Gone are the days of classic bags being stuffy, neutral silhouettes that lack flavor or flair. These days, it is all about the new classics when it comes to designer bags. One of those new classics is definitely the Dior Book Tote, which was released as part of the brand’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection. It very quickly rose to icon status, and even Maria Grazia Chiuri herself couldn’t have predicted how much this seemingly basic-shaped silhouette would resonate. The Dior Book Tote has become an unmistakable staple of the Dior aesthetic.
Though entirely new, the Book Tote was inspired by a Marc Bohan drawing from 1967. Bohan worked at the House of Dior for nearly 30 years, from 1961-1989, and his work is widely known. He served the House as lead designer for even longer than Christian Dior himself. The simplistic Dior Book Tote’s historical roots pay homage to one of Dior’s most influential designers.
A Work of Incredible Craft
Though, at first glance, the Book Tote appears to be little more than a large carryall, it is actually quite a work of art. The original embroidered version takes more than 37 hours of work to be completed and 1,500,000 stitches. Since its inception, however, the Book Tote has been reimagined in countless ways, and it has definitely become a staple for the House of Dior, cementing its place as a new classic in handbag history all the while.
Because of the Book Tote’s success, this once one-size-only carryall now comes in four sizes: mini, small, medium, and large. And, if Dior Oblique is not your thing, the many prints of the Book Tote only continue to grow.
The New Book Tote
For Fall 2022, the line is expanded upon once again, and finally, new versions have appeared to suit a broader audience. While fresh florals and girly, romantic prints have been a signifier for the Book Tote line, new for the season comes an edgy plaid, which screams too cool for school. This version is fully embroidered with the yellow and black Check’n’Dior motif, which was designed and inspired by the Fall collection’s punk spirit. Of course, it is still adorned with the signature CHRISTIAN DIOR PARIS logo on the front.
Dior’s Fall 2022 collection is meant to initiate a dialogue between Dior’s history and the modern contemporary world. This bag, rooted in history, but updated for the modern day, encompasses just that, and I simply adore it. Discover more from the fall collection now via Dior.
I immediately said “as if” with this new print LOL
yah…dont care what they call it, its the cher horowitz print.
YES!
If only they would make this bag without the loud brand name written across it… sigh.
would you consider the black calfskin book tote? it only has the name embossed and since everything is black, it’s far more discreet!
Right? It would still be iconic enough that you’d immediately know.
Absolutely. Was is Paris last week and there were so many lovely pieces that were ruined by large, gaudy brand names and logos! Even Burberry have gone that way now…
Agreed. So tacky!
Maybe I’m the only one that doesn’t mind the Dior branding. 🤷♀️
I picked up the medium size? One down from the largest, this summer. The massive large one turned me off for years, but the one size down is fantastic. It’s been so fun carrying it from errands to vacations. I love the look and the fact it can fold flat to fit in my carry on. It’s been my most used bag of the summer and it still looks great!
I did the same! I bought the large Dior tote, but it was too big and awkward so I sold it. Then, recently I purchased the medium size and it’s perfect, in every way!
Question Ladies: Does the medium tote fit over your shoulder or must it be carried in the crook of your arm? I’m a big “tote” person so would be interested in buying one, but I’m not sure if the drop is enough.
I’m 5’6″, 120 lbs. Definitely medium book tote fit over your shoulder.
Very practical, not heavy at all ^^
I was watching a review of this bag in the blue oblique on YouTube. My husband walked by, stopped, and said, “That’s a nice bag. You should get it.” I didn’t have the heart to tell him how much it costs.
I own a lot of bags, and my husband rarely says any thing about them. This is the first bag he’s ever told me that he liked and should buy. Personally, I like the small size. It’s cute. Too big and stiff in the larger one.