Louis Vuitton’s Alma Handbag
Looking for your next It bag to take you places and last for years? Consider the iconic Alma handbag from the House of Louis Vuitton.
Released in 1934, this sophisticated purse has been reimagined in a variety of sizes, luxurious treatments and prints. Stepping back into the limelight time and again, most recently as the Alma BB, on the arms of the latest generation of influencers and A-list stars, the Alma continues to defy the times with its relevance and chic.
The Alma handbag has quite a pedigree. It was only the second handbag to be released by the legendary French fashion brand, after the Speedy bag.
The Alma was first designed by Louis Vuitton’s grandson, Gaston-Louis, who refined the smart and useful shape of the steamer bag to create a practical and more compact day bag known as the “Squire.” The purse tried on one more grand name, “Champs-Élysées,” before settling into its identity as the “Alma.” Named for the Alma bridge in Paris–connecting the Left and Right Banks of the Seine–this is the bag that’s beloved by style editors, bag bloggers and fashionable women everywhere. Rumor has it that the famous handbag was originally created as a custom order for Coco Chanel in 1925, and then released to the public several years later with her blessing.
The refined look and shape of an Alma bag allows it to transition elegantly from day to night. Its Art Deco-inspired shape and clean structure remain unchanged since its debut, but its finishes, esteem and value have continued to grow.
Materials and Craftsmanship of the Louis Vuitton Alma
Like any Louis Vuitton handbag, the Alma is produced with exceptional craftsmanship based on a heritage of “savoir faire,” or know-how passed down through generations of artisans since founder Louis Vuitton first set up his workshop in Paris in 1854.
Built with precision and care, the Alma features a structured bottom with four rivets that ensure the handbag’s strength and sturdiness. Polished hardware and rolled handles add a clean elegance. You’ll also appreciate the engraved padlock and leather key bell, distinctive features that finish the Alma’s iconic look. Inside the bag, you’ll find a flawlessly lined interior and two pockets for essentials like your keys and smartphone.
Carry options vary. While the classic Alma comes with two chic rolled handles, the Neo Alma or “New” Alma and the Alma BB offer a strap to carry on the shoulder or across the body.
Alma’s many finishes are just as fashionable, compelling and innovative as you’d expect from a Louis Vuitton handbag. It’s been celebrated in the House’s signature Monogram Canvas, reached cult status in Damier Ebène checks and strutted in almost every shade of Epi leather, from neutral tones to bold, eye-popping hues like orange and yellow citron. Whether seeking understated sophistication or a pop of glamour, an Epi leather Alma can add either aesthetic to your look.
If you’d prefer your Alma to really shine, the handbag also comes in the Monogram Vernis—Louis Vuitton’s shiny patent leather with the Monogram pattern embossed into the leather.
The Monogram Empreinte finish is another alluring treatment to consider, this version made with soft and supple cowhide, imprinted with the LV monogram pattern. The refinement of this finish is undeniable, working well for a day bag as well as a nighttime purse.
The Alma is still ever popular in the brand’s signature Monogram and Damier canvas, which gives it a clean, classic appearance. The Monogram and Damier canvas (coated canvas which is crafted from cotton fabric coated in PVC) are legendary for their indestructibility–durable and waterproof, holding up to years of wear. If seeking a bag that will be your daily go-to for your busy lifestyle, a coated canvas Alma makes a great choice.
How to Tell the Size of the Alma Bag?
If you aren’t already familiar with the acronyms that follow a Louis Vuitton style name, they refer to French abbreviations of a bag’s size. PM stands for “Petit Modèle” or small. “Moyene Modèle” is the medium size and GM refers to “Grand Modèle” or large size.
The Alma BB is a miniature size. Launched in 2010, BB stands for “Baby Bandoulière.” “Bandoulière” translates to shoulder strap, and the ultra-compact BB bags feature a strap long enough to wear on the should or crossbody, if desired. Like the Nano Speedy, Alma BB bags are always in demand.
Louis Vuitton Alma Values and Collectibility
In early 2021, retail prices for the iconic Alma started at about $1,500 for the Monogram Canvas and Damier Ebène Alma BB, with more luxe finishes like Epi leather, Monogram Empreinte, Monogram Vernis and special editions costing more. Larger sizes, too, command a higher price.
For both first-time buyers and designer handbag veterans, shopping the resale market can be a savvy way to claim your very own Alma. Prices will vary depending on the bag’s condition, size and finish.
In early 2021, a pre-loved and well-used Alma MM Monogram canvas earned about $400, on average. A pre-loved Epi leather averaged a bit more, nearing $500, which makes the resale market an attractive hunting ground for the Epi Alma of your dreams.
The coveted Alma BB, often out of stock at retail, can be found at auction for a more wallet-friendly sum. Glossy Monogram Vernis versions of the Alma BB averaged just under $800 in early 2021.