Strong and sturdy.  I like the surprise flower inside, the large carry handle and how it keeps the wet part of the umbrella inside of itself!  I purchased five as gifts and one for me.  I don't normally think of buying umbrellas as gifts but this is an awesome product.  Only thing is it's pretty long - it's not what I'd call a "travel" umbrella in that it keeps its length after folding.  But it's so pretty - who cares?