Who is Char? Well, she was a wildly popular designer of leather handmade products in the 1970's and continues her work today. Yes, Cher was known to wear her goods back in the day. Let's be honest this was totally Cher style stuff in the 60's and 70's -leather etc. You have to love Cher but I deviate.
You can read Char's bio by hitting the hidden link in my title. As stated on her website;
"In 1968, after studying art history in university
and two years designing clothes for a boutique in California, Char ventured
to Guadalajara with her husband Aurelio Vazquez. There, like the storybook
Miller’s Daughter, she took a scrap of leather (instead of a wisp of straw) and
turned it into gold. One hand-painted leather handbag grew to become six stores
in Mexico and a collection that debuted in the New York Boutique show in 1972.
Major department store buyers saw the collection, and Char’s painted bags became
the proverbial overnight sensation.....Those who’ve bought her high fashion
leather clothes over the years include Goldie Hawn, Ellen Barkin, Donovan,
Jesse Colter and Waylon Jennings, Sam Shepard, Travis Tritt, Barbra Steisand
and Cher."
Now I have been a fan of her patchwork designed bags and finally ran across one which I cannot believe I am saying this- that I will list at my store on etsy and bring to the Manhattan Vintage Show if it doesn't sell before then. Another great iconic example was sold by shrimpton couture.com recently.
Bag from Shrimpton Couture. Image by Shrimpton Couture.
Things to look for are her easy to spot signature inside the bags and her overall style. She used amazing earth tones in suedes and leathers with handmade piping. I have also seen the simple modern use of fringe on her bags, which is evident in my example and that of Shrimpton Couture. Now, let's not forget she made clothing as well. She did entire outfits, vests, skirts and pants which exemplified the hippie aesthetic. Hand painted details are indicative of her work especially in terms of her clothing.
Example of Char's painted leather via www.moda.com- fashion history article, image moda.com.
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