Few bags rise to fame as quickly as the Dior Book Tote did. The bag swept social media by storm and knocked the handbag world on its feet as both Dior aficionados and bag collectors alike clamored to get their hands on this instant icon. Introduced by Maria Grazia Chiuri for spring/summer 2018, the fan favorite design was based on a drawing from the House’s archives and has remained a beloved choice since its debut.
Simple enough in aesthetics and shape, it’s the details within each design that are intricate and unique, and the Book Tote has been reimagined countless times by Grazia Chiuri and the Dior team. The silhouette may be a basic open tote, but the savoir-faire behind every detail encompasses the impeccable craftsmanship and excellence that Dior’s brand DNA stands for. The newest Book Tote is no different, and today we’re taking a detailed look at the Dior Book Tote in sculpted calfskin.
The cruise 2021 show introduced Dior fans to this detailed sculpted leather, which appears on some of the House’s most emblematic shapes. This beautiful, detailed technique was inspired by a traditional Argentinian craft called tooling. Used as way to enhance and add ornate details to saddles in the equestrian world, at Dior Maria Grazia Chiuri has meticulously adapted this technique, drawing floral designs which are then meticulously laser-cut and shaped by hand.
Following this unique design approach several coats of patina are added as well as leather rosette detailing and metal studs to further accentuate the bag’s savoir-faire. The end result is a hand-embossed, detailed Book Tote crafted from sculpted calfskin leather. The artisanal process takes over 12 hours to complete and is truly a work of art. This version of the book tote retails for $7,000 via Dior.
Wow… it’s beautiful but I think overpriced.. idk I was never a huge fan of the original version in canvas but I hate paying a huge price for canvas.. and I love leather, but this one I think it’s waaaaaaaay over my budget.
Wish it has few inside pockets though. And yes it’s a bit overpriced. Especially for canvas!!
The hand-tooled flowers are lovely, but slapping a giant “Christian Dior” right in the middle sort of ruins the look.
exactly !
Agreed
I couldn’t agree more!
Wayyyyy overpriced, but nevertheless stunning!
A true work of art!!
Looks beautiful (dior bags continue to impress me) but certainly overpriced
I love Dior, but this reminds me of the inexpensive tool and dye bags that can be found at many tourist sites, in Colorado.
Another bag that looks beautiful on store shelves and magazine adds. I don’t find a huge bag with no closure or shoulder strap very practical. I have fear of my bag toppling over and making me lose stuff. That’s why I don’t carry my GST very often. And tooled leather bags tend to have empty weight, because the leather needs to be thick enough for the designs.