Make a statement with long rod umbrellas

Long umbrellas are in vogue among youngsters this season

One would not be surprised to see a young girl walking on the streets with an umbrella that resembles their grandfather’s walking stick. Boys and girls equally have found a new way to flaunt their fashion sense while warding off the piercing raindrops and scorching heat. Long umbrellas are out in the fashion markets to drape an image of boldness and funkiness in the carrier. While some carry it for their convenience, some use it as an accessory or as a defensive tool.

Like the small compatible umbrellas, these long umbrellas come in various colours and fabric. But the designs and the make are something to watch out for. International designers like Mila Schon, Jenne McAlister, Ferre Milano, Lisbeth Dahl, and Pasotti have blended chicness and style to the reasons for carrying one. These designs and finish that they bring out on the cover have always inspired the umbrella manufacturers in India to come out with more creative designs and colours to the taste of Indians.

Geometric designs, cocktail designs, bi-colours and checks in vibrant colours are commonly spotted on the umbrella covers which are manufactured in 35 inches length with six to eight inches of differently shaped handles.

The arcs of these umbrellas come in 45 inches to 48 inches which offer room to accommodate three to four people under them easily.

Apart from the fact that these umbrellas are convenient and would not have the problem of folding it back wet into the handbag, these are good fashion accessories too. The coolness and funkiness are well reflected in the way one would walk around with it. Some hang it behind the collars of their tee shirt or on their wrist. This is a reflection of Salman Khan’s style of wearing his sunglass in the movie Dabangg or the way the celebrities carry their tote bags on their forearms.

“Long rod umbrellas are all the more convenient, stronger, bolder and stylish compared to the smaller ones. Just like a person’s shoes, an umbrella can show a bit of a person’s character,” says Becky Thomas, model and actor.

Talk of being defensive, girls love walking around with them. Offering the dudes multiple reasons to carry one, they say that, apart from convenience, it can be used for multi purposes like if it rains they can use it as an umbrella, it can be used as a walking stick, or as a defensive tool if a girl’s brother comes to smack him for wooing her. “It can be used as a fighting machine to impress girls when anybody tries robbing her hand bag. This could be put on the culprit’s collar,” chuckles Reesh Raoof, a student.

Shunky R Chugani, another student, feels they add ‘a gentleman’ tone to the looks. “A long umbrella is more like the symbol of a gentleman. I have always seen elderly gentlemen and it’s always been fascinating to see one walking with it,” says Shunky. “It is a good accessory rather than a regular umbrella.”

Be it for protection, defence, convenience or fashion, long rod umbrellas do have something in them that would make anybody pledge their entire make-up kit to be under one.