BASIC MATTER 26: UMBRELLA FROM MARIO TALARICO - NAPOLI

Last Sunday after a quick bite of Melanzane alla Griglia – yes, grilled eggplant, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and black olives at five in the afternoon, me and my friend decided to drop by AC +632 to check out pretty knick knacks.

Just like Firma, AC +632 is a wonderland of all things pretty from luxurious leather bound journals, unbranded bags , interesting coffee table books to a collection of hand-forged gardening tools which I dare not use.

What caught my attention was this dotted navy umbrella by Mario Talarico. Yes, the umbrella maker famous for his hand-sewn silky and lifelong guaranteed umbrellas. I almost pulled the trigger but my jaw dropped after finding out it cost more than my Paul Smith umbrella (around $230.00). My friend got his for $100 in Naples.



Mario Talarico’s hand sewn umbrellas are absolutely the best. The handles are made of the most selected and rare woods like broom, ash, malacca, birch and lemon – beat that! Plus, when held, It feels totally right.


(All photos from J. Mark Bertrand)

I probably should just get one for my birthday unless someone buys me one (wink).