Brolly good: London's most underrated fashion accessory is the ubiquitous umbrella

First things first. Let’s be clear about the definition. Umbrellas offer protection against rain while the parasol serves as a sun shade. They are not one and the same, although the terms continue to be used interchangeably. We would certainly take the side of the Brits when it comes to championing the former. After all, regular thunderstorms and heavy showers can wreak havoc on outfits and hairdos. Although most locals still treat it as nothing but a mere implement, a utilitarian tool of no beauty against soggy weather, it is high time to ditch the free golf umbrellas sitting in your car boot in favour of something artisanal and beautifully crafted — in other words, an umbrella fit for a lady or gentleman.

Urban history cites a certain English eccentric by the name of Jonas Hanway as the first male Londoner to dare sport the umbrella. Despite being scorned by passers-by for doing so and jeered by cab drivers who considered the lightweight, mobile shelter a threat to potential taxi fares, Hanway doggedly advocated its use, which quickly caught on. So, if you are looking for a rakish companion to see you through less-than-fair weather days, London is considered to be the destination par excellence for umbrella-shopping, with a worthy selection of canopies, frames, shafts and handles carved from all manner of fine woods.