We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence | About us
Perfect for brunch to boardroom days and dinner dates, the vintage Louis Vuitton Monogram Alma PM brings classic elegance to smart-casual and formal looks, making it an ideal companion for city outings, meetings and theatre evenings.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What typically fits inside the Alma PM? A: The Alma PM is a structured medium handbag around 31 × 24 × 16 cm. It comfortably carries a long wallet, smartphone, keys, sunglasses and a small cosmetics pouch, with room for a few extras. Its dome shape and double-zip opening mean capacity is generous for daily essentials while remaining compact and elegant. Please see the Measurements on this page for exact dimensions.
Q: Can I wear this Alma PM crossbody? A: The Alma PM was designed primarily as a handheld or elbow-carry bag, but many versions include D-rings for a strap. This specific piece includes a detachable shoulder strap listed under product information, allowing shoulder wear and, depending on your height and the strap drop, short crossbody wear.
Q: Does this item come with a strap, dust bag, or padlock and keys? A: Everything included is listed under product information. For this piece, a dust bag and a detachable shoulder strap are included. If an item such as a padlock, clochette or keys is not listed there, it is not included.
Q: Will the Alma PM fit a tablet or A4 documents? A: It does not accommodate A4 papers or most full‑size tablets comfortably due to the curved top and zip opening. Compact tablets (such as an iPad mini) and e‑readers generally fit, along with your daily essentials.
Q: What does the date code BA 1020 mean? A: In Louis Vuitton’s 1990–2006 format, the letters indicate factory country and the numbers indicate month and year. BA denotes France; the digits 1-0-2-0 decode to the 12th month of 2000. So BA 1020 indicates French manufacture in December 2000. Note that LV began phasing out visible date codes in 2021 in favour of internal microchips; a date code alone does not authenticate an item.
Q: How should I care for the Monogram canvas and Vachetta leather? A: Keep the bag dry and avoid contact with oils, make‑up and alcohol-based products. Wipe canvas and hardware with a soft, dry cloth after use. Natural Vachetta leather is untreated and will develop a honey patina; avoid rain and liquids, and if it gets wet, blot gently and allow to air dry away from heat or sunlight. Store stuffed to maintain shape in a breathable dust bag.
Q: How does the Alma PM compare to the BB and MM sizes? A: The PM is the classic everyday size for essentials. The BB is smaller and typically comes with a long crossbody strap as standard, ideal for minimal carry. The MM is larger and more work‑friendly, offering extra room for items like a small tablet or notebook while retaining the Alma’s structured silhouette.
Q: Does the bag stand upright and protect the base? A: Yes. The Alma design is structured with a flat base and protective metal feet to help it stand and reduce wear on the bottom panel during everyday use.
Q: How do you authenticate this bag? A: Every piece at A Retro Tale is carefully verified by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps, date codes or microchips (when present), and overall construction. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can provide additional details on request.
Q: Any care tips for storage between uses? A: Empty the bag, gently wipe it down, and loosely stuff it with acid‑free tissue to support the shape. Store in its dust bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid hanging by the handles to prevent stress on the leather.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale is registered for UK VAT. All prices on the website include shipping, customs, and VAT for deliveries to the UK.
These charges are typically collected by the shipping carrier at the time of delivery and are not included in the product price.
We offer secure shipping via DHL and UPS with the following delivery time:
Outside Europe: 3-6 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Louis Vuitton
/ Bags
/ Handbags
/ Alma Bags
778 £
56%
off retail price
• Monogram coated canvas with Vachetta leather trim
• Gold-tone hardware
• Dual rolled top handles and a detachable shoulder strap
• Brown canvas lining with one internal pocket
• Top zip closure
• Vintage
The authenticity of this bag has been checked and verified by our experts who have over 10 years of experience in vintage and luxury bags. We also use a well established 3rd party authentication tool to verify our bags.
