Vintage Adolfo Wool Knit Sweater Suit 1970s Small Mocha/Cream

Lovely fine wool knit 2 piece vintage sweater suit is comprised of a short cream colored sweater top with a half zip at the neckline; 1 piece front and back, in cream with mocha trim. It has a drawstring at the waist. The Mocha pull-on skirt is unlined and an A-line style with a covered elastic waist.

Label is "Adolfo at Saks Fifth Ave"- indicating top quality. This label was used in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Adolfo knits are very much like top of the line St. John knits.

Top Marked Size: none

Bust: 32”
Shoulder: 13.5”
Sleeve from shoulder: 23.5”
Sleeve from underarm: 18.5”
Length (shoulder to hem): 17”
SKIRT Marked Size: none

Waist: 23”-26”
 Hips: 36”
 Length (waist to hem): 28”
 CONDITION: Excellent

Some history about the designer:

Adolfo (Sardina) (b. 1933) began his career in millinery at Bergdorf Goodman in 1948. His first label was Adolfo of Emme, which was produced 1951-1958. In 1962 he started his own millinery house with money he borrowed from Bill Blass. Some of his hats during the early 1960s were designed to accompany the clothing of Norman Norell.

He started making clothes in 1962 because he wanted the dresses his models wore to show his hats to complement the hats. He then began making clothes for a good friend, Gloria Vanderbilt. Before long, he was in the dressmaking business.

By the 1980s, he was known mainly for his ladylike knit suits, which were favored by Nancy Reagan. Adolfo retired in 1993.

Adolfo Atelier was a licensed line introduced in 1985. It was a lower priced line of suits and sportswear that sold for $100-$200. The trademark was canceled in 1996.

Written by Lizzie Bramlett