Making It: Blunt Umbrellas

I’ll be the first to tell you that I don’t own an umbrella. It’s actually a point of pride. Growing up in Vermont and going to college in Oregon, the elements were always just something you braved. Then when I got to New York, and every cab quickly became occupied during the occasional downpour, I was forced to purchase my first one out of necessity. It lasted me about five minutes.

As you may know, the scene in New York after a rainstorm can only be described with one word: umbrellacide. And while this word may not be real, the scene certainly is. Thankfully, it’s time for a change.

In 1999, New Zealand engineer Greig Brebner became frustrated watching people struggle as their umbrellas blew inside out. Wondering why no one had ever considered redesigning it, he sat down and began the first major overhaul since 1928. Shortly thereafter, Blunt Umbrellas was born.

Based on the technology used in kitesurfing, Blunt has engineered an umbrella with a canopy that remains taut even in the toughest of conditions. Blunt’s patented Radial Tensioning System (RTS) redirects, transfers and distributes the force used when opening the umbrella throughout the entire canopy surface. And with 100% satisfaction guarantee, and a lifetime warranty on each umbrella they sell, you know this isn’t some Canal Street gimmick.

This fall, the brand hopes to make some serious noise with the release of their new two-stage collapsible umbrella, the Blunt XS Metro. Retailing for just $49, and available in six different colors, it’s soon to become an everyday staple. With that, check out their latest collection modelled by Robyn Adams and Cassie Meder in Oregon’s breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, shot by photographer Erich McVey and styled by Amy Allen.