A Brief Introduction to the Louis Vuitton Alma Bag

Founded in 1854, French maison Louis Vuitton is the standard of opulent fashion and prestige. With a history that spans decades, and an array of coveted styles, let us narrow it down to one of the brand’s most sought-after handbag styles: the Alma.

The History of the Louis Vuitton Alma bag

The Louis Vuitton Alma is a true iconic bag, and its elegant curved and structured shape embodies classic city style. It was created in 1934 by Gaston-Louis Vuitton. The Alma was the second handbag by Louis Vuitton, after the Speedy.

In 1901, Louis Vuitton developed the Steamer bag, “the essential companion of transatlantic passengers.” The novel Steamer was set apart by its “elegant trapezoidal design,” which included concealed compartments designed to separate clean linens from those already worn during travel. According to fashion lore, in 1925, it was Coco Chanel’s personal request for a dome-shaped handbag that refined the travel-centric Steamer into the quintessential Squire. Unlike the Louis Vuitton designs that preceded this one, the more compact Squire was intended for day-to-day use. In 1934, Gabrielle Chanel agreed to let the Squire – as designed by Gaston-Louis Vuitton – be officially produced for the general public. In 1955, the Squire was adapted to make an even slimmer, city-chic model named the Champs-Élysées. While the Champs-Élysées would eventually be discontinued, the Squire (turned Alma) lived on. The official birth date of the Alma – named after the Place de l’Alma in Paris – was in 1992, with the shape revived in Louis Vuitton’s signature Monogram canvas.

The design of the bag

The Louis Vuitton Alma bag was inspired by the art deco movement. The bag features bold and architectural lines, but also features the iconic leather handles called "Toron". The bag was made with functionality in mind, spacious as the bag opens wide due to the double zip and features two inside compartments. On the inside of the Alma you'll find a soft microfibre lining. Sturdy studs on the bottom of the bag protect the material from scratches and dirt. Alma is the perfect work to evening bag.

New Alma bags come with a leather key tag, padlock and an optional shoulder strap. You'll see the shoulder strap with the Alma BB more often. Vintage Alma bags don't often have the key tag and padlock anymore. However, this doesn't affect the style of this precious bag.

Louis Vuitton Alma Sizes

When the Alma bag was first introduced, the original model had a slightly elongated shape with a smooth base (no feet). The newer models of the Alma bag got a little upgrade with a slightly more curved dome-like shape with feet added to the based and a clochette. Both versions of the LV Alma exude their Art Deco heritage.

The Louis Vuitton Alma is available in five different sizes. From smallest to largest, the Alma bag comes in size Nano, BB, PM, MM, and GM.

Nano Alma

The smallest of the Alma bags is extremely rare. It measures in at 6.5-inches wide, 5-inches high, and a depth of 3 inches. It has a 2.5-inch handle drop and a strap drop of 22.5 inches, making it a cute little crossbody bag. It can fit a wallet, lip balm, keys, and a phone.

Alma BB

The second-to-smallest Alma is the BB bag, introduced in 2010. It’s 9-inches wide, 7.5-inches high, and 4.3-inches deep. It’s a nice and compact crossbody bag with a 20.5-inch strap drop, and 3.5-inch handle drop. Since its inception, the Alma BB has become synonymous with sophistication and refinement, beloved by fashion enthusiasts around the globe. Its timeless silhouette and impeccable craftsmanship have cemented its status as a true fashion icon, standing the test of time amidst changing trends and styles.

Alma PM

The Alma PM is the medium-sized Louis Vuitton Alma bag. The Alma PM is 12.6-inches wide, 9.8-inches high, and 6.3-inches deep. It holds a small notebook, wallet, keys, phone, and makeup bag. It has a 3-inch handle drop, It has a 3-inch handle drop and an adjustable strap drop of 20 to 23 inches.

Alma MM

The Alma MM is the second-to-largest Louis Vuitton Alma at 13.5-inches wide, 10-inches high, and 6-inches deep. It has a handle drop of 4.5 inches, and because it’s one of the bigger Almas, it does not come with a strap. It can fit a tablet, book, wallet, keys, phone, and cosmetic bag.

Alma GM

The Alma GM is the largest Louis Vuitton Alma, measuring in at 15-inches wide, 11.5-inches high, and 7.5-inches deep. It does not come with a strap. The Alma GM’s handle drop is 5 inches.

Alma Backpack

A new addition to the Louis Vuitton Alma family, introducing the Louis Vuitton Alma Backpack. This bag was first introduced during the Spring/Summer 2024 runway and is designed for comfort, but many elements are copied from the original Alma Bag. For example, the shape is still round and curved, but it’s a bit taller to make it suitable as a backpack. And the price is not too expensive. It’s adorned with the classic key bell and also comes with the same beautiful handle. This bag is very ladylike thanks to the thin leather strap. It’s also minimalistically designed, but can it fit more essentials than the original Alma Backpack?

Alma Bag Materials

It would be a crime to see such a beautiful and sought-after silhouette as the Louis Vuitton Alma bag produced only in one color or material. The French brand knows that fashionistas love this model, that is why the range of leather and non-leather options is enormous. Actually, there might be some difficulties when choosing a LV Alma you want because they are all eye-catching and elegant. Here’s the list of main materials:

• Monogram canvas
• Damier Ebene canvas
• Epi leather
• Monogram Vernis leather
• Monogram Empreinte leather
• Epi Electric leather
• Exotic leathers (crocodile, ostrich)
• Even special edition artistic iterations of the Alma bag

Even if you’re new to high-end accessories, the Louis Vuitton Alma Bag probably looks familiar to you. Not only is it one of Louis Vuitton handbags, but its signature domed shape is one of the most important designs in modern handbag history.