Nendo's latest umbrella hides a cover in its handle
Not content with releasing one umbrella this month, Japanese studio Nendo has created a lightweight folding umbrella with a carbon-fibre frame and a cover tucked into its handle.
![Cover-brella by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
Nendo designed the umbrella as part of its by|n collection for Japanese department store Seibu, for which the Tokyo studio also created retail concessions to display its vast array of products.
![Cover-brella by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
Following the Stay-brella, which stands up unassisted on a two-pronged handle, the Cover-brella is a collapsible design with a compartment for storing a cover hidden in the plastic cap that forms its handle.
![Cover-brella by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Two parts pop open so the cover can be unfurled over the folded canopy, protecting the surface and preventing collected water from affecting other items.
![Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_0](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_0.jpg)
"Umbrella covers are notoriously easy to lose, but our design utilises the inside of the handle, ordinarily 'dead space', to integrate the cover and umbrella," said the studio.
![Cover-brella by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
The cover tucks back into the handle when no longer needed.
![Cover-brella by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
The design also features a carbon-fibre frame, reducing its weight to 108 grams. A coating across the fabric is added to reduce UV rays penetrating the canopy by up to 90 per cent.
![Cover-brella by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
The Cover-brella comes in eight bright colours and is available to buy exclusively from Japan's Seibu department stores.
Dezeen Book of Interviews: Nendo founder Oki Sato features in our new book, which is on sale now
![Cover-brella by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
Nendo's by|n collection also includes minimal wire-net baskets and pendant light shades moulded from paper. The studio, led by designer Oki Sato, has had a prolific year – designing everything from shoes to ice cream cakes.
![Cover-brella by Nendo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2014/11/Cover-brella-by-Nendo_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
See a round-up of Nendo's best designs from the past 12 months.
Photography is by Akihiro Yoshida.