You don't have to consume any fossil fuel to collect discarded, broken umbrellas here in Manhattan (aside from those left in the gutter and run over by traffic). Just walk down the street on a stormy day, and you'll find them everywhere. We collected our material for the project in less than an hour on a stormy fall morning in 2005.

The goal of our project was to make costumes out of broken umbrellas, and wear them on Mardi Gras day 2006 in New Orleans LA, to commemorate the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the flooding and the resurrection of this great city.

Aside from two snaps, thread, a few inches of copper wire for the hats, and a used, GoodWill purchased turtleneck (100% silk, and optional), the garments are made from 100% found umbrellas, 13 to be exact.

We discovered that umbrella fabric is easy to work with. We were inspired by the form of folds and kinetic blossoming of umbrellas and the fabric. Hardware is an integral part of the design, and the garments were constructed to be durable and comfortable for a long day of parades and parties. Considering the unpredictable weather, they were sure to be fine in the rain, and with long arm sleeves and a neckerchief for the dress they also protect, should it be cool.
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