Just in time for the stormy weather to arrive, this umbrella takes rain protection to a whole new (geeky) level. Molded after a Star Wars Imperial Star Destroyer, it keeps your head dry but folds up just like any regular ole parasol.
Amazing design, but tell me — is it real or fake?
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CasaSugar Community member Maryline recently posted this umbrella from the MoMa Store's new Portugal-inspired collection in the Design Finds group. Can you guess what it's made out of?
If you have a gentleman warrior on your holiday shopping list, the Samurai Umbrella ($36) designed by Materious might be just the thing for him. Better yet, you can pair it one of these sharp umbrella stands. Granted it's a little geeky, but I think it makes a tongue-in-cheek statement. Do you agree? What do you think?
In a pedestrian mall in downtown Talca, Chile, a group of students created a covering from over 400 umbrellas by hanging them on lines suspended from scaffolding, creating a temporary, colorful public space. I love the ethereal look of this installation, and I think it could work wonders re-created in a smaller format, offering a bit of shade at your next garden party. While I think almost anything, if repeated enough times, can create a beautiful display, there's something about the umbrella that adapts itself well to design. Not convinced? Check out this trend of umbrella lamps.
Umbrellas are popular when it rains, but there's also a shower of lighting inspired by the rainy day accessories in the interior design world these days. When I spotted these Come Rain or Shine In light prototypes designed by Marie-Louise Gustafsson and Daniel Franzen, I couldn't help but remember some other umbrella-inspired lamps I'd seen. The hemisphere shape of an umbrella is quite akin to many lampshade styles, so it's natural that designers would gravitate toward this design. Don't believe me? Check out this slideshow to see for yourself.
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Simply Fab: Umbrella Draining Solution I was wandering the aisles of my local drug store last night when something cool caught my eye: the Umbrella Draining System ($15). I thought the standing umbrella was innovative, but this takes the cake.
The Beau & Bien Smoon Ombrella ($1854) is a wireless and rechargable "light sculpture" for your indoor or outdoor space that acts a parasol in the day, and a lantern at night. But, to be honest, it looks more to me like an alien starship from It Came From Outer Space . . . kinda creepy! What do you think?
If Rihanna didn't make umbrellas cool, The Brelli ($28-$38) mos def does. The Brelli is made from bamboo, which is sustainable and a clear, biodegradable canopy, so the entire umbrella will completely biodegrade within five years when discarded. Considering how many nylon and plastic umbrellas I lose track of, and which probably make their way to a landfill somewhere, I think this is a great idea. But, the Brelli elli elli is so chic and functional looking, the thought of it decomposing kind of makes me sad, in a way. Aside from being the world's first 100 percent biodegradable umbrella, it's probably the only umbrella I'd be able to hold onto 'cause it's so darn striking.
We've all heard of an umbrella, but a Nubrella? Welcome the umbrella that is more like a canopy, shielding you all around from the wind, rain, and snow — the elements. The Nubrella ($70) is nifty, but I wouldn't carry it. I'd rather be cold than be the girl in a dorky bubble. Would you wear it?
I was wandering the aisles of my local drug store last night when something cool caught my eye: the Umbrella Draining System ($15). I thought the standing umbrella was innovative but this takes the cake.
Living in a city where it rains often, this could come in handy. The UDS umbrella comes with an umbrella holder in the same color — choose from silver, gold, pink, purple, or red. After you're done using your drenched umbrella, simply put it in its container and let the water drip in there. Once your umbrella is dry again, drain the water out. Why didn't I think of that?!
