An early monsoon has left us unprepared, but Mumbai’s oldest umbrella store is always at the ready with sturdy umbrellas in many, many patterns
Pics/Nimesh Dave
Shopping for everyday essentials in Mumbai’s heritage markets isn’t just an errand, it’s an experience steeped in time. This monsoon, stroll down Dava Bazaar in Kalbadevi, and you’ll stumble upon Ebrahim Currim & Sons, the city’s oldest umbrella store. This isn’t just a shop — it’s a living fragment of Mumbai’s mercantile memory.
Established in 1860, the store stood witness to the construction of Crawford Market (now Mahatma Phule Market) in 1869. It sheltered generations of Mumbaikars from torrential downpours long before they sipped on royal faloodas at Badshah Cold Drink House in 1905 or queued up at the nearby grand Edward Cinema, which first opened its doors in 1914 and is now in quiet decay. Few places in the city hold history with such weathered, graceful dignity.
The store has stood through time, and so has their brand, Stag umbrellas. So, naturally, we prepped ourselves for the rains to come, by going on an umbrella -hopping spree at the store.
Prints for kiddies
Tinier tots love having their frogs, bears, princesses, and bunnies around at all times. So, umbrellas in such prints are better suited, no? With ample options that offer some original art instead of rip-offs of famous cartoon characters, these umbrellas come in soothing pinks, baby blues, and cherry reds. But the prints take centrestage.
Price : Rs 300
Timeless and classy
Adults who like to be taken seriously, timeless solid colours are for you. Think black, midnight blue, or a forest green with a simple golden stag marked on the side. The umbrella handles are sleek, short, and wooden. Some of the black options are available in three-folds, and you can choose between a push-to-open only, or opt for one that’s got an auto-close button too.
Price: Rs 900
Point and play!
Kids struggling to choose a fandom can keep it timeless with a solid bright umbrella. Available in crimson reds, sunny yellows, rusty oranges, and more, these umbrellas can truly brighten up the monsoon greys. Their tops are pointy, like a pagoda, but this only means that the raindrops will fall away and keep uniforms dry.
Price : Rs 600
Geometry for the ladies
Floral not your style? Pick up a geometric design that opens at the push of a button. The three-fold umbrella comes with a matching cover. And, its handle is a sturdy brown fibre-plastic that won’t slip away even with the strongest of winds.
Price: Rs 900
Loud and proud
Let the dark clouds look down upon you and see a print that’s loud. These multi-coloured auto-close umbrellas, that can be managed by the button, come in an array of prints. But most favour a radial design, reminiscent of mandalas. These too, come with a matching cover.
Price : Rs 850
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