Velcro 1950s. The fastener consisted of two components: a lineal fabric strip with tiny hooks that could "mate" with another fabric strip with smaller loops, attaching temporarily, until pulled apart. Initially made of cotton, which proved impractical, the fastener was eventually constructed with nylon and polyester. De Mestral gave the name "Velcro", a portmanteau of the French words "velour" ("velvet") and "crochet" ("hook"), to his invention as well as his company, which continues to manufacture and market the fastening system. Velcro Velcro BVBA is a privately held company that produces fasteners and other products. It is known for being the original
Armand de Mestral Armand de Mestral Armand de Mestral, (born 17 November 1941) is a Canadian academic and international arbitration expert. Born in Montreal, Quebec, de Mestral is a law professor at the McGill University and an expert in international law. He also teaches courses on constitutional law and the law of the European Union. He has an undergraduate and master's degree from Harvard University, a law degree from McGill University, as well as honorary doctorates from Université de Lyon and Kwansei Gakuin University. He also served a term as president of the Canadian Red Cross. He was made member of the Order