Why the Dior Book Tote Remains One of Fashion’s Most Iconic Bags

A Tote for Every Style

Simple yet refined, soft yet durable – these are some of the best contradictions to describe the iconic and ever-changing Book Tote from Dior. No other tote on the luxury market provides the practicality and uniqueness that the Book Tote brings to its wearer; colors, sizes, and styles galore, there is truly a Book Tote silhouette for everyone.

The Creation of the Book Tote

Every story must start somewhere, and we can thank visionary creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri for breathing new life into Dior and bringing her radical and thought-provoking ideals to the house. Maria Grazia Chiuri joined Dior in 2016 and was the first female creative director the house had seen in its 75 years.

Chiuri looked to the Dior archives for the inspiration behind and creation of the Book Tote. She found a drawing from past Dior creative director Marc Bohan, which had been sketched in 1967. Chiuri would design the bag based on Bohan’s drawings, and the Book tote would eventually launch in 2018.

The Book Tote comes in five different sizes: Mini Phone, Mini, Small, Medium, and Large, to ensure an appropriate size to accommodate every toting need.

The Design of the Book Tote

The Book Tote’s ingenuity comes with its embroidery and artistic design. The tote is crafted in 3D embroidery by way of a unique computer program and eventually hand-stitched by an in-house Dior artisan. Some Book Totes, like the original Oblique pattern, can take up to 40 hours to complete.

What makes the Book Tote so special is the number of different styles, patterns, and designs that make up the Book Tote family. If you’re a Dior purist, you may gravitate towards the classic Dior logo Oblique or the whimsical Toile de Jouy style. The fun doesn’t stop there: other iconic styles of the Book Tote feature fringe, raffia, and lace embroidery, leopard and houndstooth patterns, and even sleek and refined leather.

A New Era at Dior

With the innovative Jonathan Anderon taking the reins at Dior as creative director, he is more than ready bring his unique and whimsical touch to the French fashion house. Anderson’s updated take on the Book Tote was one of the first tastes we got from his new collection, and they did not disappoint. Anderson presented Book Totes inspired by classic novels like Dracula, Dangerous Liaisons, and In Cold Blood. Anderson’s interpretation of the Book Tote is literal and ironic and exactly what we’ve come to expect of the designer.

Iconic Dior Book Totes

As previously mentioned, the Book Tote comes in an array of embroidered patterns, each collection being completely different from the last. Since 2018, Dior has released limited-edition and highly collectable Book Totes, and these are just a few of the iconic pieces that you can snag on the resell market and at WGACA!

The Dior Zodiac Book Tote

Dior’s founder, Christian Dior, famously loved all things regarding astronomy and astrology, so it was a no-brainer for the house to release a Zodiac inspired Book Tote! Using an embroidered pattern by artist Pietro Ruffo, the beautiful tote features imagery of constellations and the Zodiac signs.

The Dior Tarot Book Tote

From Dior’s Spring 2021 collection, this stunning tote features embroidery inspired by Tarot cards, using fantastical and whimsical imagery inspired by Tarot cards.

The Dior Mille Fleurs Book Tote

This beautiful, colorful, and eye-catching tote from Dior’s Cruise 2021 collection lives up to its name, roughly translating to “Thousand Flowers,” with an allover floral embroidery pattern. This stunning Book Tote is once again designed by artist Pietro Ruffo, who drew inspiration from the southern Italian region of Apulia.

The Dior Hibiscus Book Tote

Created for Chinese New Year, this adorable Book Tote features floral embroidery of the Hibiscus, also known as the “China Rose” by many.

The Dior Mizza Book Tote

Pulled from Dior’s archives, this leopard-print inspired tote is inspired by Christian Dior’s muse Mizza Bricard. From the Fall 2021 collection, this Book Tote is one of the most popular styles from the house.

The Dior Butterfly Book Tote

Perhaps the most stunning of all the Book Totes in circulation, the Butterfly Book Tote from Fall/Winter 2018, features an embroidered pattern of a butterfly, inspired by classic stained-glass windows.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Dior Book Tote?

The Book Tote is a signature handbag from Dior, known for its structured silhouette, artistic embroidery, and versatile styling. It has become a staple in the brand’s accessory lineup since its launch in 2018.

2. Who designed the Dior Book Tote?

The Book Tote was created by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s first female creative director. She launched it in 2018, inspired by a 1967 sketch by former Dior designer Marc Bohan.

3. Why is the Book Tote considered iconic?

The Book Tote stands out for its combination of practicality, craftsmanship, and artistic flair. Its wide variety of sizes, colors, and patterns make it a favorite among fashion enthusiasts and collectors.

4. How is the Book Tote made?

Each tote is intricately crafted using a mix of advanced computer embroidery and hand-finishing techniques. Some styles, like the classic Oblique pattern, can take up to 40 hours to produce by Dior artisans.

5. Who is the current creative director of Dior?

As of the latest update in the article, Jonathan Anderson has taken over as Dior's creative director, bringing a fresh and whimsical perspective to the brand, including new takes on the Book Tote.