Longer Umbrellas

Southland Times, Issue 21088, 21 May 1930, Page 12

Longer Umbrellas

(From Our Correspondent). London. Stubby umbrellas have had a long innings, mainly, I suppose, because they matched short skirts. Now that skirts, even walking skirts, are somewhat longer, manufacturers are tentatively introducing the longer umbrella. Not, happily, the long scaffoldpole affairs with which we endangered our own and other people’s eyes in pre-war days, but umbrellas of walking-stick length. These, it must be admitted, are smart in api»earancc, and give the walker poise.

Novelty umbrellas always appeal to the feminine imagination. One model would be specially useful for travelling or for the woman who is out and about best part of the day. Fitted in the top is a vanity bqx, which holds a small supply of powder and a miniature powder-puff. The box is rather decorative, but it appears to be part of the handle design.

The small umbrella carried in the base of of a large-size handbag is not new, but hitherto its price has put it rather beyond the reach of the average business girl, to whom, after all, it is of unquestionable use. Now, however, there has appeared a cheaper version fitted with a somewhat smaller bag. It is of neat size, and the bag closes with a zipper fastening. Carrying, or rather clutching, one’s umbrella is quite a business in these days of crowded travel. Anything that helps towards this end is welcomed. One new idea is that of the expanding bracelet handle. This is in gilt and flexible, so that the umbrella, though worn upon the wrist, so to speak, docs not get in the way. Another carrying idea is that of the disappearing trap. When the umbrella is closed it is carried in an inverted position by means of the strap. When the umbrella is opened it is drawn through the handle and lengthens it.