Who we are
DGL Collective celebrates the harmony of tradition and discovery. Growing up immersed in the vibrant culture of Greece and the dynamic energy of America, our founder, Despina Gianopulos Landers, cultivated a deep appreciation for heritage, craftsmanship, and the stories that connect us across time and place.
Guided by an insatiable curiosity and a keen eye for detail, Despina has built a life around seeking out the extraordinary—whether uncovering timeless treasures at high-end estate sales, curating unforgettable travel experiences, or creating meaningful connections through thoughtful hosting. Every piece, every moment, is chosen with intention, celebrating the beauty of what is rare and enduring.
At our core, we believe that life is enriched by the unique stories we encounter and the connections we create along the way. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind vintage find or an unforgettable journey, DGL Collective’s passion lies in curating moments that resonate, inspire, and endure.
OUR FOUNDER
Despina Gianopulos-Landers is a dynamic curator and visionary with over 25 years of experience across media, marketing, and creative ventures. A Greek-American fluent in French, Despina’s multicultural background and global perspective have shaped her ability to connect people, ideas, and experiences in meaningful and transformative ways.
Her professional journey began in magazine publishing, where she worked with iconic brands like Vanity Fair, Allure, and InStyle, managing marketing, events, and sponsorships that set new standards for creativity and collaboration. She later served as Vice President of Promotion for E! Networks, leading integrated campaigns and branding initiatives for prestigious events such as the Oscars, Cannes Film Festival, and New York Fashion Week.
Rooted in her Greek heritage, Despina is passionate about honoring tradition while embracing modern creativity. Her time spent in Greece has inspired her love for curating tailored travel experiences that celebrate the country’s rich culture, history, and beauty.
Fluent in Greek and captivated by the French language from a young age, Despina continued her studies at L’Université de Paris - La Sorbonne, deepening her connection to French culture. Years later, inspired by the French spirit, Despina and her husband ensured their daughter, Sophia, would be multilingual by enrolling her in the prestigious Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles.
As a parent at the school, Despina spearheaded the creation of its first parent organization, the Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles Parent Planning Committee. This initiative introduced strategic programs, special events, community service efforts, fundraising platforms, and communication tools across multiple campuses. Despina’s lifelong connection to France continues to inspire her work, drawing upon the country’s art, design, and timeless elegance.
Living between Los Angeles and Long Island’s North Fork with her husband, Jay Landers, and their daughter, Sophia, Despina brings her distinctive blend of creativity, cultural insight, and leadership to every project she undertakes.
OUR ETHOS
Our brand philosophy is deeply influenced by the Greek values of philótimo and philoxenía, timeless principles that shape the way we connect, create, and curate. Philótimo speaks to a profound sense of honor, generosity, and responsibility, while philoxenía represents a spirit of hospitality that extends beyond a warm welcome—it is about fostering true connection and care. These ideals are woven into everything we do, from the way we seek out rare treasures to the experiences we craft with intention and meaning.
Guided by these values, we approach our work with thoughtfulness and purpose. Whether curating rare vintage treasures, designing tailored travel experiences, or hosting gatherings that foster genuine connection, we strive to infuse each endeavor with intention and authenticity.
Our ethos is rooted in the belief that true fulfillment comes from giving—giving our time, care, and attention to the people and moments that matter most. These principles inspire us to seek out what is authentic, create experiences that resonate deeply, and cultivate a sense of belonging in everything we do.
“Nostalgia is delicate but potent”.
Don Draper, Mad Men
OUR TEAM
BELLA KARRAGIANNIDIS | CREATIVE DIRECTOR & BRAND MANAGER
After a chance meeting through a mutual social media connection, Despina and Bella quickly realized their collaboration was destined to build something extraordinary. Bella is the creative force and visionary behind the brand, seamlessly blending her expertise in photography, social media management, and creative direction to bring Despina’s vision for the collective to life.
With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, Bella has spent years capturing the essence of people, places, and moments through her artistry as a creative. Her experience as a creative director and social media strategist has helped shape dynamic, authentic brands, while her ability to craft compelling visuals and narratives continues to inspire and elevate the DGL Collective. Together, Despina and Bella have created a brand where connection, creativity, and elegance thrive.
WORK WITH DGL COLLECTIVE
TESTIMONIALS
“Despina stands out for her eidetic memory. She can recall dates, people, places, meals, and subtleties that others miss entirely. She can focus on details, and she can also see the big picture.
As her boss, I had complete confidence in Despina’s taste level and keen eye for quality.
She never compromises and she always aims for excellence. Give Despina a task and she will master it with confidence, grace, personality and panache. She’s one of the most capable and charismatic characters I know.”
KATHY LEVENTHAL - former Publisher Allure & Vanity Fair Magazines
“Despina Gianopulos Landers reported to me at two companies -- Condé Nast and E! Entertainment Television (now NBC Universal) -- in my function as head of marketing.
Despina served as a senior creative and promotions executive at both organizations.
Despina had an outstanding reputation in the media industry as a creative thinker, a smart strategist, a strong partner to clients and a tireless cheerleader.
No challenge or obstacle was too great -- Despina would always come up with a way to tackle the problem and bring a project to successful completion.
Despina distinguished herself by being a creative, conceptual ideas person who also would be eagle-eyed in execution.
You knew that no balls would be dropped if she was in charge.
I recommend Despina without hesitation, and I know that she will continue achieving success after success.”
STEPHEN CRONCOTA - former Chief Marketing Officer: Versace, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Television, Escada, E! Entertainment Television, Condé Nast
I met Despina when she co-hosted a Greek island retreat that I attended with some friends. For the months leading up to the trip, she was accommodating and organized, going out of her way to make sure everyone had a clear plan of travel from the U.S. to Greece.
While onsite, Despina was an incredible hostess and always took care of us. We were a group of 10 that she had gathered for the trip and despite the number, each attendee felt her personal touch. She would use her instincts to guide us through the days and pivot when she needed to change course. She has a keen attention to detail and made sure all of her guests were enjoying themselves.
On a personal level, Despina’s fun sense of humor and warm personality make her a delight to be with. As a fellow Greek American, it was a really special trip because we shared a deep connection to our homeland. Equally important, Despina has an incredible aesthetic and eye for design and she selected many stores and experiences that we all enjoyed. Whenever you’re with her, she's on top of her game.
FRANCINE O’KEEFFE - @francinevlantesokeeffe