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.
“In this world, there are those rare individuals who listen intently, share their expertise, and forge connections that enrich lives. And then, there is Despina, the lifelong collector of beautiful things, the effortlessly gracious host, the seasoned European traveler who’s fluent in French and Greek and who knows where to go, what to do, and how to get things done.
When you meet Despina, you quickly realize that while she treasures all that is classic, such as dinner parties with French porcelain and crystal and English silver, her aesthetic is also firmly rooted in the contemporary notion of laid-back luxury. More importantly, she is invested in you, customizing experiences from shopping at her home to getaway retreats based on your passions.
After years of working together, watching her plan and flawlessly pull off enormous Hollywood parties, we have enjoyed a friendship in which we have scoured estate sales and enjoyed holidays meals together- although I have yet to face her on the pickleball court. With Des, strangers are friends she hasn’t made yet, and friends become family.
When I recently told her I was visiting Greece for the first time, she said “I’m so happy you’re going to my homeland.” Many texts later, I not only had a long list of recommendations but an introduction to a fabulous and knowledgeable professional guide who took me on a tour of the Acropolis. Despina’s instincts about what would make my virgin voyage memorable were so spot-on that I was able to see not only the historic landmarks, but also to visit off-the-tourist-track places where I discovered the Greek warmth and hospitality that Despina truly embodies.
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WORKING WITH DESPINA
“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
“NOSTALGIA IS DELICATE BUT POTENT.”
DANIELLE “BELLA” LAUREN | 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.
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
