The basic umbrella was invented more than 4,000 years ago. There is evidence of umbrellas in the ancient art and artifacts of Egypt, Assyria, Greece, and China. These ancient umbrellas, or parasols, were first designed to provide shade from the sun.

Parasols are sometimes called sunshades. An umbrella may also be called a brolly (UK slang), parapluie (nineteenth century, French origin), rainshade, gamp (British, informal, dated), bumbershoot (American slang).

The first lightweight folding umbrella in Europe was introduced in 1710 by a Paris merchant named Jean Marius, whose shop was located near the barrier of Saint-Honoré. It could be opened and closed in the same way as modern umbrellas, and weighed less than one kilogram.

Umbrellas are part of the 21 century attire and must-haves, ranging from full length, to telescopic fold up ones and also automatic open and close designs. There is even a 'National Umbrella Day' which is held on February 10th each year around the world.

We thought we would feature umbrellas this autumn as the most wonderful fashion statement accessory... What does your brolly say about you!?

So, so many beautiful umbrellas to choose from but we feature 5 of our favourite ones...

A beautiful white and black peace sign intarsia umbrella from Moschino featuring a rounded handle, a snap fastening and sporting the Moschino logo for the fashion conscious. This item comes with a protective case and will cost you €100. Full details

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If you're looking for a red umbrella, a designer umbrella, a fashion umbrella - look no further. This is a truly stand out designer umbrella. Protect yourself from a threatening grey sky with the dashing red outer canopy and striking diagonal striped inner canopy Bloomsbury umbrella. This chic style ladies fashion umbrella has a striped interior brightening up any rainy day.

There are ladies umbrellas and then there are ladies fashion umbrellas - and then there's the LuLu Guinness Bloomsbury. For true umbrellaphiles and on trend fashionistas everywhere you'll feel like you're on the cover of Vogue magazine with this exciting fashion statement umbrella from designer LuLu Guinness. This LuLu Guinness "Bloomsbury" Designer Red Umbrella with Diagonal Stripe Inner Canopy costs £40.00. Full details

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Pasotti are one of the leading makers of luxury Italian umbrellas and parasols. This umbrella the 'Arabella', features a stunning lavender satin exterior canopy with a quirky-but-feminine violet tie wrap. The Pasotti designer umbrella comes with real Swarovski elements across the canopy and sleek silver crooked handle. Overall length approx 90cm and canopy diameter approx 98cm. For this bling-bling brolly, you will be paying a handsome price... £290.00. Yes but... It is beautiful! Full details

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WHANGEE CANE CROOK FOLDED YELLOW UMBRELLA - £65.00 - NEW YELLOW FOR 2016

Handmade 2-Section Folded Umbrella with a natural Whangee [Bamboo] cane handle. Strong, 10-Rib frame built to last. A classic Umbrella with modern convenience. Perfect for those on the go and will certain brighten any rainy day. Includes an outer sleeve.

London Undercover snap button / label on inner sleeve & signature orange release button. Opens to 38" / 97cm in diameter and Length: 45cm closed / 70cm extended (Approximately) Full details

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Leopard print umbrella with Swarovski crystals and 24 carat gold plated frame by Ombrellificio il Marchesato at £154.06 is a must for those who want to indulge in a luxury umbrella. Bring on those rainy days!

Elegant, handcrafted umbrella produced by 'Il Marchesato', a company boasting more than 30 years of experience in the sector. It features a 100% polyester double fabric cover, black on the outside and inside, with leopard print frills. The entire umbrella frame is 24-carat gold plated with a precious pearl and filigree handle. This is not the usual umbrella, but a real limited edition collectable accessory. Dimensions: length 95 cm. opening: approximately 104 cm. Weight: 630g. Full details