In their Summer 2011 collection, Los Angeles-based handbag and accessory line Della is releasing a series of clutches in limited-edition fabrics that serve a two-fold purpose: amping your summer wardrobe and creating economic opportunity for those in need.


On a temporary visit to Ghana, designer Tina Tangalakis formed an unexpected bond with local seamstress Beatrice Agabe to create Della, a line of vegan bags that not only support the Ghanian economy but also offer education and jobs for local women.

Whereas accessories of any print are generally outsourced for production, Della employs local seamstresses in the village of Hohoe, Ghana to handcraft each individual bag. As incentive, the women are taught about micro-financing, savings development and entrepreneurship, which will hopefully lead to women starting their own businesses in the future. Della also finds and purchases authentic Ghanian locally, boosting the country's economy and further opening the door for future African businesswomen. The Summer 2011 collection's clutches are featured in three limited edition fabrics that were, as with the rest of the line, purchased and manufactured in the country.

Each clutch features a divided interior, built in sleeves, and a zippered change pocket - big enough to tote to work, yet small enough to carry to a party. Every Della product comes with a tag signed by the seamstress that made it, and each purchase allows for the addition of seamstresses to the entrepreneurial program in Ghana.

Accessories are so much chicer when they're bought for good! If you're interested in paying it forward and building a hotter summer collection, Della bags are available at retail outlets and online at dellala.com. The clutches are set to be released in May 2011.

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