IMAGE: BAGAHOLICBOY

Unless you’re living under the biggest rock ever, you would have definitely come across Dior’s Book Tote and Louis Vuitton’s Onthego in person or online at Instagram, both of which have grown to become key signatures of their respective brands and pretty much get sold out the moment they land in stores. As for those who are truly in-the-know, they have been the subject of comparisons for several months now, and today’s post will address those burning questions.

The focus will be on the Small Book Tote as well as the Onthego MM, which measure 36.5 cm by 28 cm and 34 cm by 26 cm respectively. Both designs are structured open top tote bags that come in the house’s signature monogram prints (#DiorOblique and Monogram/Monogram Reverse), equipped to carry items like a 13-inch laptop or an iPad, as well as daily essentials like a compact umbrella, A4 documents and the like. Also, the Onthego MM is slightly better in terms of utility, armed with double slot pockets and a zipped compartment in the interior, as well as two long leather shoulder straps (a drop length of 24 cm) that allow for shoulder carry.

On the flip side, the Book Tote is available for personalisation, where you can have your name and initials embroidered at the back (at an additional cost), while there’s currently no possibility of that as far as the Onthego is concerned.

As for the price, the Small Book Tote starts from SGD3700, while the Onthego MM is priced slightly lower at SGD3250. Do note that the Book Tote is fully embroidered with the signature #DiorOblique pattern and takes a single artisan almost 32 hours to complete, from the assembling of the canvas body to the construction of the structured handles and reinforced edges, all of which is done by hand. This explains why you’re paying slightly more for the bag, even though the Onthego edges out in terms of function and utility.

That said, it truly boils down to which design sings to your heart most, and if you have the budget, by all means, get both pieces because there’s no harm having extra options when it comes to roomy tote bags these days. The Small Book Tote can only be purchased in Dior boutiques, while the Onthego MM is available in limited quantities over at Louis Vuitton boutiques, and if you’re lucky, you might spot it online. Which will be it be for you? And don’t be a smart alec and say the Calvin Klein one…

IMAGE: BAGAHOLICBOY