I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty of the traditional oriental costumes. The sight of beautiful Japanese women in exquisite kimonos or delicate Chinese women in rich silk Cheong Sam or elegant hanfu always leaves me both in admiration and wishful thinking (that I too can have that exotic beauty). The colours, the textures, the uniqueness are all extraordinary!
But even though these are the costumes of two very different cultures (Oriental though they may both be, one is of Japan, the other is of China and they should not be mistaken for each other), they do share the common accessories of fan and parasol.
Now although the term parasol and umbrella has been used interchangeably in modern times, the fact is, parasols more specifically refers to an item designed to give sunshade (to protect from the sun), while an umbrella refers to an apparatus designed to protect the wetness of rain. These practical apparatuses were given personality through the beautiful delicate designs added to them.
In the olden days they were all handmade of paper (lacquered or waxed to repel rain) or silk (as thin as cicada’s wing) with bamboo or mulberry bark for frames. They were then painted with beautiful floral designs or scenic landscapes in a rainbow of colours. But all that soon gave way for European umbrellas which were made of wood or whalebone and covered with alpaca or oiled canvas; then along came the steel ribbed umbrella of today.
Of course the ones we have today are made to be more sturdy to cater to the need/demand to withstand today’s’ (much more) unforgiving, unpredictable and extreme weather (when it’s hot it is torrid, when it’s cold it’s absolutely nippy) but what’s built to last against nature isn’t always what acts in the best benefit of nature- built to last does not mean invincible, it merely means longer lifespan which cuts as a double edged sword (bio-degradability becomes an issue).
Which brings us to the future of umbrellas and parasols being the make of a technique that is a fusion of both the new and old. The advancement in the umbrella/parasol industry has seen environmental sustainability take priority. Now we have these apparatuses made from 100% biodegradable and eco friendly materials just like those from the olden days only with the strength of modern steel framed ones.
Not sure what they look like? Well you only have to look at The Brelli or Pamela’s Parasols to know how lovely they can be.
