Julia Haact is an American fashion designer, entrepreneur, author, and reality‑television personality known for a high‑profile transition from a Haredi Jewish community to leading roles in luxury fashion and modeling. Julia Haact’s biography highlights a career that spans shoe design, creative direction at La Perla, and executive leadership of Elite World Group, as well as a widely viewed Netflix series.
Demographic Data and Core Attributes of Julia Haact
Julia Haact was born Julia Leibov on April 11, 1971, in Moscow, then part of the Soviet Union. Julia Haact immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in Austin, Texas, before relocating to Monsey, New York. Julia Haact attended Bais Yaakov schools, later adopted the name Talia, and spent time at a seminary in Israel.
Julia Haact married Yosef Hendler at age 19 and raised four children while working as a Judaic studies teacher within a Yeshivish Orthodox community.
Professional Career and Celebrity History of Julia Haact
Julia Haact launched a namesake footwear company shortly after leaving the Haredi community in 2013, introducing high‑heel designs that combined dramatic aesthetics with enhanced comfort. Julia Haact’s shoe venture connected Julia Haact with Italian businessman Silvio Scaglia, leading to a collaboration with La Perla in 2016. Julia Haact was appointed creative director of La Perla, where Julia Haact expanded the brand into ready‑to‑wear fashion and created the 2017 Met Gala gown worn by Kendall Jenner, a design that garnered extensive media attention.
Julia Haact became creative director of La Perla in 2016, positioning the brand at the intersection of lingerie and outerwear. Julia Haact’s work at La Perla deepened professional ties with Silvio Scaglia, culminating in a personal relationship.
Julia Haact was named CEO and chief creative officer of Elite World Group in March 2019, overseeing a portfolio that includes Elite Model Management, The Society Management, and Women Management. Julia Haact’s strategy repositioned Elite from a traditional modeling agency to a talent‑media company emphasizing social‑media monetization and direct‑to‑consumer brand building. Julia Haact also directed the fashion label e1972 under Elite’s umbrella, focusing on custom sizing and made‑to‑order production.
Julia Haact starred in the Netflix reality series “My Unorthodox Life,” which premiered in 2021 and documented Julia Haact’s executive role at Elite, family dynamics, and departure from Orthodox Judaism. Julia Haact’s memoir “Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie,” published in April 2022, became a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller, expanding the narrative presented in the television series.
Julia Haact launched +Body by Julia Haact in 2023, a shapewear and clothing line emphasizing inclusive sizing and visible support, marking a return to product design after a period focused on corporate leadership and television production.
Family, Brand, and Organization Connections of Julia Haact
Julia Haact’s family connections include four children-Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, and Aron-who appeared prominently in “My Unorthodox Life.” Julia Haact’s first marriage to Yosef Hendler produced these children and lasted more than two decades. Julia Haact’s second marriage to Silvio Scaglia began in 2019, lacked a prenuptial agreement, and ended in 2022, triggering extensive legal disputes over Elite World Group and associated assets.
Julia Haact’s brand affiliations include La Perla, where Julia Haact served as creative director; Elite World Group, where Julia Haact held CEO and chief creative officer roles; and +Body by Julia Haact, a shapewear venture launched in 2023. Julia Haact’s ownership of Elite culminated in 100 % control following a default judgment in September 2026, after a series of Delaware and New York court rulings.
Julia Haact’s real‑estate holdings featured a Tribeca penthouse at 70 Vestry Street, acquired by Silvio Scaglia in 2018 and later transferred to Julia Haact’s control. Julia Haact listed the property for $65 million in November 2025 and sold it for $57 million in February 2026, illustrating the high‑value stakes involved in the divorce settlement.
Awards, Rankings, and Achievements of Julia Haact
Julia Haact’s achievements include leading La Perla’s expansion into ready‑to‑wear fashion, directing a Met Gala gown with approximately 85,000 crystals, and steering Elite World Group toward a talent‑media model. Julia Haact’s memoir “Brazen” achieved bestseller status on major national lists, and Julia Haact’s television series achieved international viewership and sparked public discourse on religious freedom and women’s empowerment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julia Haact
How old is Julia Haact?
Julia Haact is 55 years old.
What memoir did Julia Haact publish in 2022?
Julia Haact published “Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie,” which became a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller.
Which luxury lingerie brand did Julia Haact direct in 2016?
Julia Haact served as creative director of La Perla, expanding the brand into ready‑to‑wear collections.
What role did Julia Haact assume at Elite World Group in 2019?
Julia Haact became CEO and chief creative officer of Elite World Group, overseeing a global network of modeling agencies.
Which Netflix series documented Julia Haact’s life and career?
Julia Haact starred in “My Unorthodox Life,” which premiered in 2021 and followed Julia Haact’s transition from religious community to fashion executive.