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Max Azria

Max Azria (January 1, 1949 – May 6, 2019) was a Tunisian-born American fashion designer renowned for founding the Max Azria Group in 1989, a global apparel brand that brought accessible, French-inspired contemporary women's clothing to a wide audience through its emphasis on "" – a phrase denoting stylish elegance and attitude. Born in , , to a Sephardic Jewish family as the youngest of six children, Azria relocated with his family to at age 13, where he pursued acting in theater before transitioning to at 18 by launching a knitwear line. In 1981, he immigrated to the , settling in to open the boutique Jessé, which specialized in French-inspired and quickly expanded into wholesale distribution. Azria's BCBG brand debuted with a focus on sophisticated yet affordable pieces, growing rapidly to include over 500 stores worldwide and achieving approximately $1 billion in annual sales by the mid-2000s; the company went public on the in 1993 and later acquired the label in 1998, revitalizing its signature under Azria's vision. He married three times, with his third wife, , joining as creative director in 1998 and collaborating on high-end lines like Max Azria Atelier, which debuted at in 2008 and earned widespread acclaim for innovative draping and couture techniques. Under Azria's leadership, Max Azria Group became a of ' fashion industry, employing thousands and influencing mass-market trends with its blend of European flair and American accessibility, though the company faced challenges leading to and sale in 2017. Azria, who also designed under his own name and for other labels, succumbed to at a Houston hospital at age 70, leaving a legacy as a self-made who democratized high .

Early life

Childhood in Tunisia

Max Azria was born on January 1, 1949, in , , to a Sephardic Jewish family of Tunisian descent. He was the youngest of six children, growing up in a traditional Jewish household amid the cultural vibrancy of post-colonial . In , a bustling city known for its markets and Mediterranean routes, young Azria experienced the lively of local souks, where vibrant fabrics and diverse influences converged. This environment provided formative glimpses into global fashion elements, blending North African patterns with European imports. The Tunisian-Jewish heritage of his family profoundly shaped Azria's worldview, instilling values of resilience and creativity amid a community navigating identity in a changing . These roots later manifested in his designs, as seen in collections like the 2015 Resort line, which drew direct inspiration from Tunisia's architectural motifs, embroidered florals, and graphic caftans reflective of his native landscape. This cultural foundation contributed to Azria's signature aesthetic, merging accessible elegance with subtle nods to Mediterranean heritage.

Relocation to France

In 1963, at the age of 14, Max Azria and his Sephardic Jewish family relocated from , , to , , amid the of many Jewish families from following the country's . Upon arriving in as a teenager, Azria quickly adapted to his new surroundings by immersing himself in the city's vibrant culture. He briefly pursued theater studies but soon shifted focus to the world of work. Around age 15, he dropped out of school, forgoing formal to enter the workforce and support his family. Azria's family was involved in the garment trade, managing an apparel manufacturing business in . His early employment in Paris's garment district involved assisting in his parents' knitwear manufacturing business and selling imported American jeans on the streets. These hands-on roles exposed him to the intricacies of apparel production and sales, fostering a deep passion for that would define his future career.

Career

Early design work in Europe

Max Azria entered the Paris fashion scene in 1970, where he began designing a line of contemporary women's wear. Over the next decade, he manufactured various lines of affordable women's clothing in , drawing inspiration from the city's signature and sophisticated style. In the early 1970s, Azria managed his family's apparel manufacturing business, overseeing operations that included selling American-imported jeans and producing garments across , with activities spanning locations like and . By the late 1970s, following his father's death, Azria returned to France to handle family affairs, continuing to build expertise in production, sales, and merchandising through these independent ventures. Some of his manufactured lines were exported to the , reflecting his growing interest in the American market. Azria's work in from 1970 to 1981 emphasized accessible designs that captured French elegance for everyday wear, establishing a foundation for his later international success. In 1981, he immigrated to , motivated by the expanding opportunities in the U.S. fashion industry.

Founding and growth of Max Azria

Upon arriving in in , Max Azria launched , a chain of retail boutiques specializing in French-inspired women's apparel that introduced European to the American market. This venture marked his initial foray into the U.S. fashion scene, building on his prior experience designing clothing in and establishing a foundation for accessible, stylish womenswear. In 1989, Azria founded BCBG Max Azria, naming the brand after the French phrase "bon chic, bon genre," which translates to "good style, good attitude" and evokes an effortless Parisian elegance. The company debuted with a focus on collections featuring feminine silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and moderate pricing, aiming to make high-fashion elements available to a broader . The company went public on the in 1993. The first BCBG Max Azria boutique opened in in 1993, signaling the brand's shift from multi-brand retail to a dedicated . The brand experienced rapid expansion throughout the and , growing from a single to over 550 locations worldwide by 2006, with outposts in major cities including , , and . By the late , annual revenues had surpassed $1 billion, driven by wholesale partnerships, international licensing, and a growing network of stores that emphasized Azria's philosophy of democratizing luxury through versatile, feminine designs. This growth was bolstered by key accolades, including the California Designer of the Year award in 1995 and the Performance Award in 1997, which recognized Azria's innovative approach to blending sophistication with wearability.

Expansion to other brands

In 1998, BCBG Max Azria acquired a majority interest in the house , marking the first time an American company had taken ownership of a couturier. This move allowed Azria to integrate the label's renowned craftsmanship into his growing empire, initially focusing on enhancing its global distribution through BCBG's established networks. Under Azria's direction, experienced a significant revival in the mid-2000s, particularly through the reemphasis on its signature bandage dresses—form-fitting, knitted pieces that sculpted the body and became synonymous with the brand's modern identity. Building on this foundation, Azria expanded his personal vision with the launch of Max Azria Atelier in 2004, a couture collection of custom gowns and eveningwear designed for high-profile occasions. The line debuted during , showcasing intricate detailing and luxurious fabrics that appealed to celebrities and red-carpet events, thereby elevating Azria's profile in the luxury segment. This initiative complemented the core offerings by introducing a more artisanal, made-to-order approach while maintaining Azria's signature blend of sophistication and wearability. To broaden market reach, Azria targeted younger audiences with the introduction of BCBGeneration in 2008, a youthful contemporary line derived from merging existing BCBG sub-brands like BCBGirls and To the Max. Aimed at women aged 20 to 30, it featured edgier, accessible styles such as denim and casual separates, reflecting a casual extension of BCBG's "bon chic, bon genre" philosophy. The following year, in 2009, Azria partnered with Miley Cyrus to create the Miley Cyrus & Max Azria collection for Walmart, an affordable junior line that included graphic tees, pants, shoes, and accessories priced below $20, making his designs available to a mass-market audience. By the , these efforts had transformed the Max Azria Group into a multifaceted overseeing more than 20 brands, spanning various price points and demographics from to . Azria remained at the helm as CEO and chief designer, guiding the portfolio's creative direction and ensuring cohesive expansion across womenswear, accessories, and international retail.

Later business ventures

In August 2016, after 27 years leading the company he founded in 1989, Max Azria stepped down as CEO of BCBG Max Azria Group LLC amid ongoing efforts, during which he also relinquished his majority equity stake. The company faced mounting financial pressures, culminating in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on March 1, 2017, with reported debts exceeding $270 million against assets of about $160 million. To emerge from bankruptcy, BCBG Max Azria reached an agreement in June 2017 to sell substantially all of its assets, including and operations, to a led by LLC for approximately $106 million and Global Brands Group for $27.4 million, allowing the brands to continue under new ownership focused on licensing and . Following his departure from the fashion industry, Azria pivoted to technology entrepreneurship, joining Clean Concept LLC as CEO and partner on May 31, 2017, to lead ZappLight, a startup developing the world's first 2-in-1 LED light bulb integrated with a designed to combat mosquito-borne diseases like Zika. ZappLight products, already available at retailers such as and , aimed to address challenges by attracting and eliminating insects without chemicals, with manufacturing based in . In reflecting on his transition, Azria emphasized parallels between and , stating, "Though and are inherently different, they increasingly intersect as both are centered on pushing the boundaries of great and in inspiring and delighting consumers." He expressed for expanding ZappLight's innovative approach to a worldwide audience, noting his intent "to grow ZappLight into a global brand, adopted in homes everywhere to prevent virus-carrying insects," thereby extending his legacy of accessible, impactful beyond apparel.

Personal life

Family and marriages

Max Azria's first marriage to Gislaine Azria took place in the 1970s and produced three children: Michael John Azria, Joyce Azria, and Marine Azria. In 1992, Azria married , his second wife and a Ukrainian-born whom he had hired as an assistant at his company the previous year; the couple wed on July 11 after a brief . Lubov Azria later became chief creative officer at Max Azria Group and co-designed collections with her husband, contributing significantly to the brand's creative direction starting in 1996. Azria and Lubov had three daughters together: , Anais, and Agnes Azria. In total, Azria was the father of six children, with Lubov serving as to his three children from his first . Several of his children became involved in the family business; for instance, Joyce Azria joined BCBG Max Azria as a , eventually rising to of the BCBGeneration line and providing early input on store locations and designs. Azria's first family played a supportive role in his career transitions, including his move from to the in the . Lubov collaborated closely on expansion after their . The family also maintained Jewish traditions, rooted in Azria's Sephardic heritage from ; he observed a modern weekly at home, fostering spiritual values that influenced his children, such as Joyce Azria's later embrace of .

Residences and lifestyle

Azria spent much of his early career residing in , where his family had relocated from in 1963. Upon immigrating to the in 1981, he settled in and began with modest apartments while establishing his initial business ventures, including a multi-brand concept. Later in his career, Azria and his family made their primary residence a sprawling 30,000-square-foot mansion in the exclusive Holmby Hills neighborhood of , originally designed by architect in the 1930s and extensively renovated by the couple for $30 million. The estate, known as Maison du Soleil, featured 17 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms, a , , , and wine cellar across three acres, and was listed for sale at $88 million in 2014; it was relisted multiple times and auctioned in 2024. The family, including his wife Lubov and their children, shared this opulent home, which reflected their global influences through eclectic design elements. Azria maintained a rigorous centered on his work, often dedicating 12-hour days to and operations alongside his wife. He prioritized time within their shared residence and drew inspiration for his collections from extensive international travel, incorporating diverse cultural motifs into Max Azria's aesthetic. As part of his personal commitments, Azria supported Jewish causes reflective of his Sephardic heritage, including observance of traditions.

Death and legacy

Final years and illness

Max Azria was diagnosed with . He sought treatment at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in , , where he spent his final months. His wife, , and their six children provided support during this period. Azria died on May 6, 2019, at the age of 70, from complications related to . His family confirmed the news but requested privacy, declining to share further details about his illness or . A private attended only by family members was held shortly thereafter.

Impact on fashion industry

Max Azria's brand pioneered accessible luxury in the by translating French-inspired elegance into mass-market womenswear, offering sophisticated designs at prices around $500 rather than $1,000, which democratized high fashion for a broader audience long before the rise of the "contemporary" category. This approach positioned as one of the original labels to make designer aesthetics attainable, blending glamour with wearability and influencing the shift toward inclusive pricing in . Azria's acquisition and revival of in the late 1990s revitalized the as a defining trend in body-conscious fashion, emphasizing sculpted silhouettes that became staples on red carpets and runways, while his collaboration with wife as fostered innovative collections that merged sensuality with modern tailoring. He served as a life mentor to Lubov, guiding her evolution from designer to and enabling the brand's expansion into lifestyle propositions. Azria's accolades, including Designer of the Year in 1996 and the Fashion Achievement Award in 2000, underscored his contributions to innovation and performance in the industry. Following Azria's death in 2019, his brands experienced revivals under new ownership by , which appointed creative directors and partnered with and JS Group in 2024 to relaunch and through expanded licensing, retail, and digital strategies aimed at millennial and Gen Z consumers. These efforts continued into 2025 with the release of new collections, highlighting his as an immigrant success story—from his Tunisian roots to building a global empire—that continues to inspire recognition in history for bridging European couture with American accessibility.

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