Relationship Between Men and Umbrellas
Originally, the umbrella began as a fashion accessory and as protection from the sun while being limited to the exclusive use of women. The French were noted to have popularized its use in the 18th century and spread the fad all over Europe as a form of sunshade with many intricate designs and color variations. However, with Europes unpredictable weather, it also evolved as a means of protection from the rain.
During the early years, it had been unacceptable for a man to appear carrying one of these useful tools. Any man seen with it or even seen carrying it for a lady had been met with a banter of jokes and ridicule, being hooted at and, worst, becoming subjected to sarcastic as well as scornful remarks that questioned his gender. For men in those days, using an umbrella was comparable to wearing lipstick or make-up.
Because of such discrimination, mens protection against the rain was confined to cloaks, jackets or hats. Caps became a male fashion statement, but they were simply not sufficient to protect men through being drenched in the pouring rain. Men had to scurry for cover under under something else while women were comfortably sheltered through their umbrellas.
In the mid-18th century, a philanthropist by the name of Jonas Hanway, after traveling from Persia, saw the usefulness from the umbrella and boldly sported one, despite the disdainful and discriminating comments he received from those who saw him. He was bold enough to realize that the convenience of the outdoor umbrella was worth all of the ridicule and sarcasm that went his method.
Today, mens use of umbrellas still seems to remain in query. Many men still still find it not a manly thing and that its me is should still exclusively be confined to women. To counteract such notion, fashion designers, together with business tycoons, partnered to come up with umbrella designs that exude manliness, power and wealth.
Italian business person and Formula One supervisor Flavio Briatore, along with famous Italian designer Angelo Galasso, whose designs are worn through famous personalities for example football star David Beckham and former Prime Minister Tony Blair, released on the market the worlds most expensive umbrella under the brand, Billionaire Fashion, maker of Italian language mens quite luxurious products. The $50,000 umbrella is exclusively produced in a limited quantity in the highest quality of hand crafted crocodile skin that was pre-treated to become water-resistant. The item definitely is a product of obsessive research, sophistication and eccentricity.
An item of pure functionality, the ubiquitous umbrella has evolved through the millennia from being an exclusive item for the higher classes to a product for the masses. China, India, Greece, Rome, Egypt and Africa all record its ancient lineage and symbolism. A crest for royalty or religious heads, it spelt authority and privilege when held aloft.
it morphed to a fashion appendage that matched a lady's apparel. European women carried it for shade, used it as an ingenious aid to flirting, or even as protection from indecent propositioning! Constructed from wood or whalebone, umbrellas had alpaca or oil canvas tops with carved ivory or ebony handles. The first collapsible umbrellas, as well as use of wax and lacquer to better waterproof umbrellas, were of Chinese invention.
A clear distinction between a parasol and the umbrella soon surfaced, where the former was used only for protection against the sun while the latter battled precipitation. Silk, gingham, lace and ruffles decorated the former, while the latter stayed simple and sturdy. Women continued to monopolize its use and men preferred to hold it over a woman's head as she stepped into her carriage.
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Now, who says umbrellas are only for women? Look how these tools have become indispensable way beyond their perceived gender limitations. Patio umbrella stands or patio umbrella holders are just some of the innovations that have resulted from the modern world's more sensible appreciation of this invention. For business or personal purposes, umbrellas have truly proven their worth.
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