It’s an essential part of the ‘Old Money’ style, which is very much in vogue at the moment. The umbrella is no longer just an object to satisfy a meteorological need, but a veritable fashion accessory to dress up any figure. Focus on seven exceptional pieces, for their high quality and precious aesthetic appeal.
“A man with an umbrella is a man praying for rain” said Sir August de Winter (Sean Connery) in the 1998 film adaptation of the TV series Bowler Hat and Leather Boots, before John Steed (Ralph Fiennes) replied “And a man without an umbrella is a fool”. Always worn with elegance and charisma in the 7th art, between dramatic scenes in the rain and romantic walks by the sea, the umbrella is part of the essential panoply of fashion lovers, concerned with every detail of their look.
Le Parapluie de Cherbourg x Tournaire Paris
The most iconic model in the Alchimie et Engrenages collection, this piece is the result of a collaboration between Le Parapluie de Cherbourg and the Tournaire jewellery brand. Designers Charles Yvon and Mathieu Tournaire came up with this black umbrella delicately adorned with embroidered logos in gold thread, and made from taffeta fabric, a galvanised steel shaft and fibre ribs. The refinement of this object lies in its hand-polished, yellow bronze handle, a testament to the expertise of the two Houses. The 600-gram umbrella has been tested in a wind tunnel at speeds of up to 155 km/h.
Pasotti
Pasotti, founded in 1956, presents this royal blue polyester umbrella. The company’s handles feature an extensive bestiary, including felines, dragons and peacocks in silver or, as here, gold resin. The lion’s head adds a touch of glamour and luxury. Made in Italy, the piece is elegant and strong in character. It goes well with a suit and gives the impression of having the world at your fingertips…
Piganiol House
Gone are the dark umbrellas you can’t make out when the sky darkens. This piece is an emblem of the historic Piganiol company, founded in 1884. Called the Shepherd’s Umbrella, the model, made in Aurillac, France, is made up of nine rush ribs, a cotton fabric and a beechwood pole. We’re particularly fond of the GIPSI model, with its flamboyant Camargue-style colourful motifs that make summer last longer, or the more timeless beige version with black stripes. Not only perfect for summer weddings and seaside strolls, the cane or folding version also matches your trench coat. For added practicality, the umbrella can be carried over the shoulder with a shoulder strap.
Dior
This Walk’n’Dior umbrella features the Plan de Paris motif inspired by the French fashion house’s archives and structured around Avenue Montaigne. Made from white and black printed canvas, the eight-ribbed accessory features a handle and shaft made from a single piece of maple wood, beautifully decorated with brass details. This Italian-made umbrella is ideal for strolling the streets of Paris and taking a little piece of the City of Light with you on your travels.
Burberry
Its pattern is iconic and timeless. This Burberry Check umbrella, in shades of beige and black with a hint of red, is made from polyamide fabric and a fibreglass and steel shaft. The handle is made from black walnut. Nothing could be more English!
Pierre Vaux House
It’s hard to make a selection of umbrellas without a transparent model. With its bell shape that’s as fashionable as it is timeless, this PVC plastic fabric wraps around the entire upper body without hiding it behind opaque material, guaranteeing 360° visibility for its owner. Made in France, it has 10 ribs, a wooden pole and black piping.
Il Marchesato
An Italian manufacturer based in Saluzzo (Piedmont) since 1978, Il Marchesato offers handmade umbrellas, walking sticks and shoehorns. Its vast choice of designs and handles reflects the excellence of its finishes. The women’s collection, for example, features double-satin polyester fabric and 24k gold-plated brass handles decorated with crystals. They can even be personalised. This season, we particularly like the peacock motif on the inside with a red or iridescent turquoise exterior, or the leopard motif, enhanced by a lace print, which is terribly feline.
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Featured photo: © Il Marchesato
