I had a small problem recently, I love doing these hat histories posts, but I ran out milliners I could think of off the top of my head! Luckily due to the magic of Pinterest and Google, I have found a whole list of milliners to continue this series! Today we look at a milliner I had heard of before, Adolfo.
Born in Cuba in 1933, Adolfo Sardinia began his millinery career in 1948 moving to New York to apprentice at Bergdorf Goodman. Later he would apprentice at both Balenciaga and Chanel in Paris, always returning to New York. In 1953 Adolfo was made head designer at Emme, winning several design awards, he moved on from the company in 1962. With a loan from design Bill Blass, he opened his own label that same year. In 1963 Adolfo expanded his range with Adolfo II, a lower priced range. He also began designing clothing during the 1960's and later expanded to perfumes, wigs, scarves, and menswear. In 1993 he retired from designing to focus on these licensed lines.
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| Adolfo in his shop |
This black velvet one is my favoirte, so Dior new look no?
This brim is so fun! I wouldn't want to have to wire it though, that would be a time consuming activity for sure!
I happen to prefer pre-1960's fashion, but that doesn't mean we should ignore important 60's designers here on hat histories! What are your favorite decades for hats? The 30's and 40's are my absolute favorites for hats, as much as I love other eras too of course!
Thank you for this post! I've owned a few Adolfo II hats and they're my absolute favorites. I was always curious about the label.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it Lauren! I'll have to look out for them out in the wild and see if I can snatch one for myself :)
DeleteBrilliant!! They are all beautiful and original! wow
ReplyDeleteThanks Serena, can't beat these mid century masters!
DeleteThat first picture is magic isn't it? I hadn't heard of Adolfo, so thank you for the introduction! x
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is, I'm glad to introduce you :)
DeleteGreat post! His designs were so immensely chic. There was whimsy at work for sure, but all of his hats that I've seen look very wearable, too, not like they were just tiny works of gallery worthy art that few actual customers would have had the occasion to sport, as certain vintage chapeaus (*cough, cough* Schiaparelli ;)) sometimes did when it came to big name milliners of the day. The flower filled snood here literally made me gasp. Looooovvvvveeeeeee!!!!!!
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Thanks Jessica! I tend to prefer the wacky Schiaparelli numbers really, but I mustn't let my bias cloud Hat Histories posts :)
DeleteAnother great hat history! I like the daisy one and the '60's leopard print. Whilst 1960's hats are not always my favourites there was a lot of hat wearing going on so I think you are right to take a look at it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate! I like the daisy one too :)
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