Julia Haart: The Rise of an American Fashion Designer Who Defied Expectations
From an Ultra-Orthodox Life to Fashion Mogul: How Julia Haart Became a Global Icon
Introduction
Julia Haart is a name that resonates in the fashion world for her immense talent, tenacity, and remarkable journey. Known for her transformation from an ultra-Orthodox wife and teacher to a renowned American fashion designer, Julia’s story is one of defying odds and embracing her true calling. After breaking free from the constraints of her religious community, Haart turned her passion for fashion into a flourishing career, ultimately becoming the CEO of one of the world’s most influential modeling agencies, Elite World Group (EWG). Her journey has inspired millions, and today, she stands as a powerful figure in both the fashion industry and as a champion of women’s rights and freedom.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Julia Haart (née Julia Leibov) |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 1971 |
| Age | 54 |
| Birthplace | Moscow, Soviet Union (now Russia) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5′5″ (1.65 m) |
| Spouse(s) | Yosef Hendler (first husband); Silvio Scaglia (second, divorced 2025) |
| Children | Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, Aron |
| Career | CEO of Elite World Group, fashion designer, entrepreneur |
| Notable Work | My Unorthodox Life (Netflix), Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie (memoir) |
| Net Worth | ~$600 million |
| Major Awards | Icon Award (2023), WIN Leadership Award (2024), 21 Leaders for the 21st Century (2022) |
| Business Ventures | Elite World Group, e1972 fashion line, La Perla (Creative Director) |
| Activism | Women’s empowerment, body positivity, freedom advocacy |
Personal & Biographical Details
Julia Haart was born on April 11, 1971, in Moscow, Soviet Union, and later emigrated to the United States with her family at a young age. Raised in a strict Orthodox Jewish community, Julia’s early life was defined by rigid expectations, but her ambition and creative spirit couldn’t be contained. As she grew older, Julia’s love for fashion and design began to flourish, and she decided to pursue a career in a world far removed from the one she had grown up in.
In her early adulthood, Julia married Yosef Hendler, a union that led to the birth of four children. However, the marriage didn’t last, and Julia’s life took a dramatic turn. Leaving her religious community behind, she redefined her path, forging a career in fashion design and ultimately becoming the creative powerhouse behind some of the most prestigious brands.
Today, Julia Haart’s story serves as a testament to courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams, regardless of the challenges or societal pressures one may face.
Family
Julia Haart’s family background played a pivotal role in shaping her values and work ethic. She is the eldest of eight siblings, though her relationship with her family became strained when she left the ultra-Orthodox community. She has remained close to her sister Hannah, who continues to maintain ties with her despite the familial divide.
Her personal life has also been marked by her two marriages. Her first marriage to Yosef Hendler brought her four children: Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, and Aron. Batsheva, one of her children, followed in her mother’s footsteps, becoming a public figure and influencer with a large social media following.
In 2019, Julia married Silvio Scaglia, an entrepreneur, but the marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce in 2025, following a legal battle over their shared business ventures. Despite the tumult, Julia’s focus remained on her career and activism, continuing to push boundaries in the world of fashion and beyond.
Career & Business Ventures
Julia Haart’s professional journey is nothing short of extraordinary. After leaving her strict Orthodox upbringing, Julia initially worked as an insurance saleswoman to support herself and fund her escape. Her foray into the fashion world began with the creation of her shoe line, focused on combining comfort and high-end fashion. This endeavor laid the foundation for what would become a successful career in the fashion industry.
In 2016, Julia was appointed the Creative Director of La Perla, a position that enabled her to redefine lingerie design and create designs for high-profile figures like Kendall Jenner. Her work at La Perla catapulted her into the international spotlight, and her reputation as a visionary designer was solidified.
In 2019, Julia Haart took a monumental step by joining Elite World Group (EWG), where she became CEO and Chief Creative Officer. Her leadership and innovative strategies helped EWG reimagine its role in the modeling industry, expanding the agency’s reach into digital platforms and social media. Additionally, in 2020, she launched her luxury fashion line e1972, a custom-made brand aimed at providing inclusive fashion to women of all sizes.
Career Highlights & Awards
Julia Haart’s career is marked by several major achievements. As a visionary, she not only revolutionized lingerie design but also set a new standard for fashion inclusivity. Her work at La Perla earned her recognition in the fashion industry, and she became known for her innovative use of lace and textile technology.
At Elite World Group, Julia’s leadership was pivotal in growing the agency and adapting it to the digital age. She spearheaded initiatives that allowed models to capitalize on their social media presence, monetizing their influence in ways never seen before in the industry.
Julia’s journey has not gone unnoticed. She has earned numerous accolades, including the Icon Award for Impact & Innovation at London Fashion Week in 2023, and she was named one of the “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” by The New York Times. Her work has inspired a generation of women who see her as a symbol of empowerment and resilience.
Net Worth & Earnings
Julia Haart’s net worth is a topic of much speculation. As of 2024, estimates place her wealth at around $600 million, though some sources suggest it could be as high as $1 billion. Her earnings primarily come from her ventures in the fashion industry, including her role at Elite World Group and her fashion line e1972. In addition to these, Julia has earned substantial income through her Netflix series, My Unorthodox Life, where her journey from Orthodox Judaism to the high-fashion world was documented.
Her salary is largely derived from her role at EWG and the success of her fashion lines, with additional income from brand collaborations, speaking engagements, and appearances. Julia’s career has not only made her a wealthiest figure in the fashion world but also a voice for women’s empowerment, cultural change, and personal freedom.
Latest News & Legal Developments
Julia Haart’s personal and professional life has also been marked by several legal developments. In 2024, she was involved in a legal battle with her ex-husband Silvio Scaglia over the ownership and control of their joint business ventures. Haart won a significant court ruling in 2025, which granted her 50% ownership of Elite World Group, as well as control of their $65 million penthouse in New York.
Her legal battle against fraudulent claims from her ex-husband made headlines, with Haart accusing Scaglia of misrepresentation in their business dealings. These legal wins have only served to bolster her position in the fashion and business world.
Media & Authorship
In addition to her impressive fashion career, Julia Haart has also become a media personality. Her reality series, My Unorthodox Life, premiered on Netflix in 2021 and quickly became a hit, attracting audiences globally. The show provided a raw, emotional insight into her life as she transitioned from a strict Orthodox Jewish community to a high-powered fashion mogul.
In 2022, Julia released her memoir, Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie, which became a bestseller and detailed her life story, struggles, and triumphs. This book cemented her place as a figurehead in the fight for personal freedom, especially for women in patriarchal societies.
Conclusion
Julia Haart’s story is a powerful example of how one woman can defy the odds and build an empire from the ground up. Through her remarkable career in fashion, her dedication to empowering women, and her unflinching pursuit of personal freedom, she has proven that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.
Her net worth, professional achievements, and public persona continue to inspire those who dare to dream beyond the constraints of their past. Whether in the boardroom or on the runway, Julia Haart remains a force to be reckoned with, an icon of strength, resilience, and success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Julia Haart known for?
Julia Haart is best known as a fashion designer and CEO of Elite World Group, where she revolutionized the modeling industry. She is also famous for her role in the Netflix series My Unorthodox Life, which chronicles her life’s journey from a religious Orthodox community to a global fashion mogul.
2. How did Julia Haart make her money?
Julia Haart made her money through various business ventures, including her luxury fashion line e1972, her work at Elite World Group, and her role in La Perla. She also earned significant income from her Netflix series and public appearances.
3. What is Julia Haart’s net worth?
Julia Haart’s net worth is estimated to be around $600 million, although estimates vary depending on the sources. Her wealth comes primarily from her fashion ventures, television appearances, and business deals.
4. Is Julia Haart married?
Julia Haart was married twice. She first married Yosef Hendler, and later married Silvio Scaglia in 2019. However, she divorced Scaglia in 2025 after a public legal battle.
5. What is Julia Haart’s mission?
Julia Haart’s mission is to empower women by promoting inclusivity, self-expression, and personal freedom. She advocates for women’s rights, particularly in the fashion industry, and uses her platform to inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of their past or societal constraints.
