Adolfo Sardiņa (b. 1933) began his career as a milliner, apprenticing in the hat workshops of Paris couturiers Balenciaga and Chanel. Born in Cardenas, Cuba, Aldofo came from a middle-class family of lawyers, and was expected to join the family firm. His mother died when he was born. He was raised by an aunt who had a fondness for French couture. She encouraged him to try a career in fashion and was influential in his obtaining an apprenticeship at Balenciaga's salon.

Adolfo never attended design school, having learned his craft on the job. He immigrated to New York in 1948, and became an assistant to a milliner. In 1953, he became chief designer for Emme, a wholesale millinery company. Adolfo received a Coty Fashion Award in 1953, for his innovative and dramatic millinery designs. He returned to Paris to apprentice at the House of Chanel, to sharpen his skills in couture.

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