Wardrobe Essential: The Umbrella
Every gentleman needs an umbrella. In England, when it rains it pours and it would be a foolish man who got caught in a sudden downpour, unprepared. Just like you need a rakish raincoat in the Autumn, an umbrella is real must-have for when summer turns sour. After all, it doesn’t matter how much time and effort you put in to your outfit, if you turn up to work sodding wet, it will all be for nothing. To keep you dry, here are our sartorial suggestions.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, , Apart from the obvious rain protection, the umbrella is all about the handle. This Alexander McQueen example swaps the standard stick for an antique gold skull, which is nothing short of garish. But we love it anyway.
Alexander McQueen Skull, £450 from Selfridges
JAMES SMITH & SONS, , Purveyors of some of the finest umbrellas around, James Smith & Sons have been a London staple for well over a century. This umbrella has an intricately carved airedale shaped handle, which is both suitably dapper and a great conversation starter.
James Smith & Sons Wooden Carved Airedale, £245 from James Smith & Sons
, Even better still is James Smith & Son’s family of ‘crystal’ umbrellas, which take the notion of eccentricity to a new level. Set on a laquered black-wood stem with nickel accents, this is an umbrella for the confident man about town.
James Smith & Sons Green Crystal Snake, £125 from James Smith & Sons
PAUL SMITH, , Classic with a twist. That’s the moniker Sir Paul Smith looks to adopt with his eponymous label and it’s no more apparent than with this umbrella. The handle is emblazoned with his signature brightly-coloured stripes, but everything else is kept minimal, so it’s perfect for the office.
Paul Smith Black Walker, £200 from Liberty
FOX UMBRELLAS , , This is the Rolls Royce of the umbrella world. Constructed of real rosewood, it really is a luxury piece and will easily stand the test of time. The handle is made from a single piece of solid wood too, so it can double up as an expensive walking stick.
Fox Real Solid Rosewood, £675 from Fox Umbrellas
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