Carrying my very own Francesco Maglia around as Melbourne’s summer weather does its best impression of winter reminded me of this post. Make sure to click on the link for more info and images.

A good umbrella goes a long way and is an accessory that’s typically overlooked.  This has created a market for cheap, often plastic, umbrellas that self destruct within ten minutes of use in an actual storm.  Anyone in a large city anywhere in the world is familiar with this carnage.  While in Milan we paid a visit to Ombrellificio Maglia Francesco to see how a proper umbrella and lasting product is made.

 

Located on the outskirts of Milan in a modest workshop, Ombrellificio Maglia Francesco has been in continual existence since 1854.  For six generations the company has been family owned and continues to make umbrellas the same way they did 158 years ago; by hand.  To say that a Maglia Francesco umbrella is superior to those you see folded in half on the sidewalk is selling them short.  After seeing all that goes into each product, they’re a true artisanal piece of work.

Ombrellificio Maglia Francesco
via The Standard Edition

Saw these at The Armoury when I was in HK and am still kicking myself for not picking one up …

lacasuarina:

More drakes swag.

A bit of insight from Simon Crompton on the bespoke process over at Dunhill. Click on the link below for the full piece.

Just over a year ago, Dunhill began offering bespoke leather services at Bourdon House in London. Tomasz Nosarzewski, whom readers might remember from my visit to the Walthamstow Dunhill factory last year, began spending every Thursday at Bourdon House in order to take bespoke orders – as well as perform services like repairs and embossing for customers.

Bespoke leather at Dunhill
via Permanent style

I want these cufflinks … where to kop as the kids say?

Skull cufflinks and Rolex

via Introducing Mr. Bentley