Julia Haart: From Ultra-Orthodox Life to Fashion Powerhouse and Global TV Personality

Bio Table

CategoryDetails
Full NameJulia Haart (born Yulia Leibov)
Date of BirthApril 11, 1971
Age54 years (as of 2025)
BirthplaceMoscow, Soviet Union (now Russia)
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionsFashion designer, entrepreneur, author, reality TV star
Known ForNetflix show “My Unorthodox Life”
Former RolesCreative Director at La Perla, CEO/CCO of Elite World Group
Brands Founded+Body by Julia Haart (shapewear and clothing brand)
Marital StatusDivorced; formerly married to Silvio Scaglia
ChildrenFour children
Book“Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie”

Introduction

Julia Haart is one of the most talked-about figures in modern fashion and entertainment. Known for her dramatic transformation from a strict ultra-Orthodox Jewish upbringing to becoming a global fashion executive and Netflix reality star, her story represents courage, reinvention, and the pursuit of freedom.
Through her fashion brands, leadership roles, and the hit series My Unorthodox Life, Julia has become a symbol of empowerment for women worldwide.

Early Life and Strict Upbringing

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Julia Haart was born as Yulia Leibov in April 1971 in Moscow. At age three, her family immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Monsey, New York—an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.

Her upbringing was defined by:

  • Strict religious rules
  • Traditional gender roles
  • Modesty laws
  • Limited exposure to the outside world

For decades, Julia lived according to these strict community expectations. She attended conservative Jewish schools and later became a teacher herself.
Despite appearing outwardly compliant, she always felt restricted creatively and personally. She also worked secretly selling life insurance to save money for her eventual escape from the community.

Breaking Away and Reinventing Herself

In 2013, after years of internal struggle, Julia made the bold choice to leave the ultra-Orthodox world. She changed her name from Yulia Leibov to Julia Haart and began building a life entirely on her own terms.

Her reinvention was not gradual — it was powerful and immediate:

  • She left her marriage
  • She pursued fashion full-time
  • She embraced independence and self-expression
  • She focused on empowering other women who felt trapped by restrictive expectations

This personal transformation later became the foundation of her memoir and Netflix series.

Career in Fashion

Launching Her First Brand

Julia’s fashion journey began with her own footwear line. She aimed to create high-heels that were stylish yet comfortable, using innovative gel technology originally developed for astronauts.

Creative Director at La Perla

In 2016, Julia was appointed the Creative Director of renowned luxury lingerie brand La Perla.
During her time there, she:

  • Designed runway collections
  • Modernized the brand’s aesthetic
  • Created iconic pieces, including a crystallized dress worn by Kendall Jenner

Her work elevated La Perla’s global visibility and reshaped its design vision.

CEO of Elite World Group

In 2019, Julia took the role of CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Elite World Group, one of the world’s largest talent and modeling networks.
She reimagined models not just as fashion icons, but as global brands with digital influence. Her leadership played a major role in transforming the company’s business model toward the creator economy.

+Body by Julia Haart

After parting ways with Elite World Group, Julia launched +Body, a shapewear and women’s clothing line centered on inclusivity, comfort, and body positivity.

My Unorthodox Life – Netflix Fame

In 2021, Julia became the star and executive producer of the Netflix reality series My Unorthodox Life.
The show follows:

  • Her life after leaving her ultra-Orthodox community
  • Her journey in the fashion industry
  • Her role as CEO
  • Her relationships with her children
  • Her personal growth and modern lifestyle

The series received widespread attention for its bold portrayal of independence, empowerment, and the complexities of religious upbringing.

Personal Life

Julia has four children, all of whom appear in her Netflix series.
She married Italian entrepreneur Silvio Scaglia in 2019, but the marriage ended in a highly publicized divorce that included business disputes and legal battles.
Despite these challenges, Julia continues to advocate for women’s independence and self-determination.

Books and Writing

Julia is also the author of “Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie” (2022).
The memoir details:

  • Her childhood in a restrictive community
  • Her emotional journey toward freedom
  • Her rise in the fashion world
  • Her mission to empower women

The book became a bestseller and further cemented Julia’s role as an inspirational figure.

Legacy and Impact

Julia Haart’s story resonates around the world because it is more than a career journey — it is a story of transformation and courage.
Her influence can be seen in:

  • Conversations about religious freedom
  • Women’s empowerment
  • Body positivity
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Fashion innovation
  • Breaking traditional stereotypes

She continues to inspire millions who feel confined by societal expectations and challenges them to redefine life on their own terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why did Julia Haart leave the ultra-Orthodox community?
She left because she felt restricted creatively, emotionally, and personally, seeking freedom and self-expression.

Q2. What is Julia Haart’s Netflix show about?
My Unorthodox Life showcases her life, family, fashion career, and dramatic reinvention.

Q3. What companies has she worked for?
She led Elite World Group and was Creative Director at La Perla. She also founded +Body by Julia Haart.

Q4. How many children does she have?
Julia has four children.

Q5. What is her book called?
Her memoir is titled Brazen: My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie.

Conclusion

Julia Haart’s journey from a conservative religious world to becoming a global fashion and media figure is extraordinary. Her life represents resilience, creativity, risk-taking, and self-empowerment.
Through her brands, her leadership roles, and her storytelling, she continues to challenge norms and motivate people to choose freedom and authenticity.

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