In 1970, a relatively expensive new fabric came into being, and was soon being cut into tastefully stylish clothing. Vintage items of Ultrasuede so often date from the 1970s, when designers and the public took a liking to its consistency, drape (you can easily tie a bow of it), dye- and printability and easy care. The title of the 2010 film Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston pretty neatly summarizes the the amalgam of decade, fabric and one designer particularly fond of the material.
Trademarked in 1970 by Toray Industries, Ultrasuede is a nonwoven fabric resembling suede. It is made of polyester, non-fibrous urethane and synthetic resins. It is created in a process involving needle punching microfibers into a felt-like ground. It is stain-resistant, and machine washable.
A close up:
Halston allegedly saw Issey Miyake wearing Ultrasuede in Paris in 1971. To say he fell for it would be an understatement. In 1972, the master of elegant simplicity designed an Ultrasuede shirtdress, perhaps his greatest success, and it became an American sportswear icon.
Halston, his Halstonettes and a fair bit of Ultrasuede. Photo: Duane Michals/WWD
From The Museum at FIT:
From The MET:
Although it's quite printable, the fabric wasn't often shown printed, maybe because of its connection to suede.
I sold this early 70s printed Ultrasuede shirtdress (no label) some time ago:
When I was young, women spoke of this fabric with reverence. I remember it seemed about as costly as anything you could buy on a bolt. My mother made an Ultrasuede coat for herself in dusty blue. Although I didn't care for the fabric then, I kind of wish I had that coat now...
Trademarked in 1970 by Toray Industries, Ultrasuede is a nonwoven fabric resembling suede. It is made of polyester, non-fibrous urethane and synthetic resins. It is created in a process involving needle punching microfibers into a felt-like ground. It is stain-resistant, and machine washable.
A close up:
Halston allegedly saw Issey Miyake wearing Ultrasuede in Paris in 1971. To say he fell for it would be an understatement. In 1972, the master of elegant simplicity designed an Ultrasuede shirtdress, perhaps his greatest success, and it became an American sportswear icon.
Halston, his Halstonettes and a fair bit of Ultrasuede. Photo: Duane Michals/WWD
From The Museum at FIT:
From The MET:
Although it's quite printable, the fabric wasn't often shown printed, maybe because of its connection to suede.
I sold this early 70s printed Ultrasuede shirtdress (no label) some time ago:
When I was young, women spoke of this fabric with reverence. I remember it seemed about as costly as anything you could buy on a bolt. My mother made an Ultrasuede coat for herself in dusty blue. Although I didn't care for the fabric then, I kind of wish I had that coat now...
