Last year Jamie Milestone (of London Undercover) and I first collaborated on a Black Watch plaid and orange cashmere scarf a scheme I lauded as “world’s greatest color combination.” Well, we didn’t have any intention at stopping at a simple scarf. So this year we got together and made up another collab, but one closer to London Undercover’s roots. We took the same wonderful color combo and made a limited edition London Undercover x ACL & Co. umbrella. Along the way, we’ve basically discovered that everything looks better in Black Watch and orange, this not being the exception.
More info from Mr. Milestone about our newest collaboration:
When we both met in Paris to discuss the project, we pointed out that it was in fact, our French cousins who first turned the modern Parasol into a waterproof rain umbrella. It very quickly crossed the pond and took off in London… much to the dismay of local coachmen who were doing very nicely transporting locals around in the rain. It felt fitting that we develop the umbrella in one of the oldest factories in France
The gentleman’s umbrella is hand crafted from a single piece of polished Maple wood with A Continuous handle & shaft and silver Ferrule tip. The industrial heavy-duty framework is built to last with a metal runner with protective ACL Orange fabric. The canopy is made with a waterproof Black Watch poly fabric which accommodates a bright orange interior. Complete with a special London Undercover & ACL & Co. collaboration label.
[London Undercover x ACL & Co. Umbrella in the ACL Shop]
VERY HANDSOME.
SOLD
LOVE that umbrella
You know, I really like these umbrellas, but Gust Busters are hands down the best fucking umbrellas money can buy. One windy day in any city and these umbrellas are going to be torn to shreds. Put a gust buster in a wind tunnel and it will eat it alive.
LUST!!!
About five years ago I bought a Swaine Adeney Brigg umbrella at great expense on the assumption that I’d only have to buy one. And it was great for about six months until the first heavy windstorm hit it and bent two rails immediately.
I tracked down the last umbrella repairman still alive in New York area, an elderly gent out in Brooklyn, and he fixed it, informing me that the Brigg umbrella had switched to Chinese manufacture and was not nearly up to the quality standards it once held, while the price stayed high and the royal warrant placard was still prominently attached.
Since the dude fixed it it’s been good, but I haven’t had it in a major windstorm since so who knows. If it breaks again I dunno what I’ll do. Maybe I’ll get one of these!
Annoyed me about the Briggs though.
Will you be selling these at the Pop Up Flea?
I love that umbrella. Great pattern/color contrast.
I like it. Very nice burnt orange. Swap the black watch for vintage green duckhunter, and I’m in there like swimwear.
Since there isn’t a round-up posting about the Pop-Up Flea (yet), I just wanted to thank you, Michael, for organizing such a fun event. I hope all of the shoppers had fun and the vendors had good sales. Until next year!
Isn’t the combination of Black Watch Tartan and Orange a bit sectarian though?
You wouldn’t want to be wearing it at the wrong end of an Old Firm Derby, or down the Falls Road.
Nailed It
It’s not black watch, but you can buy a “flight jacket” at the Boeing store with orange lining and either black, olive, or navy shell. I’m sure it’ll be a big hit with those that buy the umbrella…
I bought a Swaine Adeney umbrella about 12 years ago, a nice black nylon with a beautiful solid maple shaft/handle. It has held up wonderfully, even in some fairly strong gusts.