Pitter-patter(n)!

The regular umbrellas are slowly being replaced by the affordable Chinese umbrellas,that are attractive and eye catching owing to their unique colour combinations. They’ve transcended age barriers and are being picked by elders and youngsters alike. “There is a large demand for Chinese umbrellas as they don’t pinch your pocket and look very trendy,” says the manager of an accessory store on MG Road. Apart from Camp,these sun and rain shields are available even at Shaniwarpeth,Deccan and Koregaon Park. “These multipurpose accessories are very stylish. They add a certain class and finesse to your outfit too,” says 24-year-old Shalina Choudhry. Stressing further on its fashionable quotient,she adds,“They’re also very durable,and I love the prints.”

The vendors in the market contend that Chinese umbrellas have traditionally been made of either oil paper,or silk on a bamboo frame. The umbrellas from the Hunan and Fujian provinces in China have made their mark as far as quality is concerned. Ashish Bhende,a vendor,says that each Chinese umbrella from that region is delicately handcrafted and painted with beautiful patterns or designs.“The hand-painted designs include landscapes,figures,animals and flowers. Chinese writing can also be found on these umbrellas,” he adds. The umbrella frame are treated to make them insect resistant.

Farah Farooquee,a student,prefers the Chinese umbrellas to the other regular ones in the market. “These brollies are convenient to carry because their size is just right. They also completely shield me from the bad weather,” she says. Moreover,Farah feels that the umbrella is a reflection of the bearer’s personality. “You just look at the umbrella and you instantly know whether the person is jovial or serious,” she says.

“Boring black is out now and it’s time to show off vibrant shades. Life is colourful and that’s perfectly depicted through the lovely prints of Chinese umbrellas,” she adds.

Like Farah,working professional Meera Kumar says these umbrellas score high on the convenience factor. “I travel by bus from Viman Nagar to Karve Road everyday. These umbrellas are very easy to carry. It’s more tedious lugging a jacket along,” she says.

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