Julia Haart, born April 11, 1971, is an American fashion designer, entrepreneur, and author whose extraordinary journey from a strictly observant Haredi Jewish community to the heights of the global fashion industry has captivated audiences worldwide. Previously known under several names, including Yulia Leibov and Talia Hendler, Haart reinvented herself entirely after making the life-altering decision in 2013 to leave her ultra-Orthodox community, a story she later brought to the screen as the subject and executive producer of the Netflix miniseries My Unorthodox Life. Her narrative of personal liberation and professional ambition has made her a prominent voice on issues of autonomy, faith, and female empowerment.
Haart's professional career is marked by a series of bold ventures. She is the founder of Body by Julia, a body-positive and technologically advanced shapewear brand that has garnered attention for its innovative approach to comfort and inclusivity. Prior to this, she made significant inroads in luxury fashion, owning a namesake shoe collection and serving as the creative director at the prestigious Italian house La Perla, where she helped redefine the brand's modern aesthetic. Her business acumen culminated in her role as co-owner of Freedom Holding, formerly Pacific Global Management Group, a powerful holding company that controls Elite World Group, one of the largest modeling and talent management agencies in the world. Through this position, she has wielded considerable influence over the fashion and entertainment industries.
Beyond her commercial endeavors, Haart has dedicated herself to advocacy and public service. She serves on the Emerge America Creative Coalition, the ERA Coalition Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors for the Association for Foreign Press Correspondents USA. Her work frequently intersects with her personal story, as she uses her platform to discuss the importance of choice and self-determination. The release of My Unorthodox Life thrust her into the global spotlight, sparking widespread conversation and debate about her past and her family's dynamics. While the series was met with both acclaim and criticism, it solidified her status as a polarizing yet undeniably influential figure. Today, Julia Haart continues to build her business empire, champion progressive causes, and author her own narrative, remaining a powerful symbol of reinvention and resilience in the modern era.