Drakes continue to produce some excellent accessories, this collection of umbrellas is no exception. The Travel model, practical in design, available in navy, is shown above in polka dot. “An elegantly understated navy blue canopy as standard, chocolate brown leather handle. This refined full-sized brolly is the chic solution to keeping dry when traveling because both the handle and tip detach from the shaft to enable it to be packed in a suitcase.” While The Parasol heads more towards the luxury end of the scale “This peerless collector’s piece has a separate wooden shaft that attaches to the main shaft and has a tip to be sunk into the ground, transforming the umbrella into a venerable picnic parasol that provides suitable protection from inclement weather whilst tucking into the picnic hamper.” So, there is an upside to a downpour after all. Find them at Drakes

An umbrella is a strong gift for just about anyone in your  life: from your moms to your little niece. We should all be thankful for rain (in moderate quantities) but that is no reason to get wet. We select a short list of our favorite umbrellas – all perfect for the holidays. We fun the high and low of umbrellas here: from the moderate mini stowaways to a massive golf umbrella that could keep a family dry.

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Classy? Yessir. The new Le Berlinois line from the minds behind the Berlin men’s shop, SOTO  brings forth their latest: an umbrella. A simple dark stripe patter on the hood with a delicate wrap on the handle make is a solid gift this season. Look for more from Le Bernilois coming soon. Available from SOTO Berlin.

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Here’s an umbrella to match those Clarks*. Like socks and underwear, we find it hard to rant and rave about an umbrella. They’re one of those things you don’t think of if they work correctly – we’ve never heard anyone say ‘wow, these umbrella’s really keeping me dry’. So we’re just going to admit that we like this umbrella because of the orange colour. And it also doesn’t look too big, which is nice. We’ve all been terrorised by the man carrying an umbrella made to shield three people at once. (Garbstore)

London Undercover delivers a three umbrella set under the Lifesaver range that pays homage to the gents RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution).  Properly made in England, they all feature gunmetal tip cups and spokes as well as Malacca Wood handle and Beech Wood shafts.

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Need a brolly? Of course you do. We’ve all been caught out by random downpours lately – especially all those times when we’ve been brave enough to leave the house without a light raincoat. We all know the functional elements of an umbrella but, most importantly, this umbrella will help you get your zebra on. (Maharishi)

Silver plated heads top these Archer Adams umbrellas for 2011. Why not rock a skull, lizard, snake  or other representations of all things evil. Make you umbrella something more – or something less. About $188 for one.

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Some collaborative umbrellas from two Frenchmen. “Jean Paul Gaultier and guy de jean create a stunning series of parapluies that will have you praying for rain! pairing elegantly structured silhouettes with a number of illustrious jpg patterns straight from the designer’s runway collection” Step up your accessories game. Bright as hell but nice. Opening Ceremony has them.

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Let the gifting begin. What we have here is a waxed cover accessory that serves a strong purpose – rain protection. “This classic umbrella from Filson is made from Filson’s heavy-duty Cover Cloth; a tightly woven 6oz 100% cotton poplin with thick wax coating. The fabric is water and wind resistant and, despite the toughness, remains surprisingly light and easy to carry. With time and use the wax coating will wear to create something truly lovely and unique.” Blackbird has them.

More looks at the Filson Umbrella after the click.

Amsterdam’s Tenue de Nîmes works over an indigo umbrella with London Undercover. “This striking accessory represents both brands perfectly: combining an established classic with a modern touch. The umbrella itself is made with an industrial strength traditional frame of natural beech woodwork which guides your eye to beautifully detailed artwork on the inside, made by Japanese illustrator Hiyoko Imai. The cotton flower illustration not only tells a story about denim, but also echoes the decorative nature of ancient parasols.” Available now.

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