Umbrella obsession

A CORNISH designer has taken inspiration from her world travels and released a unique solution to the rainy day blues.

Tricia Stubberfield, 29, launched Um… in January 2009 to fulfil a lifelong obsession with umbrellas, and has just released her first printed range – called Squiggles – from her Cawsand studio. They feature single-line designs screen-printed onto umbrella canopies.

Tricia said: "Um… creates fun, funky luxury items for those who like to look good in the rain."

After living in rainy Auckland and trendy London Tricia decided that there was a need for stylish rainwear to challenge the dull one-colour canopies. She returned to her native Cornwall in October 2008 and, finding employment opportunities scarce, decided to realise her dream with the assistance of the Plymouth Business Advice Centre and The Prince's Trust. They can be bought online at www.um-brellas.co.uk and will soon be available in shops.