The day when an umbrella was intended merely to keep off the rain obviously has passed. To judge by the first national umbrella fashion show, held in London yesterday, the time is not far distant when the fashionable woman will require a different umbrella for different occasions.

The static decorations for the parade included clusters of small tangerine-coloured umbrellas, one of scarlet with a medium-size knob on every spoke, another of gold satin bordered with gold sequins, and a third of carnations. But the parade exceeded the decorations in its variety. The bride can carry a white satin umbrella topped with sprays of orange blossom. For evening there is a choice of gold lame with a border of mink and a lame and mink muff attached to the handle. Another evening model is made of black and silver lace with a full-blown rose decorating the peak.

For unspecified occasions, but presumably gay ones, there is a black umbrella shaped like a picture hat with yellow velvet decorating the mock “crown,” or green ruched silk, or scarlet with a border of black sequin-embroidered wings. One umbrella called “Black Widow” had a slightly sinister appearance. Made of black net, the spokes gave the effect of a web, and a large spider rested on one side. But this, like the dainty creations of white lace on pink silk decorated with roses, could more properly be called parasols. Some, however, could be used as either umbrella or parasol. They were of pastel shades, striped or flower printed, with attractively fluted edges.

Woman holding an umbrella and wearing a raincoat and rubber boots circa 1950. Photograph: Getty Images

Handles, too, appeared in many shapes. One umbrella has a miniature music box in the handle, another is supplied with a driving-type mirror so that its owner can see what is going on behind. If she prefers something more sedate, there are plainer models made in all white, clear yellow, or pale pink to cheer any wet day.



For the male, as a change from the usual all-black, there is a green plaid pattern umbrella, or a shooting stick that converts to an umbrella with a mere flick of the fingers.