George de Mestral was a Swiss engineer and inventor, best known for creating the popular fastening material called Velcro. Born on June 19, 1907, he was inspired to develop this innovative product after observing how burrs stuck to his dog's fur during a walk in the woods. De Mestral patented Velcro in 1955, combining the French words "velours" (velvet) and "crochet" (hook). His invention revolutionized various industries, including fashion, aerospace, and automotive, by providing a simple and effective way to fasten items without the need for traditional buttons or zippers.