The Kimbrella by Sushant Vohra from india

The Kimbrella project is a blend between functionality and style inspired by the traditional Japanese Kimono. The Kimono is a traditional yet versatile piece of a garment which can be worn in different seasons, made possible by the layering aspect of the apparel.

Japan has a wide variety of seasons due to its location, This was one of the main inspirations for the project which helped me define my brief ie. To design an umbrella inspired by the Kimono. The umbrella is a hand stitched product requiring immense skill and precision just like the Kimono.

The kimbrella is capable of transforming into two different sizes. Full size for rainy season, giving maximum protection from the rain and Retracted size for the summer season, providing a space saving, alluring layered structure protecting the user from the sun. The mechanism is made possible by the use of U shaped ribs and ejector springs that work with the pulling of a thread. The fabric used is an elastic/flexible material eg. thin neoprine membrane to ease the extension action. Rest of the Mechanism of the kimbrella is similar to the current range of modern umbrellas.

Considering the current state of the Kimono industry, the kimbrella will help revive the tradition through its design, and also being more accessible to people who cannot afford the Kimono.