PARASOLS

To most people, an umbrella is really just an ordinary object. We use umbrellas to stay dry in the rain, and parasols to protect ourselves from the rays of the sun. They may seem like modern, recent inventions but parasols apparently were used in ancient Greece, in Persia and other ancient civilisations. Back then, they were anything but ordinary, parasols were a symbol of status and their use was a privilege for kings and queens. During the Middle Ages, the use of parasols almost disappeared, only to be revived during the 18th century. For example, it is said the first umbrella in the United States was used by a woman from Windsor, Connecticut in 1740.

Parasols are commonly associated with fashion in the 19th century, and indeed, they were immensely popular in the Belle Epoque and with the British in the Victorian period. It is also in this period that parasols became more and more ornate, featuring tassels or lace linings, even lace covers. Obviously, these parasols were an item of fashion, an indication of wealth and a social instrument, as well as a practical object.

Parasols were used by noble ladies to maintain their pale complexion. In those days, it was fashionable to have a smooth and pale skin. A tan or weathered face was associated with the countryside, or even with working in the fields, something the rich were not be associated with. But a parasol was far more than an instrument to provide shade. Just like the fan, and to a certain extent the handkerchief, it was a means of communication, even flirtation. A lady could use a parasol to accentuate her smile, her eyes, conceal her gaze from her chaperone, camouflage her imperfections, act shy or coy.

Parasols were an essential accessory for elegant ladies and this reflects itself in the lushness of the decorations. In the 19th century, Chantilly lace became immensely popular under the influence of Empress Eugenia and the parasol on the right is an excellent example of the way lace was used to give parasols something extra luxurious. This parasol is actually rather small, and was probably used by a rich nineteenth century noblewoman while she was driven around in her carriage.

Brussels Application was immensly popular in Europe as well, and was also often used to decorate parasols, fans and clothing. Above you can see an example of a parasol decorated with Brussels Application. This parasol has a bone handle, a silk screen and a lace cover, it probably cost half a fortune in those days. Victorians were very interested in elegance and beauty, and we may find it sad that the passion for beautiful fashion accessories has disappeared a little in modern day Europe. In Japan, there is still a tradition of parasols but in Europe we can only hope for a parasol revival.

(Please click on the pictures to enlarge.)