Carlo Suino

Ombrellificio Torinese

Umbrella maker

©Ynnesti Collettivo Creativo

Personalised umbrellas

Carlo is one of the last umbrella makers in Italy
His family started handcrafting umbrellas in Turin in 1890
Every creation is unique and numbered

Carlo Suino's craft is an endangered one. In the last few decades the huge availability of cheap, low quality umbrellas has taken over the market. Yet, an umbrella is a sign of elegance and distinction, that can be handcrafted with utmost attention both to style and to performance, and can last a lifetime. Thanks to the exceptional knowledge gathered by his family, and to his own skills, curiosity and scrupulousness, Carlo's creations are unrivaled. His clients have access to a large variety of finished creations in the shop or they can choose materials, styles, shapes to receive a bespoke one. If they are looking for something new and different, Carlo will always find a way to make it.

Interview

©Ynnesti Collettivo Creativo

©Ynnesti Collettivo Creativo

How did you learn your craft?: My great-great-grandfather Bernardo started making umbrellas in 1890, but it was only in the 30s that my grandfather opened his own workshop. In the 60s the workshop became a company able to deliver a 1,000 products per day, now we are back to the bottega size, and philosophy.
How did your craft evolve over time?: Today, the market is dominated by low-quality, cheap products but I educate my clients to a different approach: a well made umbrella can last a very long time and can be easily repaired. It’s a matter of ethics and sustainability as well.
How long can a handmade umbrella last?: In terms of performance, an handmade umbrella is unrivaled. All my creations are numbered, I have a complete archive of all the umbrellas I created, and with a lifelong warranty on some details. I still welcome clients who come here to repair umbrellas handcrafted by my grandfather!
How far can the personalisation go?: I put my competence at the service of my clients. They ask, then it’s my job to say if the idea is viable and to make it real. I can personalise shapes, sizes, materials, styles, decorations. I make umbrellas for left-handed or with haiku verses embroidered on the wedges.

Carlo Suino is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1977