COME RAIN. . .OR COME SHINE!

A GUIDEPOST REPRINT
Complete and unabridged

COME RAIN . . . OR COME SHINE!
by Kathy Dunn
First published in GUIDEPOST
28 January 1966

THE rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain… but if a few stray showers should sprinkle Madrid´s streets, Casa de Diego will happily see to it that all men, women and children are appropriately armed to fight the torrents. Founded in 1858 at Puerta del Sol, customers pack the premises… even with sunny skies overhead. The newly renovated branch at calle Mesonero Romanos, 4 houses a factory in the rear where you may view workmen busily cutting out patterns, stitching and making repairs.

Casa de Diego may have changed addresses a few times since its founding in the 19th century but it has always been within the vicinity of Puerta del Sol where it is located today. (Taken in 2012, photo shows Casa Diego at Puerta del Sol corner Calle Montera.)

Proprietor Señor Diego and his son (who is acting Director) agree most emphatically that “The umbrella is no longer typed merely as a necessary object for stormy weather. It is rapidly gaining recognition (long overdue) in the international High Fashion market. The well-dressed woman of 1966 will have several umbrellas in her wardrobe to be coordinated with day and evening ensembles.” As proof of their statement, they pinpoint the Parisians who may credit Courréges with reviving the Macintosh. His black and white geometrical interpretation has given rise to matching hats, handbags, boots and most recently, the Courréges parapluie.

Trends to watch for in the “Rain-wear World” will be the “bordered” umbrella (either hand-painted or embroidered) and the old-fashioned “lace” look. If, however, your tastes lean towards more conservative lines, you´ll still be considered stylish with standard stripes, checks, solid colors, floral prints, and lined duo-tones in rayon and nylon fabrics. Or, bring your own material for a very original model. Handles, imported from Switzerland, are featured in bamboo, carved wood, leather, metal, and plastic. Folding umbrellas are excellent for “globe trotters,” and those fortunates who have everything might find a silk version with a silver handle quite “chic.”

For sultry summer days in “sunny Spain,” or Stateside souvenirs, you´ll discover a novel selection of plastic, lace, ivory, mother of pearl and wooden hand-painted fans in floral motifs, typical “Andalucian” scenes, and replicas of early nineteenth-century abanicos. For the man in your house who treasures his early morning “Constitutional,” there is an assortment of cane, bamboo and silver-tipped walking sticks. Whether for shopping, shelter or out of sheer curiosity, a trip over to Casa de Diego will be well worth your while.

28 January 1966 cover of the GUIDEPOST issue where “Come Rain. . .Or Come Shine” is first published

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Supplied images
Featured image: Montage–Couple under umbrella by Morgan Sessions, StockSnap, CCO 1.0. Flamenco dancer with fan by Victoria Borodinova, Pixabay.
Casa Diego, 2012/Tamorlan, CC BY-SA4.0 via Wikipedia, cropped.