Char & Sher Designs is a name that resonates deeply with lovers of vintage and Western-inspired fashion. The brand’s journey began with Charlotte Blankenship, affectionately known as Char, whose creative roots trace back to a small Colorado town where she and her sisters first explored their artistic talents on their mother’s Singer sewing machine. After studying Art History and working in California, Char moved to Guadalajara in 1968, where she began crafting hand-painted leather handbags that quickly gained popularity. This initial success led to a chain of stores in Mexico and eventually caught the eye of department store buyers at a New York Boutique show in the early 1970s.

By the 1980s, Char had relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and partnered with her sister, Sherry Stein, to form Char & Sher Designs. Their brand became synonymous with high-quality Southwest leather and suede clothing, epitomized by their iconic men’s Western shirt, which graced the cover of GQ Magazine. This exposure propelled the brand to the forefront of the Western fashion trend that dominated the era. The 1990s saw a shift as Sherry pursued a career in Industrial Design, leaving Char to continue the business under the Char Designs name. Despite these changes, the brand maintained its allure, attracting a celebrity clientele that included Goldie Hawn, Cher, and Waylon Jennings, among others.

Char Designs has endured as a beloved name in vintage fashion, celebrated for its unique blend of artistry and craftsmanship. The brand’s pieces, which are now part of permanent collections like those at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, reflect a rich history and a commitment to quality that has lasted over decades. Today, Char continues to innovate, offering new designs alongside vintage classics in her Santa Fe boutique and online store. The family legacy endures, with Char’s sons and sister Sherry still contributing to the brand’s creative vision. This enduring appeal ensures that Char Designs remains a cherished name for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike.

How to tell if Char is vintage from the logo

Char has made significant changes to its logo over the years, reflecting different design trends and brand evolutions. By examining these logos, we can determine the approximate era of a Char item, making it easier to identify vintage pieces. Below is a guide to help you distinguish Char logos from different time periods.

1970s Char logo

• The 1970s Char logo features a stylized and simplified depiction of a bird-like emblem.
• The logo is rendered in a single color, usually blue, with a hand-drawn aesthetic.
• The word “Char” is written in a cursive, handwritten style in red, adding a personal touch to the design.

1970s Char logo

1970s to 1990s Char logo

• The logo used from the 1970s to the 1990s maintained the bird-like emblem but with more refinement.
• The design is more structured, with clearer lines and a more defined shape.
• The text “CHAR & SHER DESIGNS” is added in a blocky, capitalized font, indicating a partnership or brand evolution.
• The colors are more pronounced, typically using a combination of black and red on a white background.

1970s to 1990s Char logo

How to tell if Char & Sher is vintage from the tags

The evolution of Char & Sher tags over the decades showcases the brand’s journey from its early days in Santa Fe to its establishment as a recognized name in vintage fashion. Notable changes in design elements, logos, and tag materials mark each era, providing collectors and enthusiasts with clear indicators of the garment’s age and authenticity.

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1970s vintage Char & Sher tags

• Tags feature “Char” branding prominently.
• Simple, hand-drawn illustrations, often in blue or red ink.
• Square or rectangular tags with minimalistic designs.
• Tags may include hand-written elements like the size indicator.

1970s Char & Sher tags

1980s vintage Char & Sher tags

• Rebranded to “Char & Sher Designs.”
• Square or rectangular tags with bold serif lettering.
• Tags often include a small illustration, usually of a bird, in black or green.
• Size indicators are sometimes present, either on the main tag or a separate smaller tag.

1980s Char & Sher tags

1990s vintage Char & Sher tags

• Continued use of “Char & Sher Designs” with “Santa Fe, U.S.A.”
• Rectangular tags with bold, modern serif lettering.
• Incorporates a distinct illustration of a bird, often in green or black, sometimes with additional colors.
• Modernized layout and use of various fabric materials for tags.

1990s Char & Sher tags