Louis Vuitton Epi Alma BB! I bought this bag in November of 2016 and am still just as in love with it as I was then.
The Alma bag was originally created by Gaston-Louis Vuitton in the early 20th century. Chanel special-ordered a day-sized version of the Alma Voyage for personal use in 1925; the same bag was put into regular production in the 1930s. The Alma is named for the Alma Bridge, a span that connects two Parisian neighborhood. Alma also means soul in Spanish. The Alma BB was introduced in the mid-2010s.
Bag Review: Louis Vuitton Noir Epi Leather Alma BB
Current Retail Price: $1620
What I paid pre-owned: $1095
Size: 9.5″ L x 4.75″ W x 7″ H
Features:
- leather clochette key holder
- two Toron top handles
- removable shoulder strap (not adjustable)
- zipped closure with padlock
- interior flat pocket
- soft microfiber lining
- four protective bottom studs
What I love: its compact size still has the capability to hold a lot. I’ve used my Epi Alma BB on several vacations (including to Southeast Asia and Europe) because I can zip it easily, it fits loads of stuff for being so little, it’s lightweight, and it’s cute AF without screaming that it’s a designer handbag like some other LV prints do. I really like the multiple carrying options and that I can dress it up or down.
A big factor when I’m deciding on a bag is convenience and carrying options. The Alma BB provides a top handle carry option (in hand or on the crook of the arm) and as a crossbody bag. I typically wear my Alma BB as a crossbody, on my shoulder, in my hand, or on my forearm.
For a lot of women, the Alma BB strap is too short but as a 5’1″ petite gal, it’s a good length for me to wear as a crossbody.
Closure
The Alma BB has a two-way zip closure. I usually leave it open at the top with the sides zipped. I LOVE having the option to zip it all the way up. I don’t keep the clochette and keys on my bag but I do keep the lock on because it’s cute and makes it easier to find the zipper it’s attached to when I’m scrambling around with one hand.
What fits inside the Louis Vuitton Alma BB?
A lot more than you would think.
Size: 9.5″ x 4.75″ x 7″ (L x W x H)
It looks small, but it carries a hell of a lot more than you think. It’s my go-to every day bag.
The interior is lined with soft microfiber (mine is grey), and has one small flat pocket. At one time, I’ve carried:
- iPhone Seven Plus
- Port & Polish pill box
- Celine sunglasses + pouch
- Keys
- LV Simple Card Case
- Passport
- Several lipsticks (I usually carry 3)
- LV Key Pouch
- Snacks!
- Small Water Bottle
How well does the Epi Alma BB wear?
This is something I always consider when buying a luxury bag because some day I might resell it; bags that can be worn regularly without showing a great deal of wear can sell for more money.
Overall, this bag is LOW Maintenance. I got stuck in a rain storm last week and all I needed to do was wipe it down with a cloth.
Let’s be clear: I actually use my designer bags!
Overall, I don’t worry much about the wear on this bag. Epi leather is notoriously durable.
Wait… what is Epi leather?
Inspired by a grained leather used by Louis Vuitton in the 1920’s, Epi leather was created in 1985 and was the first all-leather line by Louis Vuitton. The Louis Vuitton Epi Leather collection was created as a durable leather option suitable for modern conditions. Epi leather is dyed all the way through and has a grainy texture which can withstand any weather condition.
The Epi leather creation process consists of printing an intensely dyed leather before applying a special coloration on the surface of the grain. The natural stretch and grain of Epi leather lets you use Epi leather goods in a carefree way. Epi leather won’t scuff or wear in the same way natural leather will.
Is The Alma BB Low Maintenance?
Yes.
I’ve been carrying mine for a year and a half, and I’ve taken her all over the world from Angkor Wat to the Eiffel Tower. As far as wear, I’ve cleaned off a few white scuffs on the bottom corners/smooth leather. The top handles have some oil build-up and creasing on the underside.
Exterior Epi Leather: The Epi leather can collect dust in the nooks and crannies and that place where the top handles meet the body of the bag—but because of the durability of Epi leather, all I need to do is take a damp cloth and wipe it clean. The smooth leather may be prone to small scuffs, but I’ve removed small white scuffs with leather cleaner (I use Apple Leather cleaner).
Interior: The interior (made of soft microfiber) of this bag will stay clean as long you are cautious. To make sure nothing spills inside, I store my pen in another pouch (usually in my Celine sunglasses case), and my lipsticks in a separate pouch too. I know accidents happen, so if something happens to the interior, you can clean it with Woolite and a damp cloth. The inside pocket has stretched a little from use as well.
How much could I sell my Epi Alma BB for?
If I turned around right now and tried to resell my LV Epi Alma BB, I could probably get somewhere between $600-$800 back by selling it through a reseller like Yoogi’s Closet. This bag is very popular right now and therefore is in high demand on resale sites.
Where can I buy a Louis Vuitton Alma BB?
At the Louis Vuitton store. Because it’s a popular, classic style, they will likely have them in the store for you to try on and buy.
CURRENT RETAIL PRICES (as of 8/18):
Damier Ebene & Monogram Canvas Alma BB: $1230
Epi Alma BB: $1620
Vernis Alma BB: $1860
Or, buy it pre-owned, like I did. My Alma BB was purchased on Fashionphile, but I also recommend checking Yoogi’s Closet or Facebook groups like Louis Vuitton Addicted.
If you have any other questions about this bag, please leave me a comment!
To see more handbags, follow me on Instagram @beccarisa or my account dedicated to lattes and purses: @coffeeandhandbags.
*Full disclosure: I am affiliated with Yoogi’s Closet, but this post is in no way sponsored by Yoogi’s Closet and all opinions are my own.*
Becca Luna 
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