Made-to-order umbrellas at Francesco Maglia
When I visited the Francesco Maglia workshop in Milan last year, I ordered a bespoke umbrella. Why? Purely to deepen the experience of the visit. There's no other excuse really. I’m not such an unusual height that I require particular dimensi...
Made-to-order umbrellas at Francesco Maglia
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I recently left my 400 euro Francesco Maglia umbrella in the umbrella bin inside one of the most expensive restaurants in our town, only to find when I was ready to leave, that someone had taken it. I was upset and disap...
Francesco Maglia umbrellas: Past, present and future
Francesco Maglia makes some of the finest umbrellas in the world. Indeed, it might make most of the fine umbrellas, given how many it makes for other brands as well as for itself. Yet (as is often the way with luxury menswear) the workshop is prett...
Francesco Maglia umbrellas: Past, present and future
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Navy is probably is most useful for a smart, business-type umbrella. After that I'd say dark green is really useful....
Postcard from Milan
When I was young, my family used to play a game on holiday. The question for all of us was: what can you see that tells you you’re in a different country? It could be the types of trees, the style of road signs, the way people gesticulate. It ...
Postcard from Milan
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Quite a burden! But one I'll certainly enjoy trying to carry, if nothing else. Who are the younger Roman tailors by the way? It would be good to get their names out there and help. I have found among the Milanese and Rom...
Heurtault umbrellas, Paris
“The opening of the umbrella should sound like a car door,” said Michel Heurtault, looking me meaningfully in the eye. I didn’t get the connection immediately, but he slowly pushed the umbrella open, and as it locked open there w...
Heurtault umbrellas, Paris
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It's been fine, but then I have three umbrellas and don't use them very heavily. I wear hats more....
The style of Francesco Maglia
Wearing strong colours well requires a lot of practice. The key is learning how to balance bright colours with darker, but equally strong tones. A purple handkerchief will stand out against a mid-grey flannel suit, but it will be restrained by a rich...
The style of Francesco Maglia
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Because Heurtault puts more work into the details of how the umbrella canopy is put together, mostly silk shapes or wrapping around the parts where the arms or shaft meet the canopy...
