Julia Haart
Who is Julia Haart?
Julia Haart is a prominent American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and author, best known for her work as the former CEO and co-owner of Elite World Group (EWG). She gained additional fame as the star and director of the Netflix miniseries “My Unorthodox Life” (2021), which documents her journey from ultra-Orthodox Judaism to the fashion industry.
Previously, she was also the creative director of La Perla, where she met her second husband, Silvio Scaglia. Julia has also authored the memoir Brazen, which chronicles her departure from a restrictive community and rise to prominence in fashion and business.
Early Life & Education
Julia immigrated with her family from Russia to Austin, Texas, at age 3. Later, the family moved to Monsey, New York, to join a Haredi Jewish community. Her birth name is Talia Leibov.
She attended:
- A private school in Austin, Texas
- Bais Yaakov Academy in Brooklyn, New York
Career Highlights
Early Career and Teaching
- Julia began her professional journey as a Judaic Studies teacher at Yeshiva Atlanta under the name Talia Hendler.
- After leaving the Orthodox community in 2013, she rebranded herself as a fashion entrepreneur.
Fashion Designer
- Founded a luxury shoe brand, Julia Haart, which was distributed in 17 countries.
- Became creative director at La Perla in 2016, where she gained recognition for designing Kendall Jenner’s 2017 Met Gala dress.
Elite World Group
- Named CEO and CCO of Elite World Group in March 2019.
- Launched luxury brand e1972, which received critical acclaim.
- Co-founded Freedom Holding, the parent company of EWG.
- She was removed from her CEO role in February 2022 and replaced by Paolo Barbieri.
Relationship History
Marriage to Silvio Scaglia
Julia Haart married Silvio Scaglia, an Italian entrepreneur and billionaire, in June 2019. The couple met in 2015 when Julia was hired at La Perla, where Scaglia served as chairman. Their professional relationship soon blossomed into a romantic one.
However, their marriage was short-lived. In February 2022, Julia filed for divorce just hours after being dismissed as CEO of Elite World Group. Despite their separation, the couple had previously expressed public support for each other on social media.
First Marriage to Yosef Hendler
Julia was previously married to Yosef Hendler, whom she wed at the young age of 19. They were part of a strict ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. The couple had four children:
- Batsheva Haart – Influencer, married Binyamin “Ben” Weinstein in 2012; separated in 2021.
- Shlomo
- Miriam
- Aron
Her exit from her first marriage and the Haredi lifestyle is a central theme in her life story and in My Unorthodox Life.
“My Unorthodox Life” (Netflix, 2021)
Julia is best known to the general public through her Netflix docu-series, My Unorthodox Life, which debuted in July 2021. The show captures:
- Her transition from religious life to the secular fashion world
- Her work at Elite World Group
- Her role as a mother and businesswoman
- Family dynamics and social reintegration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Julia Haart famous for?
She is famous for her role as CEO of Elite World Group, her fashion designs, and her Netflix series My Unorthodox Life.
2. How many children does Julia Haart have?
She has four children: Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, and Aron.
3. Why did Julia Haart leave the Orthodox community?
She cited mental health struggles, lack of personal freedom, and desire for independence as her primary reasons for leaving the Haredi lifestyle.
4. Is Julia Haart divorced?
Yes, she filed for divorce from Silvio Scaglia in February 2022.
