While many companies are claiming to be "green" today, they may go no further towards saving the planet than simply using recycled polyester. But making the world a better place is Laga's very raison d'etre.

The Irvine-based handbag line was founded shortly after the December 2004 tsunami that racked Indonesia. Roy and Louise Van Broekhuizen not only felt a humanitarian need to help those affected by the disaster, they also had personal connections to the island nation: Roy was born there, as were Louise's parents.
 

They traveled to the Aceh province where they discovered handbags made for the local market. Although the quality was low, they could see the potential. Louise worked bo make the bags more viable for the US market while still retaining their ethnic motifs, and Laga, which means beautiful in the native tongue, was born.

To achieve their humanitarian goal of long-term sustainability for the people of Aceh, the Van Broeckhuizens opened a factory complete with a training program. There are currently 12 employees, and nearly 150 subcontractors.

The bags are made of a nylon and polyester blend that easily accommodates embroidery, Louise says. A polyurethane backing makes the bags water resistant.

Laga's sales force currently consists of 25 "consultants" who host Tupperware-style home parties. The bags are also carried at D'Arte Connection, which operates three retail locations in Downey, Huntington Park and El Segundo. Interested customers can also order them from the company's website, laga-handbags.com.

In August Laga began courting wholesale accounts by attending its first trade show, Accessories The Show, which is held in conjunction with MAGIC in Las Vegas. Proper sales reps and a showroom are on the horizon.  

Prices range from $25 for a cosmetic bag to $400 for a large travel bag.

Article by Christian Chensvold

Check out Laga on the Web! - laga-handbags.com