Packing for a Destination Wedding in Ireland
So, you’re off to Ireland. One of your mates is planning to tie the knot on the Emerald Isle (lucky bugger!) swapping a Caribbean beach affair to walk down the aisle of the little church in her fiance’s village. Ay. So romantic. Do you mind if I ask you what’s going in the bag?
My advice is to skip the sweaters. You can buy legendary Irish hand knit Aran Islands sweaters there, so save room in your suitcase. Instead, be prepared for Irish mist (the soft, wet kind) and bring along an Isabrella, an umbrella that makes the sight of cloudy skies exciting. Designed by the clever folks at What’s That Product Development and produced by OFESS, both Hong Kong based, these umbrellas are turning the world upside down, literally.
Try to imagine an umbrella that packs into a lightweight canister that’s shaped like a wine bottle (yes, you read that right). Think ice wine or sake size, get the picture? If not then you are way behind our friends at OFESS whose mantra is “Enjoy Rainy Days.” They hit on their wild idea accidentally while holding a wine bottle upside down and concluded it was like holding an umbrella on a rainy day. We can’t help but wonder how many bottles they finished before this discovery, mind you, but the idea stuck; the neck becoming the umbrella handle and the bottle, the umbrella container. Now if only they’d figured out how to include some wine, too, then we might be pleasantly stupefied. No matter, it’s ready to pop in your roller wheels and become the ultimate accessory to channel that inner sommelier er, fashionista in you. Why? Well, that’s the best part. The company’s “Artist Collection” will rock the socks off the wedding guests and have them waiting in the apse to get the scoop.
Get this. OFFESS went out on a limb to invite 5 cutting edge artists from all over the world to tell their very own “Enjoy Rainy Days” stories and reproduce them on the Isabrella. The finished product flourishes a unique graphic design on the UV protected nylon fabric which is an achievement of unique and extraordinary abilities, mind you. It’s a bit like holding a painting over your head. We’re crazy about Kayo Horguchi’s design (especially the stagecoach) … edgy yet elegant. Kayo started as a fashion designer in Japan and we’ve heard her graphics are symbolic. Could she be trying to tell us something about going somewhere in that coach? Hmm, that’s a thought.
Let’s just say that once your Isabrella is opened, you’ll be hard pressed to close it especially with all the compliments. Why, the Dolce dress you scored for the big day might even have to take a back seat (we’ve never heard of being wet and looking hot, have you?). And when the wedding’s over rest assured you’ll be strutting your Isabrella down those Irish streets and getting in touch with your inner Galway Girl.
After the vows and the toasts, take to the rolling, lush green countryside of Ireland carefree with your little friend in your bag. We mean the umbrella, of course, although we do suggest you chat up a lovely Irish lad to show you around. Take it from the Squire. Ditch your standard fold-up and splurge on an extraordinary accessory for an extraordinary country.
*Advice from Patty, an Irish lass:
Beyond the stereotypes that label Ireland as the land of Guinness and leprechauns, the country is the undiscovered gem of Northern Europe. So, rent a car and explore the country. Cozy up in a local pub and enjoy organic Celtic music by a roaring fire. Bring a pair of walking shoes and hike a section of the Dingle Peninsula coastline for remarkable ocean views. Breathe in fresh, pure mountain air in the Wicklow Mountains. Kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle for good luck. The Irish people are gentle and hospitable, making foreigners feel welcome and in many ways, at home. And, the Irish are renowned for their clever toasts, so here’s one for the wedding to send you off to the Isle:
Here’s to lying, cheating, stealing and drinking.
If you lie, may you lie in the arms of your love.
If you cheat, may you cheat death.
If you steal, may you steal each other’s hearts.
And if you drink, may we all drink to your happiness.
