Wednesday, May 27

The parasol









What happened to the parasol? What a beautiful antiquated thing to use to shield oneself from the sun. Where once it was fashionable to be pale as it meant that you had the luxury of being indoors and not working (especially in the sun wall day) it is now just the opposite. The luxury-class now shows it's status with sun-kissed skin as if to signal to everyone that instead of having to work indoors all day, they languish on the beach and relax in the sun. This turn occured somewhere in the 1920s and that is where the parasol died, in a sense. It has a small revival in the 1940s, but mostly just for pin-up photos.

I am a gal who prefers not being in the sun, directly that is, and I for one feel it's time to bring back the parasol. After all, the trend does seem to be pointing to a much less tan glitterati and furthermore, a deep tan now just looks, well, trashy; not to mention the havoc the tanning does to the skin, don't get me started! Currently I am looking for the just-right parasol for me, which isn't easy, so many are torn to bits and just in an overall horrible state, and I don't just want to use an umbrella, oh no no no, must be an actual parasol. There is a difference, parasols are not made of waterproof fabric and are usually smaller in diameter, they are strickly to -stop (para) , -the sun (sol).

9 comments:

Oni said...

i imagine that as people start to really learn about skin care and the damaging effects of sun on your skin that parasols will make a comeback. the only thing about them is that i always seem to put it down and forget about it. grrr

Thrush Vintage said...

There are actually lots of ladies in my neighborhood who strut around with parasols, and at first I was like "Why does she have an umbrella? Doesn't she know it hasn't rained in like 2 months?" and then, sitting in the sun, realizing I'd forgotten to put sunscreen on, I started to think "Why don't I have a parasol?" Lovely tribute to the sweetest accessory!

Archivia said...

This is really cool and I hope that Parasols do make a comeback. I love the idea of having more modern selections and not feeling so weird carrying one around!

Helen said...

You've made me really want a parasol now!

esme and the laneway said...

I have a parasol, which I brandished last summer – I did feel a little self conscious occasionally, but then this Aus sun is HOT!!! And it helps that it is a very pretty parasol... :)

jess (jamesjake) said...

this is a lovely post of a forgotten accessory! thanks so much for letting me be a part of it. xoxo, jess

Ms. Jenn said...

Parasols and handfans are my favorite "forgotten" accessories. Wonderful post!

Denise @ Swelle said...

I was on a mission to buy a vintage or antique parasol last summer but couldn't decide, then forgot about it altogether. And now you've reminded me with that gorgeous ivory 19th century parasol. I might die.

Unknown said...

Fantastic Design vintage or antique parasol last summer but couldn't decide, then forgot about it altogether.

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