Hermès men’s bags have left a lasting mark. Which design captures your imagination? Share your favorite and tell us why.

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