Filmmaker Karan Johar is no stranger to making headlines, and this time, it’s his fashion choice that’s turning heads. Recently spotted at the airport, Johar sported a stunning black and orange patterned Birkin bag from the coveted Hermès label. But this Birkin wasn’t your average designer accessory.

A closer look reveals it’s the coveted H Togo Hac Casaque Birkin. Crafted with incredibly soft yet scratch-resistant Chevre leather (a rare breed of mountain goat prized by Hermès), this bag is a testament to both luxury and practicality. Its rarity is further amplified by the fact that it was sold for over INR 27 lacs (USD 33,000) at Sotheby’s and is currently unavailable for purchase.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla) However, Johar’s Birkin holds a deeper history. For Hermès enthusiasts, the Birkin and Kelly bags reign supreme. But what many might not know is that these iconic styles evolved from the “Haut a Courroies” (HAC) bag, released in the early 1900s.

Advertisement Translated as “high belt bag,” the HAC is one of Hermès’ oldest creations. Originally designed for a much more practical purpose – carrying equestrian equipment like saddles and boots – the HAC’s unique silhouette laid the groundwork for the Birkin and Kelly bags we know today. So, Karan Johar ’s airport look wasn’t just a display of high fashion; it was a subtle nod to the rich history behind Hermès’ most coveted handba.