Chinese voice criticism of $1,373 Gucci umbrella that cannot get wet

Robert Besser
23 May 2022, 16:25 GMT+10

Chinese consumers have been vocal in their criticism of a $1,373 Gucci umbrella which should be kept out of the rain and the sun, according to the seller
Called a "sun umbrella" on Gucci's website, the piece comes with a warning that it is "not waterproof and is meant for sun protection or decorative use"
Gucci said the item was "not recommended for use as an everyday umbrella" and it has "good collector's value and is suitable for use as a daily accessory"

BEIJING, China: Chinese consumers have been vocal in their criticism of a $1,373 Gucci umbrella which should be kept out of the rain and the sun, according to the seller.

Called a "sun umbrella" on Gucci's website, the piece comes with a warning that it is "not waterproof and is meant for sun protection or decorative use."

The accessory has been mocked on social media, including Chinese social media platform Weibo, with the BBC reporting that one user called it "a very big, but useless fashion statement," while another wrote, "As long as I'm poor, they won't be able to trick me into paying for this."

Gucci said the item was "not recommended for use as an everyday umbrella" and it has "good collector's value and is suitable for use as a daily accessory."

However, there is still demand for the item. On Gucci's UK website there is a waiting list for the umbrella, where it is priced at a slightly cheaper $1086.00.

Until recently, it has been a success in China, which is forecast to be the largest market for luxury goods by 2025.

The Chinese market has been key to Gucci's exponential growth since Alessandro Michele became the creative director in 2015.

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