Style

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.

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18 Comments

  • Reply
    J.
    January 29, 2018 at 7:46 am

    Love it! I have been looking at this bag for such a long time, but haven’t been sure how it would work for me. (and I also did not like the white stitching) I have always worn Evelynes, but the larger ones are becoming too heavy for me to wear with a bad back. Your mini Halzan is beautiful and I love that it can be worn in so many different ways. Thank you for reviewing it!

  • Reply
    Harriet Millwater
    January 29, 2018 at 8:45 am

    I have a mini-Halzan in Barenia and love it. It’s such a good size for kicking around in town at the weekend and I wear it cross-body most often. I haven’t seen any other reviews on the Halzan and loved reading your analysis.

    I’ve been following your blog for a while but this is my first comment. Interestingly, the first H bag I liked was the Constance and found your blog whilst looking for more information about it. Since then, as I’ve learned more about Hermes, I’ve added so many more bags to my ‘wish list’ and really enjoy reading your reviews on the bags, the practicalities and seeing how they look worn. Next up (hopefully this year) I hope to get a Bolide 31. It’s an expensive habit but so rewarding finding ‘bags for life’!

    All the best,

    Harriet

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 1, 2018 at 9:44 pm

      You’ll love the Bolide! And you have my DREAM halzan. I love this combo.

  • Reply
    Bunny
    January 29, 2018 at 10:15 am

    So funny— this was (in organge) my Christmas present! I have LOVED it! Since I have an older iPhone with a slim case, I can’t easily slide it into the outside pockets (in fact, this was the determining factor for why I got this one and not the Evelyn’s TPM). It works wonderfully as a “mom” bag to accompany my massive diaper bag, and is such a special treat in an everyday use form.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 1, 2018 at 9:43 pm

      Ahhh! Lucky you! Orange sounds gorgeous!

  • Reply
    Diane
    January 29, 2018 at 1:05 pm

    I absolutely love your outfit Kat!!! You’re looking so wonderful! The Halzan is gorgeous and I’m glad to see it can fit so much!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 1, 2018 at 9:43 pm

      Thank you so much Diane!

  • Reply
    Vivian Low
    January 30, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    My first time seeing mini halzan in swift and I agree with same color stitching it looks much more cohesive! I have a lindy in swift and I’m always a bit to worry to get it ruined under rain (you know i live in RAINcouver), how do you like this leather in general comparing to Togo? Everyone asked me to avoid swift but I find the touch of leather just feels very classy and a bit more unique. I haven’t be wearing my Lindy enough to tell if the leather is durable.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 1, 2018 at 9:42 pm

      I love swift! Especially on a small bag. Knowing your style it’d be great on you.

  • Reply
    Mai
    January 31, 2018 at 5:01 pm

    I never thought I wanted the mini Halzan until I read your review, now I need one! Do you think it will fit more than the mini roulis or tpm evelyn? Neither of these can fit much at all and I ended up selling them. With 2 young kids, I need my bag (crossbody is a must) to fit at least a compact wallet, keys, wet ones and tissue.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      February 1, 2018 at 2:27 pm

      Honestly I think it’s a little small for those purposes. I would probably stick with a regular Evelyne PM for your purposes (I think we’re in the same boat iwth the kids!)

  • Reply
    sanita
    February 2, 2018 at 4:51 am

    I love this bag on you, it looks fantastic! In Europe most SA advise to go for a colour…. Hermes uses the finest leathers and colour schemes that you can’t find anywhere else. I think this bag in ‘blue nuit’ would look very nice and would be so easy to wear.
    Don’t be afraid to buy colour, after all you spend so much money :))

  • Reply
    Bee
    March 12, 2018 at 7:39 am

    Lovely bag – thanks for sharing! I’ve been on the hunt for a small crossbody that can hold a few must haves apart from everything in diaper bag (usually under stroller and I hate to fish things out). I really want the Chanel WOC to work, but I don’t think it can hold the new big iphone, and definitely not sunglasses 🙁
    Will have to look into this option!

  • Reply
    VS
    March 17, 2018 at 9:31 am

    Beautiful – thanks for the detailed review! You look great 🙂 Would love to hear how you feel it compares to the Goyard Belvedere PM.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      March 18, 2018 at 3:01 pm

      Love the equally! Belvedere fits more, though.

  • Reply
    Jsktse@gmail.com
    March 18, 2018 at 9:50 pm

    Thanks for your sharing! Just wondering does the swift leather on the back gets scratched easily from touching the clothes/jeans all the time while wearing the bag cross body?

    Thanks!

  • Reply
    Aviva
    March 25, 2018 at 11:12 am

    Love your bag posts! I was wondering if you would consider doing a post about your favorite bags (owned or had previously!) love your opinion and hearing your thoughts!

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