Certain codes are integral parts of fashion houses, some more recognizable and known than others. For the House of Dior, astrology plays a key role dating back to Christian Dior’s fascination with lucky numbers, palm readers, astrology, and superstition.
In fact, a palm reader told Dior at a young age that he would succeed in life - through women. Christian Dior went on to dress women and change the womenswear scape of his time, and his namesake brand continues to do so today.
In his first collections, the numbers 8 and 13 were incredibly important, with Mr. Dior showing collections of 13 models and founding Dior on October 8th in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Now, under the Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri, nods to these principal codes remain relevant and are still seen throughout her collections.
Astrology takes center stage for part of the Dior Fall-Winter 2021 collection, with the Dior Zodiac and Dior Constellation motif prints being adorned on different bags, accessories, and clothing. From the instant closet-staple Dior Book Tote to a modernized version of the Lady Dior Bag, many of the cornerstone items for the House have been updated with a touch of the world of fairy tales.
To showcase our favorite items from Dior’s Fall-Winter 2021 collection, we created our own ethereal world. The importance of astrology and constellations reigned supreme while also feeling like we were being taken away into a world we dreamed up and created. With cutouts hanging from the ceiling and being placed strategically around the set to the perfect moody light, come away with us into our astrology-centric world of Dior.
Read also: Unveiling Dior's Tarot Collection
Dior Birthday Shopping: Dior Cruise 2021, Dior Caro, DiorTravel Vanity Case, Zodiac Collection
Dior Book Tote
Maria Grazia Chiuri created the Dior Book Tote, and from the moment it was introduced, the bag became one of the most iconic bags of all time. Each season, Dior reinterprets this bag with new sizes and different patterns. The Book Tote was designed to hold your daily essentials while remaining a lightweight, functional, and incredibly stylish design.
This Small Dior Book Tote rendition is fully embroidered with the latte multicolor Dior Zodiac motif that artist Pietro Ruffo imaged. The simplicity of the color makes this bag versatile, but upon close inspection, the detail of each stitch reveals the intriguing Zodiac print. If you are unsure if the small size will fit enough, I can tell you that I use my Small Dior Book Tote as a daily bag when I have my kids with me, and it fits young kid essentials plus all of my personal necessities without feeling overly large or heavy.
As for the original size of the Dior Book Tote, this version pairs the constellation print with a bright, floral-infused overlay that gives a feminine touch. This print was also inspired by the artist Pietro Ruffo and while the back of the bag shows more of the subdued constellation print, the front features florals with blue and deep red being the dominant colors. As with the small size, this Book Tote can be carried by hand or fits over the shoulder and is fully embroidered.
Dior Book Tote Sizes Comparison
Read also: Understanding Lucifer's Role
Lady Dior
The Lady Dior will forever be one of the most beloved and recognizable bags in handbag history. While the all-leather version may feel a bit more refined, Dior constantly updates the bag with new materials and patterns to modernize it and add a youthful look.
The Dior Medium Lady D-Lite in Latte Multicolor Dior Constellation Embroidery fuses the constellation print alongside the more lively and colorful floral print as well. The fully embroidered bag features the Christian Dior signature across the front along with ‘D.I.O.R.’ pale gold charms. A nice touch that makes the bag more playful is the thick reversible and removable embroidered shoulder strap. This allows the bag to be carried by hand, over the shoulder, or crossbody. On the inside, you’ll find a zip pocket and a larger patch pocket.
If the micro bag trend is for you, there is a pint-sized version of the Lady Dior. In a tiny version, the Micro Lady Dior features every elegant design element of its full-sized sister, including the Cannage topstitching and the ‘D.I.O.R.’ charm. The removable and adjustable shoulder strap gives this bag different lives, and if you can go out with a couple credit cards, a single key, and lipstick, then this bag would work for you.
The iconic Lady Dior Bag
Dior Fall-Winter 2021: Shoes and More
Maria Grazia Chiuri infuses femininity into her designs in a way that feels liberated and easy. To complete your look and truly be dressed head-to-toe in Dior’s astrological-themed clothing, shoes, and other accessory options, round out the collection. I instantly fell for the Zodiac silk jacket and pant/short sets from this line, each offering ease of wear that still feels elevated but allows you to exude this aura of ease and refinement.
Read also: The Meaning of Aries Zodiac Flowers
As for the shoes, you can opt for sneakers with the constellation print or the ever-popular Dway Slide in Multicolor Dior Zodiac Embroidered Cotton. These slides instantly transform a simple outfit and pair perfectly with the bags.
The New Jolie Bag: A Closer Look
There's a new Jolie bag which looks to be derived from the Caro, with pearl detailing on the flap button closure and chain, removable chain and top handle. Otherwise it seems quite versatile and roomy.
The top handle for the Jolie bag is fully removable as is the chain. While I like the option of having a removable top handle, I hate the pearl detailing (esp on the logo), and the flap looks odd to me.
The sales associate told me there was a similar style that hadn’t even been released yet …and when she brought out the Jolie - yes, my heart skipped a beat and I got the purse flutters!! 😄 I’m sure it’s a matter of personal style as I love a top handle and more structured purses. In person, it is gloriously stunning and has that WOW factor 🤩 This leather is glossier, which automatically makes it look more elevated. The hardware is shinier (not antiqued). The logo size is more balanced on the bag (IMO) and the closure mechanism is more intricate.
What got me is the elegant details - the pearls in the chain are so dainty and feminine. The strap and lock feel like jewelry - it dresses up the purse and just makes it more “extra”. And it is extra btw lol - this was $700 more than the Caro. However, I felt like I was getting more from the Jolie because of the multi-functionality of it.
The look completely changes if you have the chain hanging or draped while you carry it top handle (my fav); if you remove the chain and just hold it by the handle; or remove the handle and just carry it by the chain. You can also wear the flap with it showing in front or hidden, tucked in. The size of the Jolie is bigger than a small Caro and smaller than the medium (just about 2” shorter in length). So this is a great in-between-size that looks perfect crossbody and can also be more formal for evening wear, but still hold quite a bit.
There’s also a ton of organization! You get a large center compartment, a spacious flap pocket (large enough to hold your iPhone), a large internal back pocket that could hold keys and lipsticks and 2 interior flat pockets in the main compartment also can hold card holders etc. Considering the size, it does hold a lot but still doesn’t look bulky.
The downsides for me were: You do have to be more intentional about what you carry and how you arrange it to fit in the Jolie; there’s no external back pocket; and I think the top handle would look better if it held its arch (however, it is more comfortable and less intrusive when it lays flat and because it can flip forward or backward, it looks more discreet if you leave it attached while wearing it by the chain.
I do tend to fully pack my bags and like to keep a lot of things with me, so I was attracted to the way the Caro bag could hold so much and had the convenient back pocket. I was torn because I hated to give up these perks, but I knew that if I walked away from the Jolie I’d still be thinking about her and regret it - whereas I feel the Caro will always be an option there for me. Ultimately, after nearly 2 hours of deliberation in the boutique (my poor SA 😂), this purse hit the marks for me and I like that it’s a less saturated style.
Congratulations on your new Jolie bag! It’s my first Dior bag (up until now I’ve exclusively collected Louis Vuitton) and I went in 100% intending to buy the medium Caro bag and thought I just needed to decide on the color (btw love the light taupe). However, upon my first impression of seeing it in person, I felt very… underwhelmed. The Caro is definitely beautiful & classic, lightweight and so spacious and functional. I still think it’d make a great day-to-night bag … It just didn’t feel like a $4,600 bag to me or especially luxurious and did not exactly make my heart stop - if I’m honest with myself. Then, enter the Jolie!
Dior Caro vs Jolie Bag