The Hermes Mini Halzan

Today I’m reviewing a bag that I have wanted for some time and finally pulled the trigger on – The Hermes Mini Halzan.

I first tried on the regular sized Halzan on the first day of its release in Paris (my sales associate said she had a special surprise, and took it out, and I have to admit I thought it was going to be a Constance). It was gorgeous and useful but I thought it basically replicated my Evelyne, and was worried about the stress of all my things on the thinner strap, so ultimately passed. When I saw the mini size however, I was instantly intrigued.

There are a few things I have been searching for in a mini bag – that it be able to fit my gigantic iPhone 8 Plus with a fat case, keys, a lipstick, card case, and sunglasses. I also wanted it to be able to be squashed into a backpack when needed (moms should understand this point).

The Halzans, both regular and mini size, all came with contrast white stitching for some time, which after kids, I was a little worried about. But when I saw that they now came with same color stitching – sold! I got black on black, boring I know, but really I wanted something totally easy and mindless.

Here’s the size, compared against a regular Evelyne PM. Please note – this bag is mini! It’s really meant as a “grab and go” essentials kind of bag, or evening clutch.

What I fit inside comfortably (without resorting to Tetris) – my big iPhone, keys, sunglasses in a slip case, a little bag of snacks, lip gloss, card case. I wish I could store the sunglasses in a hard case (I’ve been known to plop down my big butt on my bag in times of carelessness, and while the case could theoretically fit, it would be too difficult to get in and out.

There are two pockets on each side – here’s the back view. Do note that the iPhone doesn’t fit in the pockets, I put it in the big interior compartment. Even if it did fit, I would worry about it stretching out the leather long term. To be honest the four little pockets aren’t my most used feature – I put my card case in one, and that’s about it. If you ride the subway it’d be a great place for a Metrocard, carnet tickets, etc.

The open view of the interior. There is a divider inside with a slip pocket but I don’t really take care to put items in one side versus another. It’s small enough that I can just dump my items and can easily find them when I need them. There is no zip pocket, though I think the bag is already very secure (especially if you buckle it shut). If I was carrying something valuable, I might just try to tuck it into the bottom of the slip pocket and use the big compartment for everything else.

And now, a few shots of it worn:

Here’s how I usually (always) am wearing this bag – crossbody, not buckled so I can easily grab at items. I’m 5’1 and long torso’d so you can get an idea of how it hits here. Very light and comfortable! By the way, the jeans are Madewell and my current favorite denim.

With the strap adjusted, like a shoulder bag. Cute but I almost never wear it like this.

Hand held, like a tote (I use it like this sometimes when going by myself for a quick errand).

And finally, another handheld view, this time with the shoulder strap. You can also use this image to see how it would look as a clutch (just imagine without the strap).

One thing to note – the Halzan only has two lengths that it can be adjusted to (the strap can also be removed altogether). I’m sure that the Hermes craftsman can punch more holes if you need a different length, but do note that the two I show (shoulder and crossbody) are the default options.

The bag also only comes in swift at the moment which I think is perfect. It’s a soft, pliable leather and holds very well to the body. I think in clemence or togo (other favorites) the grain might be too thick given the already small construction of the mini size. Of course the regular size does come in clemence.

Overall, I highly recommend the mini Halzan. Gorgeous and if I’m being honest with myself, the best “cost per wear” bag I’ve purchased from Hermes in a while!

PS: If you are looking for similar options for a little (or a lot less), here are some recommendations: the adorable and versatile Chloe Pixie (this goes from day to night even better than the mini Halzan, in my opinion), $1550,  this very excellent Anya Hindmarch, $750, a great sleek option from Marc Jacobs with great reviews (I’m so glad they introduced an all black version), $325, and as always the Neo Le Pliage from Longchamp (I’ll be recommending this bag for the next decade probably), $225.