They’re not quite fashion accessories in India. But Gargi Gupta went umbrella hunting and found a few jazzy ones — from a classic Burberry to a quirky number from Kolkata, with a fan attached. These are not just for the rains, we hasten to add
Little big hearts
The iconic Burberry print overlaid with hearts. Who says you can’t make a fashion statement in a downpour?
Price: Rs 7,500
Where: At Burberry stores: Emporio Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi; Palladium Mall, Lower Parel, Mumbai; Taj Krishna Hotel, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad; UB City Mall, Bangalore
Bright and funky
This one from s.Oliver comes with a fine hooked handle, which has a comfortable grip. Available in bright summer colours like yellow, orange and lilac.
Price: Rs 899
Where: s. Oliver stores
Select Citywalk Mall, New Delhi; Ambience Mall, Gurgaon; and Mega Mall in Mumbai
Fanning out
The umbrella has a very special place in the Bengali heart. So it’s not surprising that some funky umbrella tech is happening at Kolkata. The coolest of these is the fan umbrella, equipped with a three-blade fan that is battery powered and can be operated with a switch. Perfect really for those endless sweaty days in Kolkata. Available in pink and green.
Price: About Rs 1,680
Where: Mohendra Lal Dutt 47/38 Gariahat Road Ballygunge, Kolkata: 700019
A different shape
Shaped like a pagoda, this umbrella from the Alleppey-based brand Popy is called Orchid. With a large, 56-cm span, it should provide enough protection even in a tropical downpour.
Price: Rs 750
Light up your life
This one comes with LED lights on the spokes, handle and rim, operated by a switch. A bit ghostly, perhaps, for fellow walkers on a dark rainy night, but a lifesaver on treacherous, pot-holed streets. Available in two colours, pink and sky blue.
Price: About Rs 680
Where: Mohendra Lal Dutt , 47/38 Gariahat Road Ballygunge, Kolkata: 700019
Get a handle on this one
This umbrella uses an innovation that’s practical as well as funky. The Flexi, as it is called, is a regular umbrella with a handle that can be turned 360 degrees. That makes it convenient to store and easy to carry — you can prop it against your shoulder. The Flexi is a recent launch meant for children — hence the affordable price tag.
Price: Rs 250
Five-in-one
This is called the Wonder 7. Perhaps because the handle has a torch, thermometer, whistle, mirror and compass. Look closely.
Price: Rs 250
Where: Popy Umbrella Mart, Iron Bridge, Alleppey; also available at SSP International, Spencer Plaza, Witco India, Anna Salai in Chennai; Uniform Centre, Borivali (W), Variety Store, Kalyan, Mumbai; write to info@popy.in to know about stores in other cities
