Adolfo, 1933- (1933-)
Dates
- Existence: 1933-
Biography
Cuban-born Adolfo Sardiña, best known as Adolfo, began his successful fashion career in Paris as an apprentice to Balenciaga. American buyers admired his work and encouraged him to come to New York. In 1953, he became a designer for the milliner Emme. Adolfo hats earned him his first COTY Award in 1955.
In 1962, Adolfo started his own business. A few years later, on the theory that if he could design a hat he could design anything, Adolfo started making Chanel-inspired suits and unusual evening gowns. In 1969, he was presented with a special COTY Award for his contribution to design from head-to-toe. Adolfo carried this practice further in 1976, designing head-to-toe menswear looks for Leon of Paris.
“A person can look put together without appearing too rigid or too extravagant, “says Adolfo. “If people are astute enough to combine different clothes with flair and style, they can create their own fashion. We all must maintain the freedom to show off individuality. Fashion should be revolutionary, but always in the direction of good taste.” Adolfo clients include First Lady Nancy Reagan, Babe Paley, Gloria Vanderbilt and C.Z. Guest.
Found in 24 Collections and/or Records:
Adolfo Spring 1970, 1970
This folder contains black and white fashion photos, with press releases attached, of hats by Adolfo.
Adolfo Spring/Summer 1982 F/W 1984, 1967-1982, 1967-1982
This folder contains bios of Adolfo, column drafts, show lists, press releases, 8x10" black and white fashion photos of millinery by Adolfo.
Irving Rubinstein and Edward Rubinstein interviews, 1982 April 23 and May 5, 1982 April 23 and May 5
The Oral History Project of the Fashion Industries began informally in the late 1970s, and was officially funded by a grant from the Educational Foundation for the Fashion Industries beginning in 1981. The project was guided by an industry advisory committee chaired by Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Jr., and was largely guided by then director of the Gladys Marcus Library at FIT, John Touhey.
Jay Rossbach interview, 1990 February 20, 1990 February 20
Estelle Ellis interviews Saks Fifth Avenue's former Senior Vice President Jay H. Rossbach, Jr. about his time at Saks Fifth Avenue, including the goals of Adam Long Gimbel for the department store as well as the names of those who worked for Saks at the time.