Gian Ludovico Dini, born in 1901, was a chemist who came originally from Camaiore (Tuscany). The textile business was unknown to Dini, who had worked in a Como printing office after graduating at the University of Bologna. He learned of a knitting mill with an excellent tradition which was going through a difficult period of business: it was Maglificio Dacò, located in a small town just outside Varese.

On March 4th, 1957 the factory re-started business thanks to Gian Ludovico Dini. The mill's name was not changed, as to underline the continuity and the intention not to sever the link with the past.

Gian Ludovico had two sons: Paolo, the elder, and Claudio, who later became an architect in Milan. Paolo Dini finished his military service in the early 60's when his father declared that Paolo was ready to become an ambassador of the company and travel around Italy visiting customers and rebuilding the commercial network.

In 1966 the old "Maglificio Dacò" company was renamed, yet retaining its heritage. The new business was then named Dama S.p.A that is the synthesis of Dacò-Masnago. Masnago near Varese is the location of the mill and the point from which, on clear days, you look out on the stupendous panorama of the lake watched over in the distance by Monte Rosa.

Everything was made inside the factory: from the yarn to even the boxes where the garments were packed. These garments were mostly fancy pullovers, considered of high quality because the Dama brand had excellent references and was the distinguishing mark of a long industrial history. Paolo Dini proved to be also creative as he was assiduously present at the tables on which the "Maestras" get the weft ready for pullover and jackets.

In 1971 Paolo Dini decided to continue to supply the wholesalers and at the same time to cooperate with famous international designers such as Christian Dior and Balenciaga. The garments coming out from the Masnago factory contributed to enrich the collections of the big names in the world of fashion. This was the early '70s.

During a journey in Maine, the American state where the love for the sea is a religion, Paolo Dini happened to find himself in a small sail makers' yard, where his eyes fell on a old job sail used on board the clippers at the end of the 18th century. On the little sail were the words: Paul&Shark. An unusual, mysterious and fascinating duet: Paul-Paolo and the shark, almost a sign sent by destiny. The brand gives an idea of vigour, grace, speed, and adventure.