Now that the monsoon has finally hit us, we’d be nothing without our most trusted friend, the umbrella. We all know that functionality is key when it comes to surviving the monsoon.
No umbrella that comes in a flimsy, plastic frame will do the trick if it can’t withstand torrential downpour and gusty winds. We also argue though; who says our monsoon threads need to be boring and bleak? We uncovered four Indian brands that understand the importance of both functionality and fashion, and will leave you looking ever the Dapper Dan through the next couple of months.
I. Nappa Dori
Nappa Dori, meaning leather and thread, is an offbeat maker and retailer of handmade leather products, and currently operate out of four stores in Mumbai, New Delhi and Gurgaon.
With their products being sold in select stores like The Conran Shop in Paris and London, Anthropologie in the US and Benares in Singapore, it’s no surprise that close to 70 per cent of its customers are expats.
Still, it doesn’t mean a discerning local wouldn’t love everything about their products just as much, and despite being loyal patrons of their leather bags in all shapes and sizes, we couldn’t be happier to switch loyalties to their small but worthwhile umbrella collection in the monsoon.
HG Loves: Their simple, chic and classically designed umbrellas are perfect for formal wear. There’s an amazing array of colors fitting every kind of style. Their prices are between Rs. 2600 to Rs.2800.
II. The Umbrella Project at Engrave
An umbrella is more than your compatriot in the monsoon, that’s the cornerstone of what built The Umbrella Story. They endeavour to make designer umbrellas which make you a stand-out piece in your own right and add some colour to otherwise drab umbrellas.
This is a pet project of Engrave, where The Umbrella Project has launched a series of designs inspired by Indian crafts and styles that feature eclectic and famous paintings that celebrate the monsoon in all its glory.
HG Loves: It’s like holding up your favorite art to protect you from the rain! Both adventurous and trendy, you have your option of tetris prints, ikat to the more traditional madhubani. There’s an umbrella for everyone at Rs. 1199
III. The Label Life
Us Mumbaikars can relax with The Label Life coming to our rescue this floody monsoon. Launched in 2012 by Preeta Sukhtankar, this e-commerce lifestyle brand has everything from decor to clothing to accessories and now sheltera some pretty dope umbrellas under their roof too. Not that they need the protection when they’re designed to do the protecting!
HG Loves: Their monochrome themed umbrella collection with pattern designs is simple, yet bold. At Rs. 1343, this is a must have in your wardrobe and a pretty timeless addition too.
IV. India Circus
The Indian Circus offers you a range of 8 categories and 50 sub-categories of home decor, apparel, accessories, furniture, wall art, basically anything your heart could potentially desire. Launched in 2012, the site has 13,000 customers who love the riot of color and indian feel of the products.
HG Loves: This place is just bursting with color, much like our beloved nation, with bold prints and patterns. Definitely not for the timid with a price range between Rs. 1439 to Rs. 1799.
Bosky has a rare passion for all things bright, cheerful and happy. Her umbrellas showcase this exuberance using vibrant prints, and it works just as well for their rain gear collection as it does for their quirky phone covers. Not only are these umbrellas super durable for the monsoon season, they are also super fashionable and can turn any grey day around, which is why we have a penchant for them in the first place.
HG Loves: Their umbrella patterns are spectacular, with one of our favourites being “Moon tripping”. It can be sold with a three-fold or stick option. All prices are between Rs. 1600-Rs. 1800.
VI. KEH K LO
This Delhi-based designer umbrella startup has been grabbing eyeballs with its catchy designs, mainly because of Ashish Aggarwal. They custom make amazing umbrellas according to any theme you might desire and are the only start up in India to do so.
HG Loves: Most of their umbrellas cost anywhere between Rs.599 to Rs.999, but we recommend the customised ones for that extra flair. Game of Thrones fans will rejoice to see their umbrella with all the house sigils, where customisations are available from Rs.2000 onwards. The umbrellas come in single, double and triple folds and 21,22, and 23.5 inch sizes.
Feature Image Courtesy of KEH K LO
Research: Maan Shah