Rare 1970s Coral Suede Painted Char Vest

I am still having that little hippie chic bohemian moment this season so forgive me the indulgence of sharing it with you. There is just something about these late 1960s, early 1970s hand made, (and often made to order), soft as butter leathers that just feel right for the mood of the season. The Char label is one of the best of the hand made hippie chic labels from the sixties and seventies and has a cult like following - and I have a couple of really unusual pieces to share! This one is a fantastic vest that is hand-dyed to a deep pinky red color - you can imagine the dye came from the desert itself! (It is a slight more dusty red then photoed) It is a combination of suede and deer skin that is hand cut and whip-stitched into place. The deerskin front and back panels are then hand painted with a bouquet of sweet little field flowers.



Char made these pieces, by hand from approx 1968 - about 1975-76 in Mexico. Some of the best leather craftsman in the world were there at the time and the piece made are fantastic. Unusual and fantastic and in great worked in condition.



Bust: no defines seams

Waist: approx 14-15" flat across the inside back at the bottom from side to side

Total length: 31" from shoulder to bottom hem



The vest is unlined and has no closure though there are fringe details at the front which you could tie. There are very minor scuffs and marks normal to the age and wear of the leather it has that perfect worked in patina that tells you its original and fabulous. Some color fading under one arm and across one shoulder - it has actually photoed worse then it is in person and with these pieces this sort of stuff just adds to its appeal! Priced accordingly. It should be dry cleaned using leather cleaning techniques when cleaned again in the future.



Modern size equivalent: XS-SML (0-6)