I have a confession, I want a Dior Book Tote really badly. When it first came out, I was like ya that’s a fine bag but I don’t need it. But then I started seeing it more. I suppose the power of social media is real, because I saw a lot of this bag on social media starlets, versions customized with their name sent to them by Dior as a gift. Even knowing the bag was a gift didn’t stop me from yearning after it. It helped me see just how lovely it was, and that only further fueled my desire.
Many people use the Dior Book Tote as a travel bag, and I can assure you it makes for a great travel companion. We recently took a staycation at the Four Seasons Surfside (guys, that hotel is absolutely brilliant and nestled in North Miami and I highly recommend it) and I took three versions of the Dior Book Tote with me. The tote was perfect to accompany me to the pool with my needs and Millie’s, and ideal as a carry on or overnight bag as well.
There isn’t a ton for me to report about the aesthetics of the bag design itself, as the interior is completely void of pockets or extras. The exterior is the definition of what you see is what you get. There are of course different versions, and that is where this bag shines to be made to feel more fit for you – with renditions that change seasonally and the ability to add your name as well (yes please).
Introduced for the brand’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri immersed herself in Dior House archives to find inspiration from a drawing produced by Marc Bohan in 1967 to create the Dior Book Tote. Though the bag appears simple as I said above, it is anything but simple: the embroidered Dior Book Tote requires more than thirty seven hours of work and 1,500,000 stitches to be completed in a family-run atelier in Italy. After this lengthy process, the Book Tote is taken to the House’s leather-making atelier in Florence to be completed.
Dimensions are 13″H x 16″W x 2″D and the tote can be carried by hand or over the shoulder. When I learned more about the making of the bag, it quickly made its way higher up my want list. The price is not drastic for the effort that goes into its making and after having seen these versions of the bag, I find myself only wanting it more. Discover more Dior Book Totes on Dior.com.
Pricing
Dior Oblique Embroidered Canvas Book Tote in Burgundy – $2,500
Dior Butterfly Embroidered Canvas Book Tote – $2,850
Dior Earth Hand Painted Suede Calfskin Book Tote – $4,300
Not really. It looks like a carpet bag. The novelty will wear off quickly.
Megs, your post is unclear. Were these bags gifted to you?
Looks like a gift with purchase bag for cosmetics. Not cute and price is laughable.
More for me to dislike from the “new” Dior. These bags are positively hideous. They are so frumpy. And a tote needs organization – pockets, sections, dividers, etc. I don’t want to carry all my things in a jumble. This is a complete no.
I had an opportunity to try this bag in person. I liked it. It’s cute. The leather/suede is beautiful. But, I guess that I’m just not a tote person. It just didn’t feel like a $2500+ bag. The straps are too short to carry on the shoulder comfortably. With something that big, I would need it to be functional, ie. long straps.
I really like everything about it except for the brand name plastered across the front. Fells like tacky overkill. The logo print is quite sufficient. Other than that, I like everything about it.
I think dior being printed on the front is the whole point about some dior bags
Agree! I feel the same. The CD name in the middle runs it for me.
i typically don’t like logos either, but i’m ok with these as long as my name is embroidered on the other side. i don’t know why, but i feel like it offsets it and i’d probably use it with my name showing.
I totally agree. I like the vintage Dior logo (so retro!), but I don’t like the big “Christian Dior” in the middle. Too showy!
Everyone loves a solid tote bag, for the rigors of everyday! I was in college from 1984 -1988 – & preppy was still all the rage. Every girl had to have a great tote bag. Remember L.L.Bean? Mine had green trim, & I hand painted some flowers on the canvas. Then the “Carpet Bags” came on the scene via Ralph Lauren! These tapestry works of art were so gorgeous! They were more like a purse, than a tote. But still, these Dior totes make me wonder if the next new thing will be intricate tapestry bags. Imagine what the different fashion houses could do with their own rich signiture brocade/tapestry? (I don’t mean the monagramed material we see today.) I’m imagining what Dolce & Gabbana could do, or maybe Ralph Lauren could reach back in their archives? We are seeing a resurgence in tapestry boots, this season….. so are matching bags on the rise for next fall? I know you’ll keep us posted, Megs!
Oh, the possibilities! (forgive my long comment, but I get excited over all things fashion as I was a Nordstrom personal shopper (years ago), as well as working a brief stint at Neiman Marcus selling handbags.?)
I appreciate the works go into making them but gosh they are ugly! The patterned ones remind me of my old granny’s curtains! Sorry but I wouldn’t been seen dead with them!