A Spoonful of Sugar

HOW SWEET IT IS
More than just a tool to keep one dry or an escape device for magical nannies, a nice umbrella can complement an outfit. It may come as a surprise to some there is an actual category of umbrellas dubbed “fashion umbrellas.” The grouping, which now encompasses all umbrellas designed to exhibit a higher-end look, began with Mary’s classically familiar style. As explained by Lynn Schatz, marketing manager for Parsippany, New Jersey-based Avaline, the traditional design with the wooden J-handle, exaggerated tips and point, and slightly more domed canopy, became popular around her era in London. A symbol of authority and class due to its expense at that time, the pattern has retained its status, and is still the primary template for fashion umbrellas. Today, the category has branched out and become framed by nebulous descriptors like “high-end” and “executive,” but basically, fashion umbrellas are categorized as those meant to look a little nicer, and value appearance over brute durability or low production cost.