A family business that believes in innovation, DA.MI. awarded the winners of the competition based on the use of the Midjourney text-to-image AI algorithm. Many innovations at the fair, the result of 3D printing technology
The combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D printing technology is now real at DA.MI., a large family business based in Sant’Elpidio a Mare (Fermo) with a long-standing expertise in the production of shoe soles in different types of material. The sole factory, now led by second-generation CEO Elisabetta Pieragostini, firmly believes in sustainable innovation, a founding value in every aspect of its business, experienced as a commitment to safeguarding the environment and respecting people.
The competition announced at Lineapelle in the February 2023 edition endorsed this pledge: participants (over 70 including customers, model makers, stylists, designers) were invited to give their creative contribution in experimenting and developing innovative footwear prototypes through the use of the Midjourney platform. Midjourney is an artificial intelligence program that creates images from keywords. It is a text-to-image system developed by an independent research laboratory specializing in design, human infrastructure and artificial intelligence. The program allows you to generate original and artistic images, even imitating the style of some famous painters. To use Midjourney, simply write a description of what you want to view in a text field and wait for the program to generate the corresponding image.
The winners of the competition were selected based on the most extravagant type of shoe, yet easy to be produced: first place to Sofia Silvestri, second and third place respectively to Sangi Sneakers and Lorenzo Morelli. The three 3D printed prototypes were made by the company in TPU material and displayed at the September edition of Lineapelle. A result that shows not only the growing interest of fashion in the application of AI for footwear design, but also the ability of the sole factory to always cross new frontiers and make decisions oriented towards a more sustainable and efficient future, to create lasting value for all stakeholders.
The latest DA.MI. innovations presented at the fair are the fruit of Stratasys 3D technology. The new resin printer enriched the stand with proposals destined for the footwear sector but not only: inserts, fabrics, accessories, costume jewelry. Prototypes and 3D products are created without waste, with maximum material use and reduce delivery times. A method that allows complex shapes to be created with greater precision and reduced costs. Most importantly, without setting limits to the imagination.
Elisabetta Pieragostini, CEO of DA.MI., with Paolo Pallotta at the stand of the Marche-based company at Lineapelle
Fabrics and accessories made with 3D printing technology
Sofia Silvestri
The winning prototypes of the DA.MI. competition dedicated to AI, first place to Sofia Silvestri, second and third place respectively to Sangi Sneakers and Lorenzo Morelli
Sangi Sneakers
Lorenzo Morelli