Is your skin prone to sunburns? Are you bored of using plain umbrellas? Are you a vampire? There’s a single accessory to solve all of these problems! The parasol is like the attention-craving sibling to the umbrella. While umbrellas are primarily made of a waterproof fabric canvas stretched over a metal frame, meant to protect the user from precipitation, parasols come in a surprising variety of styles and materials, and are basically just there to be fabulous.
Umbrellas, used to shade from the sun, (or even just to add a touch of luxury to an ensemble) have been seen to be recorded and depicted in scripts and images from all over the world, at many different points in history.
Parasols can actually be dated back as far as ancient Egypt. Like the large fans that slaves used on their pharaohs to stave off the desert heat, the parasols of the time were also constructed from palm-tree leaves and sometimes large feathers. They were even painted in scenes on temple walls, shown being held over ancient gods.
In the 5th century BC in Greece, they were carried by slaves for a lady of status, as an essential accessory, and could even open and close. The trend caught on in Rome, where the men started to use leather parasols to protect them from the heat of the sun.
Later, in 21 AD ancient China (and perhaps farther back than that, but since a word for them hadn’t be invented yet, it’s difficult to tell), they were used on carriages for emperors and by high-ranking people, due to their connection to banners of war and status. They were made of wood frames, or even cast bronze, with a canvas of silk, paper, and other materials. Wood-frame and paper parasols became easily accessible by common folk sometime after this, where the paper could have simple to elaborate paintings as embellishment. Embroidered and painted silk parasols also became popular.
Possibly the most memorable use of parasols in history came as late as the Victorian era. Upper and middle class ladies would use elaborate parasols of ruffled silks, detail-laden cottons, and Battenberg lace, with handles of simple or carved wood, or metal molded into figures or scrollwork. These accessories and useful tools were taken out on every occasion, from looking fancy on a day out in the city to protecting their user’s pale complexions during a relaxing country stroll.
Since the 80s, parasols have been making a comeback in a variety of ways, continuing to find new uses as new fashion styles and alternative lifestyles emerge.
The ladies of goth fashion have almost always held their dark, pagoda-style parasols with pride. They add a touch of romanticism to this otherwise grim and macabre subculture.
From the gothic style emerged Elegant Gothic Lolita (a fashion of Japanese origin that draws off of Victorian and Rococo fashion, with signature knee-length bell-shaped skirts and luxurious frills, lace, and bows) and with it, all the different off-shoots and branches of the Lolita style. The delicate yet ornate accessory has found its way into every such wardrobe, from the black lace parasols of the goth, to the pastel-frilled parasols of the sweet style that are simply drenched in cute ribbons and bows, and demure, muted-toned and simply-adorned parasols of the classic Lolita style.
Shortly after that came steampunk, tomorrow’s fashion of yesterday that till today has never been. As it draws heavily off of the styles of the Victorian era, steampunk women often have a Battenberg lace parasol on hand just like in the good old days of steam-power. They match them to their leather corset and bustled dress outfits, sometimes paired with a matching lace Victorian-styled fan.
However, it doesn’t take dressing in a wildly different fashion to be able to use these chic and useful accessories. Parasols can also be part of an ensemble for a special occasion. They are elegant accessories for the spring or summer bride on her special day, especially for outdoor weddings (those millions of layers of skirt can get pretty warm). Aside from the odd event, parasols are also often used as everyday necessities by those who have had or have a family history of skin cancer, people on medications which restrict their exposure to sunlight, and for the especially pallid-skinned, to prevent turning tomato-red as soon as they step outside.
As alternative fashions and subcultures continue to sprout and grow, parasols find their niche in modern times. Although not usually sold by the most common clothing labels, they’re easily (and quite affordably) found online on sites such as Etsy and Amazon. For around $20-40, parasols are available in a large range of styles and colours. With spring…springing as it has, consider adding a touch of class to your own look with a delicate parasol of your own.
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