Char
Santa Fe artisan label sold under 'Char & Sher Designs'. 1970s tags show simple hand-drawn bird motifs in blue or red; 1980s–90s tags add 'Santa Fe, U.S.A.' and bold serif lettering alongside the stylized bird emblem.
- Origin
- USA
- Founded
- 1970
- Category
- Designer & Casual
- Documented eras
- 3
How Char labels evolved over time. Match the markers below against the tag in hand to place a garment in its era.
1970–1979
1970s Hand-Drawn Bird Tags
Tags feature 'Char' branding with simple hand-drawn bird illustrations in blue or red ink. Square or rectangular tags with artisan character typical of independent Southwest labels.
- Simple hand-drawn bird illustrations in blue or red.
- 'Char' branding without 'Sher' partner.
- Square or rectangular tags with artisan quality.
How to spot it
Hand-drawn bird motif on 'Char' tag = 1970s artisan pieces.
Value signal
Moderate — Southwest artisan labels attract vintage collectors.
1980–1989
1980s Char & Sher Designs Tags
Rebranded to 'Char & Sher Designs.' Square or rectangular tags with bold serif lettering. Tags often include a small stylized bird logo alongside the expanded brand name.
- 'Char & Sher Designs' full partnership name.
- Bold serif lettering on square or rectangular tags.
- Small stylized bird logo alongside brand name.
How to spot it
'Char & Sher Designs' text on tag = 1980s partnership rebrand.
Value signal
Moderate.
1990–1999
1990s Santa Fe Tags
Continued use of 'Char & Sher Designs' with 'Santa Fe, U.S.A.' location text added. Rectangular tags with bold modern serif lettering and occasional decorative borders.
- 'Char & Sher Designs' with 'Santa Fe, U.S.A.' added.
- Bold modern serif lettering.
- Rectangular tags with occasional decorative borders.
How to spot it
'Santa Fe, U.S.A.' on Char & Sher tag = 1990s identified origin.
Value signal
Moderate.