Senz is now combining its patented technology with work by fashion and textile designers for a new line called Senz6. «But for us, an umbrella isn’t just something practical, it’s also a style accessory, so we decided to create this new line of fashion umbrellas, Senz6.»
According to the team behind Senz, over 1.1 billion umbrellas break and are discarded every year. Senz umbrellas have won a Red Dot Design Award, a Dutch Design Award, an IF gold Award, a German Design Award and an IDEA Award. Their device seeks to counter the amount of waste caused by the traditionally flimsy design of compact folding umbrellas using an aerodynamic shape that can withstand high winds making it less likely to break. For the first in a series of biannual collaborations with different designers, Yoske Nishiumi has created the Monsoon collection. Related story: Nendo’s latest umbrella hides a cover in its handleThe canopy can withstand winds up to 70 miles per hour and has specially shaped «eye savers» on the ends of the spokes to protect passersby. «Even in strong winds, the umbrella can be held with just two fingers.»
The new models come in automatic and manual opening versions, with canopies in a range of colours and patterns including block tones, dots and dazzle camouflage – a mix-match of black and white stripes first used to disguise ships during the First World War. Shortlisted for the 2009 Design of the Year award, the Senz umbrella was designed with an asymmetrical canopy to keeps the user dry from head to toe. Berlin designer Yoske Nishiumi has created new canopy patterns for the asymmetric Senz umbrella, which keeps its shape in gale-force winds.
