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Cuba / United States

Adolfo

  • Millinery
  • Private-client couture

Adolfo began as a milliner, designing hats in New York during the 1950s after training in Paris. He opened his own studio in 1962 and introduced a full couture collection the following year. His practice expanded from hats into complete wardrobes for private clients, including Nancy Reagan, before he closed his couture salon in 1993 to concentrate on licensing.

Portrait of Adolfo
Portrait published by the Council of Fashion Designers of America; photographer unlisted · Copyrighted; see source terms.

Five looks to know

Ensemble — Adolfo, 1967

Collection selection

Ensemble

1967 · V&A collection

Silk, velvet and satin crazy-patchwork, cotton, satin ribbons, wool embroidery.

©Victoria and Albert Museum, London/Adolfo
Dress — Adolfo, 1972

Collection selection

Dress

1972 · The Met collection

[no medium available].

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Suit — Adolfo, spring/summer 1981

Collection selection

Suit

spring/summer 1981 · The Met collection

Wool, silk.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Ensemble — Adolfo, ca. 1970

Collection selection

Ensemble

ca. 1970 · The Met collection

(a) synthetic fiber, wool; (b–d) wool, fur.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Suit — Adolfo, 1977

Collection selection

Suit

1977 · The Met collection

(a,b) wool, rayon; (c) silk.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

READ FURTHER

Adolfo — CFDA biography
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