DESIGNER 101
Dior 101:
The Book Tote
By Taylor M. Mar 8, 2021
The 2018 tote that instantly established itself as an it-bag
for travel, trend, and daily use is still an enormous hit moving into 2021. Celebrities and influencers can’t seem to get enough of Dior’s Book Tote bag — and for good reason! The Dior Book Tote bag was made famous in its early moments by adored icons like Eva Chen and Rihanna, and it continues to garner desire with new and innovative releases long after its original debut.
Construction
Mini Dior Book Tote on Brittany Xavier, courtesy of Dior
The intricate detail that appears on the Dior Book Tote is arguably unmatched by any other style or brand. Plus, the process carried out to create just one Book Tote is rigorous: each one takes over thirty hours to construct from start to finish, and the bag is composed of five pieces of material containing more than a million individual embroidery stitches. On top of this, the embroidery itself consists of three different stitch types. The logo stitching, most notably, has a relief effect, which can be seen on the inner walls of the bag.
Materials
As many designers have discovered, a significant benefit to a simple silhouette is more opportunity for variations. This is why Dior lovers gravitate to the Dior Book Tote’s casual elegance. They can expect new twists and takes on the style that pertain to different personalities and tastes with each season release. The French fashion house has already created an impressive number of exclusive editions of the tote, as well as a large array of colors and textures.
Rihanna carries her personalized Book Tote, source unknown
The oblique embroidery, probably the most popular edition of the bag, comes in a vast spectrum of colors, from basic to bright. Dior has also introduced a few novelty renditions of the bag such as the red, white, and blue American Flag design which was introduced in 2019, nodding to the first time Dior visited America upon receiving the Neiman Marcus award for his ‘New Look’ in 1947.
Camila Coelho with her American Flag Book Tote, source unknown
In 2020, Maria Grazia Chiuri really started to capitalize on the dedicated following behind the Book Tote by creating a number of interpretations of her original tote, catering to every personality. One example is a simple, but striking mesh effect tote. The simple black color contrasts with the negative space and the bag sports the Dior logo running across the center of the outer wall. This is a more street-wear compatible bag and has been seen on a number of celebrities and influencers that embody that aesthetic. For Winter 2020, Dior revamped the original print but added velvet for a richer, warmer feel to the cult favorite. For those looking for a personal touch, an amazing feature offered on the bag is the option to have your name embroidered onto the body.
The Dior Mesh Book Tote, courtesy of BragMyBag
Sizing
The Book Tote is a popular everyday bag, as well as a travel bag due to its open interior. The absence of dividers and pockets allows for more space inside the tote. The bag comes in three sizes, each made to suit the needs of different lifestyles. Read on for the Dior Book Tote size comparison.
The tiniest version of the Book Tote, of course, is the 9 inch-wide Mini Book Tote. Dior is not one to sleep on the latest trends, which is why it supplies luxury consumers with a Mini Book Tote version of its elaborate tote to scratch the micro bag itch. This Mini Book Tote bag can be worn on the wrist or held in the hand and is perfect for the bare essentials: phone, wallet, keys, and maybe a lipstick or two.
Leonie Hanne carries mini Book Tote, source unknown
The Small Dior Book Tote is the second-to-the-smallest Dior Book Tote, measuring at 10.5″ wide. It’s the size of a large handbag, and can fit a small book, wallet, makeup bag, keys, and phone.
The Medium Dior Book Tote is a more practical version for every day but still doesn’t take up too much space at 14 inches wide. The Medium Dior Book Tote can fit the daily essentials and work as a sufficient day bag for running errands – it can even fit a small laptop or tablet. The simplicity of the classic tote silhouette is balanced out by the intensive embroidery and can add a sense of intention to any outfit, even an errand ensemble or a workout set.
Dior Book Tote in novelty colorway on Rebag
The Large Dior Book Tote size is the biggest, coming in at 16.4 inches wide. This large tote has a spacious interior for everything you could possibly need and is a popular travel companion to sit atop carry-on luggage, holding all of your in-flight personal items.
The Ferragni Sisters with a Dior Tote used as an addition to their luggage pieces, source unknown
Dior Book Tote at Resale
An upside to the popularity of this bag is that it is appearing in all avenues of the luxury market, meaning it is still in production and offered by retailers and Dior directly, but handbag lovers are also trading them at resale. That being said, no matter if you are looking for the latest rendition of the Dior Book Tote, or want a pre-loved classic oblique print, there is a book tote out there for everyone — even on the luxury resale market!
Then, tie an oversized bowtie to complete the look. Pull more of the ends through the knot in order to balance out the proportions of the bow.
