Back in the Victorian era when lace was de riguer and ladies habitually fainted for no apparent reason, fashionable accessories such as ornately embellished gloves, hats, parasols and fans were all the rage. During that period in history, such items were used not only to ensure modesty but also to protect alabaster skin from the elements. My, how times have changed. Belly buttons, thighs and everything that used to be kept under wraps is now in, but thanks to our rapidly warming planet, those tender bits can often get fried in a matter of minutes. Never you mind -- Designer Elena Corchero has devised a lacy, flouncy and surprisingly eco-friendly solution that will make members of the treehugging female persuation swoon with delight.
The last thing that might occur to us these days is using a parasol as a form of sun protection, and yet Corchero's solar charged model could easily make a girl step over onto the Victorian side. With its embellished lace textile, colorful insets, and bamboo crafted framework, her sun shade is a piece of sustainable heirloom quality art. Oh, but it's so much more. Outfitted with organic flexible solar cells, weatherproof circuitry and LED lighting, the Scottish designer's visionary parasol harnesses the power of the sun by day before transforming into a delicate, glowing chandelier by night. How yummy is that? Would you be willing to fork over $1,122.78 U.S. dollars (£682.00) for her frothy green concoction?
If you're feeling the sting of the recession but are currently suffering from a wicked case of the gotta have its, then maybe you'd like a consolation prize. Equally as beautiful to look and but quite a bit easier to swallow (price wise), the Solar Vintage Fan is constructed from flexible solar panels, LED lights, lace and embroidery but it's...wait a second...how could a hand held fan cost MORE than a huge parasol? Hmmm....priced at $2,117.15 U.S. dollars (£1,285.), this ornate stunner is...well...awfully pretty. I guess the wooden stand it comes with was whittled by local area gnomes? If the fan was magically able to summon a big green genie to grant me 3 wishes, then maybe I could justify the cost. Still, it's fun to dream, and they do say that true craftsmanship is worth the upfront cost. Both items are available via Scotland's online ethical design boutique Lost Values, which embraces sustainable goods that meld modern solutions with the simplicity of eras past. The good news is that if you want to treat yourself (or me) to one of Corchero's creations, Lost Values is offering free international shipping for the entire month of July.
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