# Handcrafted African Parasols The 'AfroSol' Umbrellas By Claire Homewood are Vibrant and Festive By Cody Turner | Published 2012-08-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/afrosol-umbrellas References: [lostateminor](http://www.lostateminor.com/2012/08/08/afrosol-handcrafted-parasols-from-africa/) & [afrosollove.blogspot](http://afrosollove.blogspot.ca/) A festive line of [handcrafted umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/original-duckhead) has come to light by the name of 'AfroSol' by Claire Homewood. These colorful, vibrant creations were born in the deep south and are perfect for the African sun. Created using various materials strung together with wire and a [bamboo stick](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tapmi-center) as the handle, Claire works together with a Zimbabwean wire artists to create these stunning and essential parasols. Each umbrella is decorated using a slew of fun fabrics and beads meshed together, so that each umbrella is unlike the other. Homewood is a well-rounded artist, working in all aspects of [mural paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daily), creative facilitation and film. AfroSol has been in development for over three years now and Homewood hopes to see it grow and blossom into a thriving business. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.9/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Handcrafted Umbrellas:** Opportunity to disrupt the umbrella industry with unique, vibrant and festive handcrafted designs. - **African-inspired Products:** Opportunity to tap into the growing demand for African-inspired products across various industries. - **Collaborative Artistic Ventures:** Opportunity to explore collaborative ventures between artists from different cultures and backgrounds to create unique products. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Accessories:** Fashion accessory manufacturers can embrace the trend of handcrafted umbrellas to offer unique and culturally-inspired designs. - **Home Decor:** Home decor brands can incorporate African-inspired parasols as vibrant and festive decorative pieces for indoor and outdoor spaces. - **Tourism and Souvenirs:** Tourism industry can utilize the demand for African-inspired products by offering handcrafted umbrellas as unique souvenirs for travelers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Croatian Crocheted Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fashion-umbrella-design-lifestyle.md) - [Connected Dual Functioning Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hulasol.md) - [Sturdy Heat Relief Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aliz-umbrella.md) - [Umbrella-Inspired Whimsical Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wasaga-lamp.md) - [Space-Inspired Folding Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bloombrella.md) - [Outdoor-Ready Structural Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outdoor-collection-1.md) - [Designer-Approved Vibrant Weather Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibrant-weather-accessories.md) - [Expertly Crafted Umbrellas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-green-umbrella.md) - [Modular Umbrella-Made Trading Stalls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/umbrella-crate-stall.md)