As a self-proclaimed handbag connoisseur, it was only a matter of time before I got my hands on one of Auguste Ateliers’ bags. I’ve been eyeing their exquisite collection for what feels like forever, and now that I own one, I have a lot to say.
I had always known about Ateliers Auguste bags, but it wasn’t until the brand’s PR team kindly reached out to me that I finally decided to do a deep dive. Within five minutes of browsing their site, I was completely obsessed.
They generously offered me the chance to choose one bag from their collection, which sounds like a dream until you’re actually faced with the decision! I went back and forth for longer than I’d like to admit. The Monceau in chocolate box leather was so beautiful, just a classic, structured crossbody silhouette. And don’t even get me started on the Marly.
But ultimately, I kept coming back to the Alma bag in burgundy croc embossed leather. I had nothing like it in my collection in that deep, rich burgundy color with a glossy croc texture. And also, the gold chain strap had me in a chokehold. It was the perfect finishing touch on an already stunning bag.
So, if you’ve been on the hunt for a Parisian bag that looks like it costs twice what it does, then keep reading. This is my honest review of the Ateliers Auguste Alma bag, and the brand as a whole. And, spoiler alert: it is absolutely worth the hype.
About Ateliers Auguste
Ateliers Auguste is a French brand founded in 2018. All of their bags are designed in Le Marais in the heart of Paris, and handcrafted by hand in the Venetian countryside in Italy. For a brand that’s only been around for a couple of years, they have absolutely nailed every aspect of a mid-range luxury handbag.
Their whole design philosophy is rooted in architecture, so think: clean lines, precise construction, and sculptural silhouettes — which is exactly what defines a great quiet luxury handbag.
The Alma Bag: First Impressions
Very rarely does my mouth gape open during an unboxing… but it certainly did with this one. From the moment I took my Alma bag out of the carefully wrapped box and dust bag, I couldn’t put it down. In that moment, I knew I made the right choice. She was, undoubtedly, mine.
Everything from the rich burgundy color to the beautifully embossed croc, intentional gold hardware detailing, and the durable chain strap — everything about this bag was perfect.
My colorway, the burgundy croc, is unfortunately no longer listed on the site, which makes me appreciate it even more. It’s this incredibly rich, deep burgundy with a glossy croc texture that catches the light in the most beautiful way. The color shifts slightly depending on the light, so sometimes it leans more wine, and other times more chocolate. And yet, it is stunning every single time.
I was torn between the burgundy croc and the night blue lizard (which is still in stock)! Both are just gorgeous.
Another thing I immediately loved about this bag is the weight of it. It is not a “light” bag by any means, and the gold chain straps are definitely heavier than I expected. Not in a bad way! Moreso in a way that makes the whole bag feel very durable and long-lasting.
I also really love the signature gold bar clasp, front and center. It’s finished with a fine grid texture and the subtlest “Ateliers Auguste” branding etched into it. Small, intentional touches like this are what make me appreciate a brand.
Ateliers Auguste Overall Design & Details
The Alma is known as Ateliers Auguste’s iconic baguette-shaped bag, and I would definitely agree. It’s structured and boxy without feeling stiff, and has beautiful, clean edges that reflect the brand’s architectural roots.
The croc embossed leather has a beautiful glossy finish that feels incredibly luxurious to the touch. And don’t get me wrong, I LOVE smooth box leather. In fact, I was even tempted by the tan box leather in this style specifically.
However, box leather does tend to show fingerprints and minor scratches more readily, whereas the croc texture is more forgiving and hides major marks, which I appreciate.
The interior is lined in this beautiful, creamy microsuede that feels soft and luxurious every time you open the bag. There’s one interior pocket for your smaller essentials. I also love that the inner flap features additional gold hardware details that make the inside of this bag just as beautiful as the outside.
The double chain strap is thick, weighty, and finished in the same gold tone as the clasp. More importantly, it includes a leather-wrapped section that makes it significantly more comfortable to wear on the shoulder than a pure chain strap! Again, a small but very thoughtful detail.
What Actually Fits Inside the Alma bag?
Now, let’s talk practicality. What actually fits inside this baguette-shaped bag?
The Alma measures H5.5″ x W9″ x D3″, and weighs in at just 1.1 lbs. Even though it sounds like it’d be a compact bag, the depth is genuinely deceptive! To be honest, I was pretty surprised at how much I could actually fit inside without it looking overstuffed or losing its structure.
In my day-to-day, I can comfortably carry: my LV card wallet, a mini perfume, my MagSafe charger, AirPods case, a small hand cream, a comb, and my keys — with a little bit of room to spare. If you need a bag that can hold the everyday essentials, the Alma delivers.
The one thing I’ll note is that there’s only one interior pocket, so if you’re someone who loves a super-organized bag with lots of individual compartments, this may take some adjusting. I personally don’t mind. I use a small pouch inside to keep things tidy, but it’s worth knowing before you buy.
How I Style the Alma Bag
One of my favorite things about the Alma bag is how effortlessly it transitions between casual and elevated looks.
The burgundy croc with gold hardware is a color combination that sounds bold but I find it actually works as a neutral! It pairs beautifully with whites, creams, taupes, camel, black, and even unexpected pairings like deep olive or navy.
The Alma bag has that quintessentially French sensibility I just love. If you’re drawn to that aesthetic, my guide to affordable French handbag brands is also worth a read.
As I find this to be more of an evening/going out bag, I love wearing it as a double strap in the crook of my arm, or under my shoulder. The chain adjusts from 11″ to 19″, which gives you a surprising amount of flexibility depending on what you’re wearing.
One of my favorite outfit combos to wear with this bag (pictured above), is a taupe colored sweater or light jacket, paired with black bottoms and accessories. I just love how these 3 colors work together, and find it to be such an elegant look. Another thing I love about this bag is that it takes any outfit up a notch.
I’ve also paired it with an all black look for dinner, which was very chic and I got a ton of compliments — on the bag, of course.
Are Ateliers Auguste Bags Worth It?
Let’s talk price, because at $625–$745 depending on the edition, this is not an impulse purchase.
Here’s my honest take: for the quality of leather, the level of Italian craftsmanship, and the design you’re getting, I think it’s a really good value for what you’re paying for.
The croc embossed calfskin is water-resistant, LWG-certified, and beautifully finished. The hardware is solid and weighty, it doesn’t feel like costume jewelry the way some mid-range bags can. And the construction, after regular wear, has held up impeccably. No scratches, no shape loss, and no hardware dulling.
If you compare it to what you’d spend at a major luxury house for equivalent craftsmanship and materials (and I’m talking, two to four times the price), Ateliers Auguste starts to feel like one of the best-kept secrets in the mid-range luxury handbag world.
If you’re building out your collection beyond this brand, my affordable luxury handbags roundup covers more brands at this same level.
Who is the Alma for?
- The quiet luxury lover who wants a statement piece without heavy logos or branding
- Someone looking for a day-to-evening bag that can transition seamlessly between both
- Anyone who appreciates architectural design and impeccable Italian leather
Who might want to look elsewhere?
- If you need a bag that fits a lot (i.e laptop, water bottle, full-size everything), the Alma isn’t your everyday workhorse
- If you prefer a highly organized interior with multiple pockets, you may find it limiting
Final Thoughts
Ateliers Auguste is a brand I would recommend to anyone, over and over again. The Alma bag may have been the first from this brand in my collection, but it certainly won’t be the last. I have my eyes on the Mini Marly in chocolate box leather next. Ateliers Auguste bags are not ones that shout. They whisper — very, very well.
If you end up ordering a bag from this brand, I’d love to know which style and colorway you went with! Let me know in the comments below. À bientôt!
