Silver metallic print for VIP Arrival Umbrellas at Fete NY Gallery Launch

In the high-stakes world of New York experiential events, the difference between a “function” and an “experience” lies in the details. When Fete NY approached The Umbrella Workshop, they required a sophisticated, high-performance accessory for a prestigious art gallery opening. The challenge was to create a VIP Arrival Umbrella that functioned as both a concierge tool and a high-value piece of commemorative gallery giftware.

The Umbrella Workshop engineered a bespoke double-canopy folding umbrella featuring a striking silver metallic striped interior and a classic black exterior. Despite a rigorous timeline spanning the Christmas period, we delivered a luxury product that met the exacting standards of Manhattan’s elite, backed by our industry-leading 2-year quality guarantee.

Client

Fete NY is a premier experiential events agency based in New York City. Their portfolio consists of high-profile product launches, gallery openings, and private soirées where “standard” is never enough. For their latest event, the weather forecast predicted the one thing an event planner fears: rain.

The challenge was twofold:

1. Aesthetic Integration: The umbrella needed to complement the minimalist, sophisticated atmosphere of an art gallery without clashing with the guests’ formal attire.

2. Logistical Pressure: The request arrived during the peak festive season. International production and distribution needed to be flawless to meet the gallery’s fixed opening date.

Fete NY needed more than a supplier; they needed a partner capable of structured project coordination and international distribution who could handle the “concierge” aspect of Corporate Hospitality Umbrellas.

The Approach: Engineering the “Art Gallery” Umbrella

Conceptualising the Double Canopy

To meet the brief of “unique and eye-catching,” we moved away from traditional single-layer designs. We proposed a double-canopy construction. This allowed for a “secret” interior design—a black and silver striped metallic print—while maintaining a sober, professional black exterior. This design echoes the Hidden Masterpiece concept, where the luxury is experienced by the user looking up, creating an intimate, high-end feel.

Technical Specifications & Branding

As specialists in Exhibition Merchandising Umbrellas, we focused on the tactile experience:

• The Metallic Stripe: We utilised a high-density silver metallic ink. Unlike standard grey, this provides a reflective quality that catches lighting, making the umbrella a superb eye-catching accessory.

• Auto-Open Mechanism: For a VIP Arrival Umbrella, ease of use is paramount. A smooth, one-handed auto-open feature ensures guests are shielded instantly as they exit their vehicles.

• The Printed Carry Case: To transition the product into Commemorative Gallery Giftware, we included a matching branded sleeve, allowing guests to carry the umbrella into the gallery without dripping in the space.

Global Sourcing & Festive Logistics

Navigating the Christmas period requires a progressive and flexible supply chain. Leveraging our global supplier reach, we fast-tracked the prototyping phase and signed off the project with a photo sample. Our team monitored the manufacture daily, ensuring the silver metallic alignment on the internal panels was mathematically perfect across all eight ribs.

Results & Outcome: Excellence Under Pressure

The delivery arrived in New York ahead of schedule, allowing the Fete NY team to integrate the umbrellas into their guest arrival choreography.

• Brand Impact: The silver-striped interior is unique and offers brilliant social media opportunities.

• Durability: Unlike flimsy promotional disposables, these umbrellas are substantial. The weight of the double canopy and the tension of the frame communicated “premium quality” to every holder.

• The 2-Year Guarantee: By providing a 2-year warranty, we empowered Fete NY to gift these umbrellas as long-lasting brand assets, ensuring the event lived on in the minds of the attendees every time it rained in the city.

Choosing The Umbrella Workshop For Umbrellas

At The Umbrella Workshop, we go beyond tailor-made luxury branded merchandise. We are specialists in bespoke umbrellas, packaging, and customised solutions. Whether you are seeking Corporate Hospitality Umbrellas for a London hotel or Exhibition Merchandising Umbrellas for a New York launch, we diligently explore concepts to protect your brand—and your guests.

Ready to elevate your brand’s physical presence? Contact us at info@umbrellaworkshop.com to begin your custom project.

Comprehensive Buying Guide: Premium Umbrellas

1. What makes an umbrella “Premium” compared to “Promotional”?

The distinction lies in the engineering. A “promotional” umbrella is designed for a single event and often ends up in a bin after the first gust of wind. A Premium Umbrella, such as those provided by The Umbrella Workshop, focuses on:

• Frame Material: Using fibreglass or high-grade steel.

• Canopy Fabric: High-thread-count Pongee which dries faster and feels like fabric rather than plastic.

• Detailing: Tailored tips, engraved handles, and double-canopy options.

2. What are the benefits of a Double-Canopy design?

A double-canopy umbrella features two layers of fabric. This serves several purposes:

• Aesthetic Versatility: You can have a professional exterior and a creative, branded, or artistic interior.

• Weight: It adds a substantial amount of heft that users associate with luxury brands.

3. How does the Wurlin Group 2-Year Guarantee work?

We are so confident in our luxury premium quality that we offer a 2-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. If the frame fails or the mechanism jams under normal use, we stand by our product. For a B2B buyer, this is a massive ROI advantage; it ensures your brand isn’t associated with a broken product six months down the line. That being said – we’ve never had a client come back to us with an issue!

4. What is VIP Arrival umbrellas quality?

When event planners search for VIP Arrival Umbrellas, they are looking for “The Concierge Effect.” This means:

• Large enough to cover two people (the guest and the doorman).

• Silent operation (no loud metallic clicking).

• Elegant aesthetics that match a red carpet, launch or gallery environment.

5. Why is Silver Metallic Print difficult, and how do you achieve it?

Metallic prints can often flake or lose their lustre when folded. We use a specialised sublimation or screen-printing process that ensures the silver stripes remain flexible. This is essential for a double-canopy folding umbrella where the fabric is frequently compressed.

6. Can you handle international distribution for global events with VIP arrival umbrellas?

Yes. As we did with Fete NY, we manage the entire lifecycle: concept, manufacture, and international distribution. We handle the complexities of customs and “tight lead times” so you can focus on the event itself. We delivery DDP to The United States. 

7. What is the role of an “Exhibition Merchandising Umbrella”?

At trade shows or large exhibitions, an umbrella is one of the few pieces of merch that people actually keep. It has a high utility-to-brand-impressions ratio. By branding it as a Commemorative Gallery Gift, you turn a functional item into a collectible.

8. How does Wurlin Group support the creative process?

We are progressive and flexible. We don’t just ask for a logo; we work with creative agencies to “diligently explore concepts.” If you have a wild idea—like a photographic print of a ceiling fresco on the inside of an umbrella—we find the technical way to make it happen.

9. Why is the automatic open feature important for Corporate Hospitality?

In Corporate Hospitality, the user’s experience is everything. An auto-open button allows for a theatrical and efficient deployment. It’s the difference between fumbling with a catch in the rain and a seamless transition from the car to the lobby.

10. How do you ensure brand colour accuracy (Pantone Matching)?

We offer Pantone-matched fabric and inks. For the Fete NY project, the black needed to be a true black to contrast against the metallic silver. We provide pre-production samples to ensure that what you see on your screen is what arrives at your event. For this project, we signed off the sample with the client by photo, rather than physical sample because it was a tight leadtime.

11. What makes The Umbrella Group, part of the Wurlin Group a Trusted Partner?

Trust is built through structured project coordination. We provide clear timelines, transparent pricing, and we don’t over-promise. If we say we can deliver a bespoke order to New York during the Christmas rush, we have the logistical infrastructure to back it up.

12. What other products does Wurlin Group specialise in?

While we are leaders in bespoke umbrellas, our expertise extends to customised packaging and high-end merchandise. We believe the packaging is just as important as the product—hence the printed carry case included in the Fete NY brief for their VIP arrival umbrellas.

13. How do I start a project with Wurlin?

Simply contact us at info@umbrellaworkshop.com. Our team will guide you through the “What can we do for you?” phase, helping you choose the right frame, fabric, and printing technique to suit your brand’s specific needs.

Vibrant Inner Rainbow Canopy Umbrella: The Exquisite Wood Walker

When it comes to luxury accessories, the details matter. This isn’t just a functional piece of rain gear; it’s a statement of style, designed for those who appreciate premium craftsmanship and a subtle pop of personality. Our exquisite automatic wood walker umbrella seamlessly blends classic elegance with a joyful, modern twist, making it the must-have accessory for any discerning individual or high-end corporate brand.

The exterior maintains a polished, traditional look, ensuring it complements professional attire or sophisticated weekend wear. It features a sturdy, elegant wood walker handle—a design favoured for centuries for its comfortable crook and natural, refined appearance. However, the true mark of its luxury lies in the personalisation: a finely engraved handle ring adds a subtle yet significant detail. This discreet customisation transforms the umbrella into a unique piece of merchandise, perfect for a global music tour or a premium client gift. The engraving speaks to the brand’s commitment to quality, offering a lasting impression without overt branding.

Unleash the Colour: Vibrant Inner Rainbow Canopy Umbrella

The real surprise is unveiled the moment the automatic mechanism is activated. While the outside remains sleek, the interior explodes with colour, showcasing a Vibrant Inner Rainbow Canopy Umbrella. This stunning design choice turns a grey, rainy day into an instant celebration. The high-quality print is vivid, sharp, and resistant to fading, ensuring the cheerful effect lasts for years.

This vibrant inner canopy is what truly sets the umbrella apart. It provides an immediate mood lift for the user and offers a dynamic visual element when opened.

Umbrellas Crafted for Durability and Performance

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this umbrella is built for superior performance. Constructed with premium, high-density polyester, the canopy is designed to repel water efficiently, ensuring the material remains quick-drying and durable. The automatic open function allows for quick deployment with the press of a single button, a crucial feature when stepping out of a car or building into an unexpected downpour.

The strong internal frame uses modern engineering to resist the forces of wind, ensuring the umbrella holds its shape even in blustery conditions. This combination of an elegant wood pole and robust modern materials delivers a piece that is as reliable as it is refined.

From the tactile feel of the polished wood in your hand and the discreet gleam of the engraved handle ring, to the sudden, captivating burst of the Vibrant Inner Rainbow Canopy Umbrella, this merchandise piece is more than practical—it’s an experience. It’s the ultimate way to blend a premium aesthetic with a fun, memorable brand identity.

This exquisite piece of merchandise is a smart investment, offering fans and customers a high-utility item that they will genuinely want to use, proudly displaying a subtle mark of quality and their connection to the brand. It elevates the concept of “merchandise” to that of a treasured, functional accessory.

Beyond luxury umbrellas, we are specialists in unique, branded merchandise. The Wurlin Group are specialists in product sourcing from an ethical supply chain. Find out what we can do for you info@umbrellaworkshop.com or call +44 1225 66 79 79.

Bringing Art to Life: Tilla Crowne’s Mushroom Illustration on an Umbrella

Artist illustration of a mushroom on umbrella. At The Umbrella Workshop, we believe an umbrella can be more than just a tool for keeping dry; it can be a portable canvas for stunning art. This belief was put to the test in a recent project with London-based artist Tilla Crowne. Her deeply conceptual art, which often explores themes of identity and nature, presented us with a unique challenge: to perfectly reproduce her intricate mushroom illustration onto the functional, everyday canvas of a wood walking umbrella.

Tilla Crowne’s work is renowned for its detail. She meticulously incorporates biological materials, like fungi and plants, into her drawings, creating a complex and delicate aesthetic. For our team at The Umbrella Workshop, this meant we couldn’t settle for a simple logo transfer. We knew that to honour her work, we had to achieve an absolute high-resolution reproduction. This required our expert technicians to focus on every subtle colour gradation, every delicate line, and every complex texture from her original drawing, ensuring no artistic integrity was lost in the transition from paper to fabric.

Our expertise in material suitability and advanced printing techniques was paramount. We carefully selected a durable fabric that would not only withstand the elements but also serve as the perfect medium to preserve the illustration’s vibrancy. We then used our specialised digital printing process, which allowed us to capture the fine details and rich colours of the original artwork with remarkable precision. This was a true test of our technical capabilities, as we had to guarantee the beauty of the artist illustration of a mushroom on umbrella would withstand heavy rain and continuous use.

For us, this wasn’t just a print job. It was a partnership with an artist whose ethical standards and commitment to quality perfectly align with our own. The final product is a testament to the collaborative power of art and technical expertise. The umbrella transcends its utility, becoming a functional, wearable piece of Tilla Crowne’s evocative art. It allows her audience to engage with her unique vision in a new, intimate way, proving that with the right combination of skill and respect for the artwork, we can truly bring a masterpiece to life, one umbrella at a time.

This bespoke umbrella, designed for Purbeck Ice Cream, features an expanding canopy with ventilation to handle stronger winds. The sturdy, expanding ribs provide a canopy width similar to our Golf umbrellas, while the design conveniently folds down to the length of a standard walker umbrella. This model is customised with Purbeck Ice Cream’s own logo in a two-colour print on one of the panels, using Pantone colour matching. Additionally, their artwork, depicting a skyline silhouette, is wrapped around all eight panels of the outer canopy.

All over print on an umbrella means each of the 8 panels of the umbrella are printed. They can be printed to the edge of the panel with an artwork that makes the top view of the umbrella appear to be one continuous piece of print, when actually each panel is printed individually prior to construction and then the Purbeck Ice Cream Umbrella is carefully sewn up by hand to ensure the print on each panel is aligned. The all over print on an umbrella ensures maximum impact for a stunning design, photo or logo.

Our range of umbrellas include three core models: golf umbrellas, walking umbrellas and folding umbrellas. Purbeck Ice Cream umbrella is a walking umbrella with a black silicon handle. Each model includes variants to suit your budget or lead time. It maybe you need an umbrella quickly and therefore we’ll offer you a UK manufactured umbrella which we can turn around within 2-3 weeks. Customisation options are limited to a logo print on a UK manufactured umbrella, but if you have a slightly longer lead time then we can print inside and outside of the umbrella. You can add a branded woven label to your customised umbrella or you can engrave a handle ring to a walking umbrella or a branded logo disk to a golf umbrella handle.

We are specialists in branded promotional merchandise. Printed umbrellas, custom-made bags and other branded merchandise that is sensibly sourced and never single-use plastic. If you would like to find out more about how we can help your business with sustainable branded merchandise, then find out more from us by visiting Wurlin or call us +44 (0)1225 667979. We work with global clients and ship internationally.

Barnes IP are a fast-growing patent attorney firm, focusing on patenting in software and electronics fields, with particular expertise in AI, robotics, cybersecurity and space-based technologies.

This umbrella is particularly spectacular, with original illustration details, silicone crooked handle and bright orange Pantone matched outer canopy. Read the full story about this umbrella here.

Find out more about umbrellas with reflective linings by reading our blog.

This Automatic Golf Umbrella had a contrasting digital print on the internal canopy of the umbrella, which has been seam matched across each umbrella panel. This is a double canopy umbrella that the client chose to have a simple block colour on the external canopy, with a bold graphic on the internal canopy. The idea behind this style, was to make sure that the internal canopy print was more impactful once the umbrella had been opened. This umbrella shows the affect that a simple external canopy and a printed internal canopy can have. This client also wanted more customisable branding so opted to add their logo onto the outer canopy panels, but also added a customised, contrasting tie wrap with their company slogan printed on to it.

This premium storm-proof model is durable as well as practical, boasting top quality fittings and large branding potential. Available with internal and external canopy print, logo print, seam matched design, engraved handle rings and more this model is not only elegant, but also a great umbrella for customisation to fit into your company branding.

Our range of umbrellas include three core models: golf umbrellas, walking umbrellas and folding umbrellas. Each model includes variants to suit your budget or lead time. It maybe you need an umbrella quickly and therefore we’ll offer you a UK manufactured umbrella which we can turn around within 2-3 weeks. Customisation options are limited to a logo print on a UK manufactured umbrella, but if you have a slightly longer lead time then we can print inside and outside of the umbrella. You can add a branded woven label to your customised umbrella or you can engrave a neck ring to a walking umbrella or a branded logo disk to a golf umbrella handle.

Made to order umbrellas are customised in multiple ways. From printing inside and outside of the umbrella panels and matching the seams during construction for continuous prints, to the branded tie wrap which can be embroidered or printed. The umbrella carry sleeve can be personalised with print or with a strap.

Find out how we make our umbrellas and what each of the parts of an umbrella are called with this useful article. Find out how branded umbrellas can enhance your brand. Another example of seam-matched artwork on an umbrella is this one that we made for Microsoft. All over prints are popular because we do them do well to show one piece of artwork across 8 different panels of the umbrella.

We are specialists in branded promotional merchandise. Printed umbrellas, custom-made bags and other branded merchandise that is sensibly sourced and never single-use plastic. If you would like to find out more about how we can help your business with sustainable branded merchandise, then find out more from us by visiting Wurlin or call us +44 (0)1225 667979. We work with global clients and ship internationally. Find out more about how umbrellas can add to the credibility of your brand by visiting our blog.

Intricate stained glass window internal print on golf umbrella

A stunning stained glass window print on an umbrella. This colourful and eye-catching design really demonstrates the high level of detail and depth of colour we can achieve. Our client chose to have the bright graphics printed on the inside of the umbrella. We used a double canopy golf umbrella to produce this model.

Printing on the inside of an umbrella is a great opportunity to make your umbrella unique. We can print your artwork across the panels prior to construction of the umbrella in order for the print to matched carefully by hand at the seams of the umbrella, to create a continuous photo, pattern or design across all 8 internal panels of the umbrella.  We are able to achieve a great internal print on an umbrella with a screen print or digital print to suit the complexity of your artwork. If you’re not sure how your internal print on an umbrella will look, why not send us your artwork and we can conceptualise it for you and email you with it to help make your decision.

Our range of umbrellas include three core models: golf umbrellas, walking umbrellas and folding umbrellas. Each model includes variants to suit your budget or lead time. It maybe you need an umbrella quickly and therefore we’ll offer you a UK manufactured umbrella which we can turn around within 2-3 weeks. Customisation options are limited to a logo print on a UK manufactured umbrella, but if you have a slightly longer lead time then we can print inside and outside of the umbrella. You can add a branded woven label to your customised umbrella or you can engrave a neck ring to a walking umbrella or a branded logo disk to a golf umbrella handle.

Made to order umbrellas are customised in multiple ways. From printing inside and outside of the umbrella panels and matching the seams during construction for continuous prints, to the branded tie wrap which can be embroidered or printed. The umbrella carry sleeve can be personalised with print or with a strap.

Find out how we make our umbrellas and what each of the parts of an umbrella are called with this useful article. Find out how branded umbrellas can enhance your brand.

Internal graphics printed on umbrella

This blue graphic design umbrella was customised for a well known English gin company. We used a double canopy City Walker Umbrella with the design individually printed on each panel of the internal canopy. A bright royal blue top canopy with their company’s slogan complimented the fun graphic print.

There are many options for your branded printed umbrella. We use and combine a number of different print processes to create your promotional umbrella: dye sublimation, silk-screen, 4-colour process print, transfer print, embroidery and good old fashioned sewing and tailoring. We can create eye-catching promotional printed umbrellas to be brand specific. We will always advise you on the most cost effective methods for your design.

We are also able to Pantone match an umbrella to your brands colours. You can supply the Pantone number when you send us your artwork to print or you can send us an item you want us to colour match for graphics printed on umbrella.

Our range of umbrellas include three core models: golf umbrellas, walking umbrellas and folding umbrellas. Each model includes variants to suit your budget or lead time. It maybe you need an umbrella quickly and therefore we’ll offer you a UK manufactured umbrella which we can turn around within 2-3 weeks. Customisation options are limited to a logo print on a UK manufactured umbrella, but if you have a slightly longer lead time then we can print inside and outside of the umbrella. You can add a branded woven label to your customised umbrella or you can engrave a neck ring to a walking umbrella or a branded logo disk to a golf umbrella handle.

Made to order umbrellas are customised in multiple ways. From printing inside and outside of the umbrella panels and matching the seams during construction for continuous prints, to the branded tie wrap which can be embroidered or printed. The umbrella carry sleeve can be personalised with print or with a strap.

Find out how we make our umbrellas and what each of the parts of an umbrella are called with this useful article. Find out how branded umbrellas can enhance your brand.

Aeronautical design on a City Walker Umbrella

This aeroplane jet fins umbrella was a fun one to create. Our clients, an aeronautical company, design and manufacture jet fins, and wanted to showcase and promote their product using our umbrellas.

They chose a double canopy City Walker which allowed them to have their design on the underside of the umbrella, the end result being a dramatic continuous pattern of their jet fins. We achieved this by matching the design to the seams with an all over print.

All over print on an umbrella means each of the 8 panels of the umbrella are printed. They can be printed to the edge of the panel with an artwork that makes the top view of the umbrella appear to be one continuous piece of print, when actually each panel is printed individually prior to construction and then carefully sewn up by hand to ensure the print on each panel is aligned. The all over print on an umbrella ensures maximum impact for a stunning design, photo or logo.

Our range of umbrellas include three core models: golf umbrellas, walking umbrellas and folding umbrellas. Each model includes variants to suit your budget or lead time. It maybe you need an umbrella quickly and therefore we’ll offer you a UK manufactured umbrella which we can turn around within 2-3 weeks. Customisation options are limited to a logo print on a UK manufactured umbrella, but if you have a slightly longer lead time then we can print inside and outside of the umbrella. You can add a branded woven label to your customised umbrella or you can engrave a neck ring to a walking umbrella or a branded logo disk to a golf umbrella handle.

We are specialists in branded promotional merchandise. Printed umbrellas, custom-made bags and other branded merchandise that is sensibly sourced and never single-use plastic. If you would like to find out more about how we can help your business with sustainable branded merchandise, then find out more from us by visiting Wurlin or call us +44 (0)1225 667979. We work with global clients and ship internationally.

Artwork printed on underside of umbrella

A striking photo image umbrella. We used a photo image of the artwork and created umbrellas on umbrellas! The client chose to have their design on the underside of our City Walker Umbrella with a continuous all over print matched to the seams.

The city walker umbrella is elegant and chic, favoured by urban professionals, they are the modern equivalent of the traditional wood walking umbrella. A practical size for use in an often crowded environment, an ideal companion for events or pounding the city pavements.

Our range of umbrellas include three core models: golf umbrellas, walking umbrellas and folding umbrellas. Each model includes variants to suit your budget or lead time. It maybe you need an umbrella quickly and therefore we’ll offer you a UK manufactured umbrella which we can turn around within 2-3 weeks. Customisation options are limited to a logo print on a UK manufactured umbrella, but if you have a slightly longer lead time then we can print inside and outside of the umbrella. You can add a branded woven label to your customised umbrella or you can engrave a neck ring to a walking umbrella or a branded logo disk to a golf umbrella handle.

Made to order umbrellas are customised in multiple ways. From printing inside and outside of the umbrella panels and matching the seams during construction for continuous prints, to the branded tie wrap which can be embroidered or printed. The umbrella carry sleeve can be personalised with print or with a strap. Other digital prints we’ve achieved for clients include this digital tree print umbrella and photo prints on umbrella.

Find out how we make our umbrellas and what each of the parts of an umbrella are called with this useful article. Find out how branded umbrellas can enhance your brand.