Adolfo Sardina, 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 his Chanel-inspired suits and his unusual evening gowns. In 1969 he was presented with a special Coty Award for his contribution to design from head to toe. Adolfo carried his theory further in 1976 with men’s clothes for Leon of Paris. In the short time Adolfo has been in men’s wear, he has won much acclaim. He nominated for the 1977 Coty Award. Adolfo’s talents are even wider spread now—designing shirts, neck wear, activewear, personal leather goods ladies fur coats, not to mention scarfs, hats, luggage, perfume, men’s slacks, ladies knits and silk blouses, boys shirts and men’s shoes.