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.
