Cover Luxurious umbrellas from the UK and Italy that combine form and function
Luxurious umbrellas from the UK and Italy that combine form and function
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These brands produce the finest and most well-made umbrellas that will imbue the carrier with a certain elegance and savoir-faire
I admit to having a slight obsession that is only understood by a small number of close friends. Ever since my university days, I have been obsessed with beautifully made, handcrafted, solid stick umbrellas.
It all started one day when I walked into Bergdorf Goodman in New York City—a store an undergraduate like myself really had no place being in—and saw a display of Swaine Adeney Brigg umbrellas. I should actually backtrack, as it probably started much earlier than that. My father, a man of few vices and great frugality, had always taught me that it was far wiser to invest in a singular well-made product that would last a lifetime than to buy a cheap lower quality item, only to find yourself replacing said item countless times.
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Above A Francesco Maglia umbrella being assembled by hand
A Francesco Maglia umbrella being assembled by hand
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Having lived for a while in the UK, he had told me that the epitome of a great umbrella, the best in the world I believe he said, was a Thomas Brigg & Sons umbrella. The English rain, being near constant, required great umbrellas able to withstand constant use and heavy winds. Established in 1836 by Thomas Brigg, the company merged with Swaine Adeney in 1943 to become Swaine, Adeney, Brigg & Sons; today—since 2022—the firm is simply Swaine London.
So there I was, an undergraduate with a freshly minted American Express card in front of a bouquet of Brigg umbrellas. Of course, I couldn’t help but purchase one—a gorgeous solid stick in hickory— which I treasured for years, until a friend sat on it and cracked it.
Above Fox Umbrellas offer a wide variety of handle options
Fox Umbrellas offer a wide variety of handle options
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Since then, I have gone on to own and treasure umbrellas from a variety of equally high-quality, and often equally historic makers. James Smith & Sons, whose history dates back to 1830, is a family favourite. My wife enjoys using their Malacca cane umbrella, with a long skinny handle but strong enough to use as an effective walking stick.
Another great and historic British brand is Fox Umbrellas, who have been handcrafting their products in the UK since 1868. Called the “Rolls Royce of umbrellas” by fans, this sixth-generation family firm has been a favourite of both English and Japanese royals, as well as notable figures like President John F Kennedy Jr. Fox Umbrellas is well known for the sheer variety of handle styles and materials. I’ve had my eye on their rabbit head tube umbrella for years.
Above London Undercover’s folding umbrella with a Whangee (bamboo) cane crook handle
London Undercover’s folding umbrella with a Whangee (bamboo) cane crook handle
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Not all great British umbrella makers are centuries old. London Undercover, founded in 2008, brings a contemporary twist to the classic British umbrella. Their designs blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. And while also handmade in England, they are a shade more affordable than many of their peers. I personally have two of their umbrellas, one solid stick and one fun, bright orange collapsible one for travel.
An even younger British brand to consider is Lockwood. Founded in 2014 by two former James & Son staff, Lockwood offers a brilliant online bespoke service that lets one choose fabric colour, wood for the solid stick shaft, and height.
Above Francesco Maglia single stick umbrellas
Francesco Maglia single stick umbrellas
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Lest we think that only the Brits make great umbrellas, do consider Francesco Maglia, a distinguished Italian brand that has been crafting umbrellas since 1854. This family- owned company, also in its sixth generation, is famous for its artisanal approach and the use of luxurious materials like chestnut wood handles and high-quality fabrics. Francesco Maglia’s creations are not just functional but also epitomise Italian elegance and style.
Finally, if you want your umbrella to have a little pizzazz, look no further than Pasotti, also from Italy. Founded in 1956, Pasotti’s handmade umbrellas are as much about fashion as they are about function. Each Pasotti umbrella features unique, often extravagant designs, with handles adorned in Swarovski crystals, brass, or enamel, making them a favourite among those who appreciate luxury and individuality.
Pasotti umbrellas with stunning animal head handles
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Whichever you choose, these brands produce the finest and most well-made umbrellas available today. They’ll also imbue the carrier with a certain elegance and savoir-faire. Simply said, they’ll help you look smashing, rain or shine.
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Credits
Images: Courtesy of respective brands
About
Aun started his career in media, working at illustrious publications in NYC, Paris, and Hong Kong before launching his own Asia-regional lifestyle magazine, East, that was called "Asia's hippest magazine" by Asiaweek and "an Asian Vanity Fair" by Fortune. Committed to community service, Aun has helmed the visual arts and literary arts divisions for the National Arts Council in Singapore; led the marketing, communications, and corporate community investments teams at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre; was the founding Chair of the Pangdemonium Theatre Company; and currently sits on the Board of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. In 2006, Aun co-founded The Ate Group, a content strategy and communications agency specialising in F&B, hospitality, luxury and lifestyle. Aun has run the content and communications teams at Tripadvisor; similarly run content and communications at a sustainability focused tech start up; and run marketing and communications at a global BPO with over 17,000 employees worldwide. Aun has also been a consultant for Mediacorp and has produced and hosted two food & travel television series for them. In 2015 he began working on the creation of a private members club, Straits Clan, which he launched in 2019 and sold the following year. Returning to his roots, Aun joined Tatler Asia in 2023 as editor-in-chief in Singapore and is committed to telling great stories of change makers through Tatler’s online and offline platforms.
Work
As Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Singapore, Aun leads all the content teams: branded content, print, digital, and the creative teams. He works closely with the heads of each team to ensure that Tatler continues to cover the most important, inspiring and exciting stories that are affecting Singapore and our region. He also works closely with the events and commercial teams and is always excited to collaborate on new ideas and projects that the Tatler team can activate.
Follow Aun on Instagram at @aun_koh (primarily a food account) and on Linkedin here.
