You may think we have just left the raining season behind but living in Hong Kong you know better that you can never be too safe. Having come back to my home town Hong Kong eight years ago I do very much miss the sheer choices of shopping options for men that I took for granted back in the UK.
Being an entrepreneur in the design industry as shallow as it may sound, you do want to look the part even in your everyday work attire. There will come a time when you have to decide whether your 711 umbrella really goes well with your broques on your way to an important meeting.
Here is where I come in to show you 5 of my favourite brands* that has umbrellas which doesn't break the bank. You know you will lose it at some point like me and it will hurt less when that happens. Trust me on this one.
*Everything that is listed on this website are of my personal opinion and no forms of contribution from the mentioned companies were ever made.
1. Carl Dagg
Co-founders Carl and Carl eventually found the last remaining Nordic umbrella factory up in Dalarna in northern Sweden. They started designing the umbrellas they themselves wanted and needed. And the production of classic handcrafted umbrellas began.
2. Seletti
This Italian home accessories powerhouse occasionally release some simple long umbrellas with some interesting prints. Their current website does not do international shipping but you can do what I did and get it through Selfridges from the UK. For the low price point it certainly does pack a punch with the graphics.
3. London Undercover
Since its inception, London Undercover has collaborated with the likes of A Bathing Ape, Carhartt, Fred Perry, Monocle & Vans (to name a few) and continue to stock in high-end stores such as Liberty, Matches, Selfridges, Mr Porter & The Conran Shop, where quality and contemporary design is key. Working with such brands continues our passion for promoting beautifully made umbrellas to a new generation of style and quality conscious individuals. You can also get them at one of our favourite store Kapok.
4. Ted Baker
I am not going to lie. I don't actually like Ted Baker as a brand as I feel its a poor man's Paul Smith. I have nothing against products from a lower price bracket but I think they can try a bit harder to make themselves stand out a bit more. Saying that I did manage to find some interesting umbrella with a pretty good structure from them.
5. Instrmnt
Instrmnt is a Glasgow-based, multi-disciplinary design studio focused on creating industrial-led products with an emphasis on quality, simplicity and attainability above all else. Their work has been recognised and exhibited by the V&A, London Design Festival, Paris & New York Fashion Week & as part of Scotland's Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design. Their umbrellas feature individual details such as a Japanese fabric canopy and hand-stitched tan leather grip, along with a unique threaded aluminium cup to hold the canopy tips. The machine bent aluminium handle forms a crook for added functionality, and is left hollow to save weight.You can also get them at one of our favourite store Kapok.
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