I’m so excited to see this beautiful umbrella on your blog! This umbrella was the one crazy item we had put on our wedding registry and we were lucky enough to have a great friend buy it for us. It now stands in all its glory in our backyard. I love the playful shadows it casts, and the golden bird is the perfect topper. I have a few photos I’d like to send you. Please let me know how, if possible. Thanks!

Hi Andrew. Yeh, its great to hear about firms using local produce and manufacturing. I too greatly respect this, and think that it is a pracice that alot of other comapnies could learn from. I think many larger companies (not naming names) don’t take enought account of their social responsibilies and the effect they have on the local environment they opperate in.

I’m not sure of the environmental impact of the polyester, but these parasols are nicely sustainable in one sense - I used to work for Chris and was surprised to find out that he worked with local Dutch lace makers to design and manufacture the Shady Lace. These are the same artisans who have been producing traditional Dutch lace for decades, maybe hundreds of years. Using manufacturing processes that are unique to their locality is something that appears often in Chris’ work and is something that I greatly respect. He’s doing his part to keep this industry and its associated jobs and skills inside the Netherlands.

I really love these shades, and love Droogs designs in general. Their simple style which runs through all their projects is really beautiful. I love the way they often refer to nature in their products (would like to know about the environmental impact of materials and processes though? Does anyone know how they rate?) Went to see their studios in Amsterdam last year - some really exciting work comming form them. Keep a look out!

Paddy
www.unboxdesign.co.uk
www.unboxdesign.blogspot.com