Like @cindyhartz I used to hate umbrellas and refuse to use them. But in the last few years I have given in to their charms! I am now an umbrella fancier! I have two favourites. My father's umbrella he used to take to work and my mothers large umbrella (bought to support the poppy appeal - work with exservice men and women). I have NEVER seen a bag to put an umbrella in. In the UK and France you quite often find umbrella stands in buildings and homes.
I've never met a self-admitted umbrella fancier. However, it does make sense to be something to collect. I've definitely seen ones with very elegant or nice patterns.
I prefer the umbrella stand to the bag. It makes sense to put one out if it is raining. I guess some people come from drier climates where rain isn't common so they don't really need to deal with it.