He was born Adolfo F. Sardina in Cardenas Cuba in 1933, moving to New York in 1948. His design career began in the early 1950’s as a milliner with his first position being an apprentice millinery designer with Bergdorf Goodman, leaving when they refused to put his name on the label. In 1948-1951 he worked for the Balcenciaga Salon in Paris and then back again to Bergdorf Goodman in New York. His first label was Adolfo of Emme Millinery, 1951-1958. In 1958 he worked as an unpaid apprentice for Chanel Fashion House in Paris. Then in 1955 he received the Coty Fashion award for his innovative, often dramatic hat designs for the Emme Millinery.

He opened his own millinery salon on 56th Street in New York City in 1962. In the later 1960’s his hat designs were at the top of the popularity scale. He influenced American millinery with his flair for creating unusual shapes in hats. His hats appeared on the cover of Vogue Magazine several times a year during the 60’s.

He moved into designing clothing for men and women which became wildly successful. Mainly this was started to show with his hat collection. As women began to wear hats less often his designs became progressively bolder.His point of view was that hats should be worn as an accessory rather than a necessity.

First lady Nancy Reagan wore Adolfo's designs for 20 years. She said "they were so beautifully made they could be worn inside out." He also designed expressly for the Duchess of Windsor.

In 1993 Adolfo closed his salon in New York after 25 years to concentrate on his licensing activities. But still his hat creations are much sought after for their enduring style and flair.

Alley Cats Vintage specializes in vintage fashions ranging from the 1930's through the early 1980's. You will find a wide selection of vintage hats, evening wear, day dresses, shoes and purses, also lingerie in all sizes and colors for all shapes.

Christine Moore

Alley Cats Vintage