| April |
The successful development of the “highest-end” synthetic leather material, code-named L-223, is announced. |
| July |
Ultrasuede® debuts in the fall/winter haute couture collections shown in Paris. Heralded as a new material for modern fashion, it creates a huge sensation in the Parisian fashion world. |
| November |
With the concept of creating a “new skin made for mankind,” Toray starts industrial production of Ultrasuede®. A “new suede fashion sale” launches at the Mitsukoshi department store in Tokyo. |
| December |
Toray receives the first overseas order for Ultrasuede® from Halston, then an obscure American designer. Subsequently, Halston becomes one of the iconic, superstar American designers. |
| May |
Issey Miyake includes Ultrasuede® in his '71 New York collection. Several top New York designers will later show Ultrasuede® in their collections for their '72 fall/winter collections.
Ultrasuede® becomes a recognized brand in the United States.
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| August |
Ultrasuede® is branded and launched as Ecsaine® in Japan. |
| April |
Toray receives the Science and Technology Award for Ultrasuede® from the Chemical Society of Japan. |
| June |
Toray receives the Technology Award from the Society of Fiber Science and Technology, Japan. |
| April |
Toray receives the executive director's award from the National Institute of Science and Technology. |
| March |
The luxury line Ecsaine® Royal is launched. |
| June |
Ultrasuede® receives the Prime Minister's Award from the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation. |
