1960s CHAR Mexico HANDMADE FLORAL SUEDE JACKET

Updated August 8, 2026

AVAILABLE for SHIPPING or LOCAL PICKUP > Vintage circa 1970s Char suede leather jacket in a grey to pale sage-green coloration, accented with contrasting cream leather panels hand painted in soft pink, coral, peach and green floral and foliate motifs. The fitted shirt-jacket form features a broad pointed collar, shaped front and back shoulder yokes, long sleeves, flared body panels and five sculpted leather toggle-style buttons extending down the front. After beginning her design career in California, Charlotte Blankenship de Vasquez established Char in Guadalajara, Mexico, in the late 1960s.Char jackets of this type were handmade in Mexico and are associated with designer Charlotte Blankenship de Vasquez. Surviving examples are recognized for their combination of suede and smooth leather, hand-painted botanical or bird imagery, shaped panel construction and extensive leather lacing. The style reflects the late 1960s and 1970s interest in artisanal Mexican leatherwork, Western tailoring and the romantic bohemian or counterculture aesthetic. The cream leather yokes, collar, front placket and cuffs are joined and outlined with prominent hand-laced whipstitching, a signature decorative feature of Char leather garments from the period. The back presents the most elaborate painted arrangement, with a broad garden-like composition of stylized blossoms, leaves, tendrils and dotted accents extending across the complete shoulder yoke. Smaller coordinating floral designs decorate the front yokes, button placket and cuffs, giving the jacket the appearance of wearable folk art. An applied leather label inside the collar is marked with a hand-drawn bird emblem, the scripted name ~ CHAR ~ and size ~ L. Although likely sold originally as a youth or period size large, the proportions would be considered considerably smaller by present-day sizing standards and are more consistent with a contemporary women’s small. Buyers should rely upon the measurements provided rather than the marked size. A distinctive collector’s garment suited to vintage fashion display or wear, with particular appeal for a Western, bohemian, folk-art, hippie, festival or Southwestern wardrobe. CONDITION REPORT > Presents attractively as a vintage garment with expected age-related variation, rubbing, spotting and discoloration to the suede and leather surfaces. The hand-painted floral decoration, leather lacing, buttons and applied collar label remain present. As discovered, not cleaned or professionally conditioned.

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