By Fusionbase 
Julia Haart is a name that resonates across fashion, business, and reality TV. Known for her transformation from a member of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community to a bold entrepreneur and the star of Netflix’s hit series My Unorthodox Life, Haart has crafted a narrative of personal freedom, resilience, and reinvention. This article explores her early life, career milestones, public influence, controversies, and her lasting impact on modern culture.
Early Life and Background
From Orthodox Roots to Personal Liberation
Julia Haart was born in Moscow, Russia, in 1971 and moved with her family to the United States at the age of 3. Raised in a strict ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Monsey, New York, she lived within the confines of religious tradition for decades.
After years of feeling suppressed and creatively stifled, Julia made the life-changing decision to leave her community in her early 40s, taking her youngest daughter with her. This decision marked the beginning of her dramatic transition from housewife to entrepreneur.
Career in Fashion
Launch of Her Own Shoe Brand
In 2013, Julia launched her own shoe line, focusing on blending fashion with comfort—an innovative idea at the time. Her designs quickly gained traction for their elegance and wearability, catching the attention of luxury fashion insiders.
Creative Director at La Perla
In 2016, Julia Haart was appointed as the Creative Director of La Perla, a prestigious Italian lingerie brand. Her work included the design of Kendall Jenner’s iconic crystal-embellished dress at the 2017 Met Gala. During her tenure, she elevated the brand’s runway shows and emphasized body positivity and modern femininity.
CEO of Elite World Group
In 2019, Haart was named CEO of Elite World Group (EWG), a global talent media company. Under her leadership, she aimed to transform the modeling industry by focusing on models as brands. She launched initiatives to give models more control over their intellectual property and monetization.
Reality TV Fame: My Unorthodox Life
Netflix Series and Public Reaction
My Unorthodox Life, which premiered on Netflix in 2021, gave viewers a front-row seat to Julia’s new life as a businesswoman and mother balancing freedom and family. The show also follows her children, each carving their own paths outside the ultra-Orthodox framework.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
While the show was praised for spotlighting Julia’s empowerment journey, it also drew criticism for its portrayal of Orthodox Judaism. Some viewers, including those from modern Orthodox communities, argued the show painted an overly negative and generalized picture.
Personal Life and Family
Marriage and Children
Julia Haart was married to Yosef Hendler, with whom she shares four children: Batsheva, Miriam, Shlomo, and Aron. After leaving her first marriage, she later married Italian entrepreneur Silvio Scaglia, a relationship that has also drawn public interest and scrutiny.
Divorce and Legal Challenges
In 2022, Julia’s marriage to Scaglia ended, followed by a highly publicized legal battle involving her position at Elite World Group. The dispute centered on her ownership claims and her abrupt firing from the company.
Julia Haart’s Net Worth and Business Interests
While exact figures vary, Julia Haart’s net worth has been estimated to range between $500 million and $600 million at her peak during her time with EWG. However, legal conflicts and shifting business roles have likely affected her financial standing.
Public Influence and Cultural Impact
A Symbol of Reinvention and Female Empowerment
Julia Haart’s story has become emblematic of personal reinvention, especially for women leaving restrictive environments. She’s often invited to speak at events and conferences about empowerment, entrepreneurship, and authenticity.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite her success, Haart remains a controversial figure, especially within Jewish communities. Some see her as a misrepresentative critic, while others hail her as a brave truth-teller.
Books and Media Appearances
Julia released her memoir, Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie, in 2022. The book dives deeper into her upbringing, inner struggles, and rise in the fashion industry. She has also appeared on major platforms like The Today Show, Good Morning America, and in publications including Vogue, Forbes, and The New York Times.
Where Is Julia Haart Now?
As of 2025, Julia continues to work on empowering individuals through media, fashion, and digital content. Whether or not another season of My Unorthodox Life returns, her journey continues to spark dialogue around faith, freedom, and identity.
Conclusion: Why Julia Haart’s Story Matters
Julia Haart’s journey from Monsey to Milan, from mother to mogul, is a striking example of what it means to reclaim one’s identity. While her story is polarizing, it’s undeniably impactful. Through fashion, television, and personal storytelling, she has sparked meaningful conversations about autonomy, tradition, and transformation.
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