Julia Haart is a name that has become synonymous with transformation, both personally and professionally. From growing up in a strict ultra-Orthodox Jewish community to becoming a global fashion mogul and reality TV star, Haart’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and reinvention. She is a true example of how one can break free from societal constraints and reinvent themselves in the face of adversity.
Early Life: A Strict Upbringing in the Ultra-Orthodox Community
Julia Haart was born in Moscow, Russia, on April 11, 1971. Her family immigrated to the United States when she was young, settling in Monsey, New York, a town known for its large ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Raised in a strict household, Julia’s life was dictated by the rigid norms and practices of her religious upbringing. Women in this community were expected to adhere to modest dress codes, follow traditional roles, and live a life centered around religion and family.
As a young girl, Julia felt constrained by the limitations placed on her. Despite her love for art and fashion, she was expected to focus on religious studies and adhere to the conservative values of her community. However, Julia’s creativity and passion for fashion could not be suppressed, and she secretly began to sketch and design clothes. Her desire to break free from the constraints of her community grew as she got older, though it wasn’t until much later that she would find the courage to change her life completely.
The Turning Point: Leaving the Ultra-Orthodox World
At the age of 42, Julia Haart made the life-altering decision to leave the ultra-Orthodox community. This decision wasn’t easy; it meant leaving behind everything she had known—her family, her friends, and the only life she had ever experienced. But Julia was determined to find a life where she could express herself fully and pursue her passion for fashion.
After leaving the community in 2013, Julia set out to reinvent herself. She moved to New York City and began exploring career opportunities outside of the confines of her upbringing. She started selling life insurance, a job that allowed her to financially support herself while she built her new life. But Julia Haarttrue passion was always fashion, and she quickly began to pursue this dream.
Fashion Career: A Bold Leap Into the Industry
Julia Haart first major step into the fashion world was launching her own shoe collection. Her designs were unique, focusing on comfort and elegance by using innovative materials, such as gel technology originally developed by NASA. Her shoes were not only fashionable but also practical, catering to women who desired both style and comfort.
Her shoe collection quickly gained recognition, and within nine months of leaving her ultra-Orthodox life, Julia was showing her designs at Paris Fashion Week. This was just the beginning of her rapid rise in the fashion world.
In 2016, Julia was appointed Creative Director of La Perla, the prestigious Italian lingerie brand. Her creative vision for La Perla revolutionized the brand, and she successfully combined luxury with modern sensuality. Julia Haart work at La Perla brought a fresh, contemporary approach to the brand, and she was praised for her ability to blend elegance with empowerment.
Elite World Group: Leading a Global Talent Agency
In 2019, Julia Haart took on the role of CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Elite World Group (EWG), a global talent and modeling agency. EWG represents some of the most prominent models and influencers worldwide, and Julia’s leadership helped position the company as more than just a talent agency—it became a global platform for creativity, brand development, and digital content.
Under Julia’s guidance, EWG expanded its focus beyond traditional modeling to include digital influencers, entrepreneurs, and content creators. She was instrumental in making the agency more inclusive, highlighting diverse talent and empowering women to take control of their careers. Julia’s vision was to create a multi-dimensional platform where talent could thrive not only in modeling but in a variety of creative fields.
+Body by Julia Haart: Empowering Women Through Fashion
In 2023, Julia launched +Body by Julia Haart, a fashion brand aimed at promoting body positivity and inclusivity. The brand focuses on shapewear and apparel designed to embrace all body types, making women feel confident and empowered in their own skin. The collection features innovative designs that combine comfort with style, ensuring that every woman feels represented and valued.
+Body by Julia Haart is more than just a clothing line—it’s a movement. Julia believes that fashion should be a tool for self-expression, confidence, and empowerment. Her brand promotes the idea that every woman deserves to feel beautiful and comfortable, no matter their size or shape.
My Unorthodox Life: A Reality TV Star
Julia Haart’s personal story of transformation became the focus of the Netflix reality series My Unorthodox Life, which premiered in 2021. The show chronicles Julia’s journey as she leaves the ultra-Orthodox community and builds a new life as a fashion mogul and entrepreneur. The series offers a glimpse into her personal life, including her relationship with her four children and the challenges she faces as she navigates the cultural shift from religious restrictions to secular freedom.
The show has garnered both praise and controversy, particularly from those in the ultra-Orthodox community who feel that Julia’s departure from their way of life is a betrayal. However, Julia has always emphasized that her decision to leave was about finding her true self and embracing freedom.
Memoir: Brazen – The Story of Reinvention
In 2022, Julia published her memoir, Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie. The book chronicles her personal journey, from her strict religious upbringing to her rise as a global fashion leader. It offers a candid look at her struggles, triumphs, and the process of reinventing herself in the face of adversity.
Brazen has been widely praised for its honesty and vulnerability, shedding light on the challenges Julia faced in breaking free from the constraints of her past and finding success in the fashion world. It’s a story of resilience, self‑discovery, and the power of personal transformation.
Personal Life and Family
Julia Haart has been married twice. She was first married to Yosef Hendler, with whom she has four children: Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, and Aron. Her children have appeared on My Unorthodox Life and have been part of her journey of reinvention. While Julia’s departure from the ultra-Orthodox community was difficult for some of her family members, she has maintained strong relationships with her children.
In 2019, Julia married Silvio Scaglia, an Italian entrepreneur, and together they had a shared vision for their business ventures. Their relationship has been featured on the reality show, and Julia has spoken about the challenges they faced together. The couple eventually divorced, which was also covered on My Unorthodox Life.
Legacy and Influence
Julia Haart’s legacy is one of empowerment, reinvention, and defying societal expectations. Her journey from a strict ultra-Orthodox upbringing to becoming a leading fashion executive is a testament to her resilience and drive. Through her work, Julia has become an inspiration to many women who seek to redefine their lives and break free from restrictive norms.
Her impact is not just seen in the fashion industry but also in the way she has encouraged self-expression and confidence for people of all backgrounds. Through +Body by Julia Haart, her memoir, and her reality show, Julia continues to empower women and challenge traditional ideals of beauty and success.
Conclusion
Julia Haart’s story is one of remarkable transformation. From a woman constrained by an ultra-Orthodox lifestyle to becoming a fashion mogul, media personality, and inspirational figure, Julia’s life shows that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Her influence on the fashion world, her dedication to empowering women, and her journey of self‑discovery make her a true icon of modern reinvention.
Her work continues to inspire those who feel confined by tradition or societal expectations, proving that personal growth and empowerment are achievable at any stage in life. Julia Haart’s legacy is a testament to the power of breaking free, embracing freedom, and living authentically.
