While small bags still have their purpose and hold a coveted space under our arms, the return of the highly functional and necessary tote bag is back. When it comes to an overall sleek and timeless bag that fits this need, Maria Grazia Chiuri has you covered with the introduction of the new Dior Essential Tote, which she designed for the Fall-Winter 2022-23 collection.
Of course, Dior is the right brand to modernize the tote. Dior already made the tote an enviable and covetable must-have with its Dior Book Tote which made everyone decide the tote was due for a much-needed comeback. But the new Dior Essential Tote brings a refined and polished touch that we expect from a storied fashion House.
The Elegant Tote
The Dior Essential Tote harnesses House elements that quickly define this bag as inherently Dior while keeping with the usability of an everyday tote. The Cannage motif is revisited in a brand-new Archicannage version. The leather is lightly textured, which offers a subtle yet eye-catching shine and soft touch. The chain and leather handle further add an elevated finish, and both allow the bag to be carried by hand or slid over the shoulder for hands-free wear.
No Name to Be Found
The other standout aspect of this bag is the lack of the Christian Dior name. You will find the CD initials included atop the metal hardware that comes together at the bottom of the shoulder straps, but that is it (and it is small). Dior relies on every aspect of the creation of this bag to speak for itself and the brand name, including how the topstitching from the Archicannage motif is recognizable as Dior. While the Book Tote is beloved, some do not want the brand name featured so prominently, and this bag is an answer.
There are two sizes, and both are intended to be multi-use for your daily needs. The large tote easily fits over your shoulder or can be carried by hand. The interior features five patch pockets and one zip pocket, along with a snap button closure for a bit more security. The medium version has four patch pockets and one zipped pocket with the same snap-button closure.
The two sizes are both quite spacious, so when it comes to selecting the size, it is dependent on how much you’d like to carry. The large is 41.5 x 35 x 18 cm while the medium is 36.5 x 28 x 17.5 cm. I love how you can make this bag look super dressy for a workday but just as easily dress it down as well. The simplicity and beauty in this bag are refreshing to see, and like with all Dior bags, every attention to detail is taken. One of my favorite aspects of learning about a bag is seeing the Savoir-Faire and Dior shared images of the steps this new Essential Tote goes through in its journey to come to life.
Shop the Medium for $5,000 and the large for $5,600 now!
I love it, but the price is exorbitant imo. Gone were the days where I didn’t have to burn my wallet to treat myself to a luxury bag.
I also can’t unsee the uncanny similarity to the Star of David on this bag ever since my partner pointed it out to me.
now i see it too…
Love it! Wish we could see it on a body to get an idea of proportions. (Side question: why do so many brands forgo modeling shots as part of their promotional imagery? It’s 2022 FCOL…)
I really like the look of this tote and the fact that it doesn’t have that tacky “Christian Dior” name brand in huge letters like the Book Tote. Also, when you live in NYC, you now see more fake Book Totes than fake LV and Chanel bags. They are literally everywhere.
This tote is elegant and sophisticated. I really like it!
Prices these days are absolutely eye watering.
I stared at this bag for a long while and compared it to my large dark green Dior Ultra bag. They’re not much different except in two areas: first, the new bag (medium size) has an inside pocket which mine doesn’t (although I imagine I could a bag shaper with one pretty easily). Second, and far more important, I paid $2100 for my Dior Ultra. Is there ANYTHING that makes this new bag worth an extra $2900 ?? No, there is not!
Though to be honest nothing justifies the $2,100 price tag of your Dior Ultra bag either. These prices have nothing to do with tangible value.
I like this bag but I don’t like when they make part handle leather and part leather – cheapens the aesthetic in my opinion- just stick with leather!
???
It looks way too similar to Chanel GST
Exactly what I thought! My (unsubstantiated) guess is that Dior spotted the gap left by the popular GST.
Not 100% leather just like the macrocannage Caro. Some Frankenstein leather. Dior wouldn’t confirm what percentage was leather….
What do you mean? It says it’s calfskin.
It doesn’t disclose the percentage. Is it 30, 40, 50%? Most places are disclosing percentages now as many houses are using fillers or bonding. This is why you have to ask now about percentages. My SA says it’s not 100%.
Lol literally WGAF.
Suit yourself. But substances like bonded leather do not last, they atrophy within a couple of years. They cannot be repaired, re-dyed or reconditioned. The chemicals are also harmful, as is the production of the altered fragments of leather. If a bag like this tears, scratches or is cut on something, DIOR WILL NOT AND CANNOT REPAIR IT. So, I guess some do GAF.
When it gets too much wear and tear for your taste, you just sell it or dump it and buy a new handbag. These are consumable products, not heirloom pieces. We need to stop pretending these bags are treasures to be cherished for generations. Lol
Who? People that wanna know exactly where their $6k is going lol.
People wanna know that their things were “ethically” sourced too or what their carbon foot print is so let people ask questions. Otherwise we’re just complacent and stupid.
It’s just virtue signaling.
beautiful
i like this bag .how to buy ?
What about the bottom? I can’t tell if it has protective studs or not.. I like to be able to put my bag down!