My Favorite Vintage Umbrella Photos

A word that tickles me perhaps more than any other word is bumbershoot. And to hear it from the mouths of the cute  as a boot watch-hound-dogs on Disney’s “Aristocats” makes this word even funnier (and sweeter).  It is now an umbrella term of endearment to me.  Incidentally, I enjoy mispronouncing umbrella: um-ber-ella. 

Umbrella’s have long been used as inspiration, and muses. An umbrella as an accessory can catch just the right amount of color to make a splash. An umbrella, can set you apart from the crowd.

Umbrellas are called by many names… parasols, gamps, umbrelleries, and yes bumbershoots.  I have been enamored with them since the early seventies (my earliest decade).  Huge, colorful, vinyl, plastic, fabric, clear, translucent, patterned, striped, old, new…  Then somewhere along the way, things changed, and umbrella’s became less of a fashion and more of a hidden away business secret, glamorous no more.  Thankfully, however, one sees more and more of a resurgence in the world of umbrellas in the new millennium.

Here are some of my favorite images I came across when looking for photos of vintage umbrellas.  I have taken the liberty of adding delightful captions for your thoughtful pleasures.  I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

They make an excellent fashion statement, not to mention photographer’s prop.

The beauty of the vintage umbrella offers a look that is both flattering and sincere. A fine and simple vintage style umbrella gives a sense of style to an outfit, adding elegance, confidence, femininity.

Umbrellas have long been associated with fun in the sun.

​Ditto

Opened or closed, an umbrella’s style and design can add a touch of color and design to simple, monotone, or neutral; and seems to me even a nostalgic touch.

Some umbrellas are an invitation to twirl.

Umbrellas in the winter time? What a fabulous idea. After all, the much loved umbrella will stand by you through all kinds of weather.

Umbrellas add flair to the cute and sassy.

They make a statement that is both elegant and strong at the same time, adding pattern and motion while they do so.

Even as a reflection, an umbrella is magical. Umbrellas speak of puddles and rainbows and being a kid again.

Find a photo of a beautiful actress holding an umbrella, and you’re well on your way to inspiration. These of Audrey Hepburn and Zooey Deschanel not only make me feel beautiful, but they make me want my photograph taken with a delightful umbrella or parasol of my own.

Vintage colors hold a special charm.

Architecturally speaking, an umbrella is a divine design.

onexposure.net - Photo: transparent weather by Ursula I Abresch

An umbrella in disrepair wears its history of use in the utmost of taste.

Perhaps it goes without saying, but a vintage umbrella handle can capture the attention, and steal ones heart, as much as the rest of it. People are as fascinated and as picky about their umbrella handles as they are with any of an umbrella’s style elements.

The worn colors of a vintage umbrella can tell a story of every kiss and encounter of rains that so long ago passed.

With an umbrella you’ll always be prepared. Not to mention ready for a photo op, no matter where you may find yourself.