What Was Max Azria's Net Worth?
Max Azria, a French fashion designer, had a net worth of $400 million at the time of his death. He was the visionary founder of the contemporary women's clothing brand BCBG MAX AZRIA. The name "BCBG" was derived from the French phrase "bon chic, bon genre," meaning "good style, good attitude." Max's brand was renowned for its diverse offerings, including separates, suiting, evening dresses, denim, footwear, eyewear, swimwear, and handbags.
In 2010, at his peak, Max Azria's net worth was $1.2 billion. His company, comprising 21 brands, generated annual revenue of $2 billion. Unfortunately, in his later years, the company faced significant challenges, and Max left the company in 2016. In 2017, the brand filed for bankruptcy and was acquired by Marquee Brands. Max Azria passed away on May 6, 2019, at the age of 70.
Main Brands Under BCBG
- BCBGMAXAZRIA: The flagship brand known for its ready-to-wear collections, including dresses, separates, and accessories for women.
- BCBGeneration: A more affordable line targeting younger customers with trendy and casual styles.
- Max Azria Atelier: The haute couture line featuring intricate designs showcased during fashion weeks.
- Hervé Léger: Acquired in 1998, famous for its iconic bandage dresses.
- Max Azria: A contemporary collection focusing on modern aesthetics.
- BCBG Max Azria Runway: Runway collections presented during New York Fashion Week.
- BCBGMAXAZRIA Bridal: A collection of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
(Photo by Joe Kohen/FilmMagic)
Early Life
Max Azria was born on January 1, 1949, in Sfax, French protectorate of Tunisia. He came from a Mizrahi Jewish and Sephardi Jewish background and had five older siblings. During his childhood, Max studied in southeastern France, and in 1963, his family relocated to Paris. His brother Serge founded women's clothing lines such as Current/Elliott, Joie, and Equipment.
Career
Max Azria spent 11 years designing women's apparel in Paris before moving to Los Angeles in 1981. He opened a series of women's apparel boutiques called Jess. In 1989, he launched BCBG Max Azria, gaining attention for offering affordable designer fashion. In 1996, the BCBG Max Azria Runway collection made its debut at New York Fashion Week. Max also introduced the ready-to-wear Max Azria collection and the couture Max Azria Atelier line, worn by celebrities like Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, and Sharon Stone. In 2009, Angelina Jolie wore his designs at the Critics Choice Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. In 2006, Azria's company acquired G+G Retail, which had operated the Rave and G+G brands.
Max continued to innovate and expand his influence in the fashion world. During the fall of 2008's New York Fashion Week, he produced three fashion shows: Max Azria, BCBG Max Azria Runway, and Hervé Léger by Max Azria. That year, he launched BCBGeneration, a young contemporary collection, and in 2009, he collaborated with Miley Cyrus on a line sold at Walmart. In 2016, Max left BCBG, and the company filed for bankruptcy the following year. He later became CEO of Clean Concept LLC in 2017, overseeing ZappLight, a bug zapper venture.
Beverly Hills Mansion
In 2005, Max purchased a 30,000-square-foot mansion in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, for $14.4 million. The Paul R. Williams-designed home, set on 2.8 acres, boasts 14 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms. Max invested an additional $30 million in renovations over the years.
In 2015, Max listed the mansion for $85 million, but it did not sell. His widow put it back on the market for as little as $55 million, and it was auctioned without a reserve price in 2024. Watch a video tour of the mansion below:
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Personal Life and Death
Max Azria had three children, Marine, Michael, and Joyce, with his first wife. He remarried in 1992, and with his second wife, Lubov, he had daughters Anais, Chloe, and Agnes. Lubov served as the Chief Creative Officer of BCBGMAXAZRIA Group, and Joyce became BCBGeneration's creative director in 2009. Max passed away from lung cancer on May 6, 2019, at the age of 70, in Houston.
Awards
Max Azria received numerous accolades throughout his career. He was named California Designer of the Year in 1995, Atlanta Designer of the Year in 1996, and Divine Design's Women's Designer of the Year in 1998. He won the Fashion Performance Award in 1997 and the Otis College of Art and Design's Fashion Achievement Award in 2000. In 1998, he was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The "Los Angeles Business Journal" listed BCBG in its "Top 50 Private Companies in Los Angeles" in 2000.
