by Robyn Yager | The umbrella is an underrated accessory, especially here in Vancouver (ahem, on days like today). It keeps us dry and reveals our tastes (see Magritte’s “Le vacances de hegel” and the MoMa’s “Sky Umbrella”) while in dreams representing a release of tension. And yet, lo! When the skies clear, the functional fashion statements are often abandoned on buses and left in restaurants as lost and forgotten symbols of protection, wealth, and style. The above video features the bespoke umbrella craftsmanship at Oliver Ruuger, a UK design company known for its luxury accessories which are exhibited in galleries around the world. 

Each umbrella is hand crafted in Ruuger’s small, London workshop using many intricate processes in order to execute these bold, premium pieces. Umbrellas are used as traditional, everyday items and have almost been forgotten in design. Oliver Ruuger however, has reintroduced these familiar items as something luxurious and indulgent by using specialist, time consuming techniques and carefully-sourced exotic leathers, woods and metals.

Shorter version: respect your brolly!

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKCITY

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Robyn Yager is the style reporter for Scout Magazine. She is enthused by anything out of the ordinary, loving art, striped shirts, macchiatos, classic literature and picking through thrift stores for unique treasures. Her mission is to inspire Vancouverites in their sartorial choices and to see beauty and style everywhere.