Parasols and fans were an absolute necessity for young ladies during the Victorian era. We carry matching parasols and fans made of battenberg lace that are perfect for keeping any fine lady shaded and cool while strolling through the park with her beau.
We are proud of our full line of ladies accessories, which are suitable for movie and TV production, theatrical, living history and performing arts requirements, and are also perfect for vintage weddings. Please contact us if you have any questions!
A parasol is a lightweight, portable canopy designed primarily for sun protection rather than rain, popular from the 18th to early 20th centuries. Traditionally carried by women of status, historical parasols featured decorative handles of ivory, silver, or wood, and canopies made of silk, cotton, or lace, often embellished with tassels, fringe, or embroidery.
What do people use parasols for?
Historically, parasols were essential for ladies to maintain the pale complexion that signified high social status. Today, people use parasols for practical sun protection, as fashionable accessories at weddings and garden parties, in photography for diffused lighting, and as decorative elements at outdoor venues. They remain particularly popular at summer festivals, beach outings, and in cultures with traditions of sun avoidance.
What are Battenburg lace fans?
Battenburg lace fans, popular in the late 19th century, feature wood ribs with a layer of mesh and then lace for easier folding and durability. They are typically made of 100% cotton, including the lace, and are available in various colors, most commonly black and ivory.
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Who created Battenburg lace?
Battenburg lace is of American origin, designed and first made by Sara Hadley of New York. It was a type of tape lace that gained popularity during the Victorian era and was named in connection with European royalty.
How did Battenburg lace fans get their name?
Battenburg lace was named either in honor of the wedding of Princess Beatrice to Prince Henry of Battenberg or from the widowed Princess Beatrice herself. This royal connection helped establish the lace's prestige and popularity.
Why is an umbrella called a parasol?
The term "parasol" derives from French "para" (against) and "sol" (sun), highlighting its original purpose as sun protection. Unlike umbrellas, parasols weren't designed for rain. The confusion began in the late 19th century when the "en-tout-cas" (meaning "in any case") was introduced—a hybrid design suitable for both sun and rain.
Are umbrellas and parasols the same?
No, umbrellas and parasols were historically distinct items with different purposes. Parasols were designed to protect from sunlight, made of lightweight fabric and decorative elements, while umbrellas were created to shield from rain, constructed with waterproof materials. In the Victorian era, a lady would carry both for different weather conditions.
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What is a synonym for parasol?
Historical synonyms for parasol include sunshade, sun umbrella, and in French, "ombrelle." In Victorian literature, they were sometimes referred to as "sun screens" or "sun shields," while in the fashion world of the 19th century, specific types were known by terms such as "en-tout-cas" (a convertible parasol/umbrella).
Why is woman with a parasol famous?
"Woman with a Parasol" (1875) is a famous Impressionist painting by Claude Monet, capturing his wife and son in a sunlit field with a parasol as a symbol of leisure and refined outdoor activity. The parasol became an iconic prop in Impressionist art, representing the genteel outdoor lifestyle of the bourgeoisie and serving as a compositional element that created interesting shadow patterns.
What is a female umbrella called?
Historically, there was no specific term for a "female umbrella," but Victorian etiquette distinguished between men's and women's models. Ladies' parasols were decorative, smaller, and often featured frills, lace, and elaborate handles, while gentlemen carried plain, sturdy "walking umbrellas" with wooden handles that doubled as walking sticks.