Parasols

The parasol was clearly defined as a sunshade during the 1700s and had already developed into a woman's fashion accessory, tailored and embellished to complement each promenade dress or strolling suit. Around 1800, it became possible to make them foldable, but ribs would crack, paper would shred, and the materials would mildew if kept moist. By the beginning of the Victorian era, metallurgy had advanced, and alloy ribs, notably nickel silver, were in use. German artisans created this kind of thin, strong metal in an effort to replicate the Chinese alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc known as paktong.

The parasols were relatively simple at the start of Queen Victoria's reign, but by around 1850, tassels and frills gained in favor. Every year that followed, the decorations grew more extravagant. The parasol might be decorated with the same bows or flounces as the dress. This was a question of taste, and women chose modest or expensive versions depending on the situation and their ability to pay. Of course, only the rich wore parasols as a regular accessory. For church or a Sunday walk, a poor girl would carry a basic umbrella.

The marquise parasol, a design that tilted at the top so a woman could hold the shaft straight and still provide effective facial shading regardless of the sun's angle, was created in the 1850s. It was a typical representation of luxury and affluence. The elaborate nets and laces that made up parasols were not affordable for everyone. They had a tassel on the top of the umbrella and were made of silk. For tilting angles, some of the exquisite ones had tilting luster. For the have-all, the handles and top were both made of ivory. While wooden handles were typically found on parasols, ivory was considered a luxury.