Typically just a tool for staying dry in the rain, the umbrella is also a fashion accessory suitable for wet weather or a bright, sunny day.
For some people, umbrellas are a passion.
Jodell Ebgert, 42, of Seattle, Wash., is a collector who markets her own line, Pagoda, that features interchangeable handles. Her interest in umbrellas started by accident, she said in a telephone interview.
“I got married in 2000, and instead of having a big white tent, I wanted something more colorful. I found a guy on eBay who sold vintage umbrellas, so I bought 75 to give away to my guests,” Ms. Egbert said.
“When the umbrellas arrived and I saw all the beautiful handles and fabrics, I developed a passion. I kept going back to eBay and buying more. Then I started thinking that other brides may want to rent umbrellas for their own weddings.”
The idea evolved into an umbrella-rental company in Seattle, and eventually branched out to include vintage.bellaumbrella.com and umbrellas.net websites. The business is now the largest source of vintage and vintage-style umbrellas in the world, she said.
“I found my niche,” she said. “Umbrellas are ideal for outdoor weddings, whether it’s raining or not. If it’s an 85-degree day and you’re sitting out there in your dress clothes, having a little shade is nice. It also adds character, color and whimsy to a wedding. People also like holding an umbrella while strolling.”
Tina Harrison, owner of Blue Skies on Frazier Avenue, carries a line of umbrellas in her Frazier Avenue store. The line includes a signature umbrella that depicts a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
Did you know?* Ancient umbrellas, or parasols, were first designed to provide shade from the sun.* The umbrella was invented more than 4,000 years ago. Evidence of umbrellas are pictured in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China.* The Chinese were the first to waterproof umbrellas for use as rain protection.* The word “umbrella” comes from the Latin root word “umbra,” meaning shade or shadow.Source: inventors.about.com
“We’ve actually carried the blue skies umbrella since we opened 10 years ago,” Ms. Harrison said. “It’s so popular. It just makes people happy to carry it. On a rainy day, it brightens the mood.”
Ms. Harrison said she owns three umbrellas that she alternates carrying depending on what she’s wearing and where she’s going.
“I prefer a more compact umbrella because I can carry it in my purse,” she said. “But if you’re giving an umbrella as a gift, I recommend the larger umbrella. It’s ideal to carry if rain is in the forecast. It’s nice, though, to have the more compact one with you in case a storm blows up. But the bigger ones typically offer more protection.”
Ms. Egbert said she has a private collection of vintage umbrellas that date to the 1700s. Her umbrellas have been featured in many publications including Harper’s Bazaar, Martha Stewart’s Weddings, Vogue, InStyle Weddings, Elegant Bride and Country Living.
Ms. Egbert said she never carried an umbrella prior to her wedding. Today she’s rarely without one.
“It’s been pouring here in Seattle,” she said. “Every time I carry an umbrella, I learn more about them. Some of the old ones, including one of my favorites from the 1940s, do not keep you dry. But it’s very pretty.”