Net Worth Ranker
What Was Max Azria’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on May 6, 2019, Max Azria, the French fashion designer and founder of BCBG MAX AZRIA, had a net worth of $400 million. This figure reflects the culmination of his career in the fashion industry, which saw both remarkable success and significant financial challenges in his later years.
The Rise and Fall of a Fashion Empire and Max Azria’s Net Worth
Born on January 1, 1949, in Sfax, Tunisia, Max Azria’s journey to becoming a fashion mogul began with early exposure to the apparel industry. In 1963, his family relocated to Paris, where he spent 11 years designing women’s clothing. This experience laid the foundation for his eventual move to Los Angeles in 1981, where he opened a series of boutiques called Jess. These boutiques served as a testing ground for his design concepts and retail strategies.
In 1989, Max Azria launched BCBG MAX AZRIA, a design house that aimed to offer designer fashion at more accessible price points. The name “BCBG” is derived from the French phrase “bon chic, bon genre,” signifying “good style, good attitude.” The brand quickly gained popularity, filling a niche in the market for stylish yet affordable clothing. By 1996, BCBG Max Azria was featured at New York Fashion Week, marking a significant milestone in its rise to prominence.
Azria expanded his fashion empire by launching additional collections, including the ready-to-wear line Max Azria and the couture collection Max Azria Atelier. Celebrities such as Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, and Sharon Stone wore Max Azria Atelier gowns on the red carpet, further elevating the brand’s profile. In 1998, he acquired the fashion house Hervé Léger, known for its iconic bandage dresses, and relaunched the label with his own designs nearly a decade later. The acquisition of G+G Retail in 2006, which had previously operated the Rave and G+G brands, also expanded his retail footprint.
At its peak, around 2010, Max Azria’s net worth reached an estimated $1.2 billion. The BCBG MAX AZRIA Group comprised 21 brands and generated annual revenue of $2 billion. The main brands under the BCBG umbrella included: BCBGMAXAZRIA which was the flagship brand, BCBGeneration which was targeted to a younger audience, Max Azria Atelier the haute couture line, Hervé Léger which was famous for its bandage dresses, Max Azria which had focus on modern and clean aesthetics, BCBG Max Azria Runway and BCBGMAXAZRIA Bridal.
However, the company faced financial difficulties in its later years. In 2016, Max Azria left BCBG, and in 2017, the brand filed for bankruptcy. The company was eventually acquired by Marquee Brands. This decline significantly impacted Max Azria’s net worth, reducing it from its peak of $1.2 billion to $400 million at the time of his death.
Real Estate and Other Ventures
Beyond his fashion ventures, Max Azria invested in real estate. In 2005, he purchased a 30,000-square-foot mansion in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, for $14.4 million. This Paul R. Williams-designed home, situated on 2.8 acres, features 14 bedrooms and 25 bathrooms. Azria invested an additional $30 million in renovations, adding amenities and customizing the space to his taste. In 2015, he listed the property for $85 million but was unable to find a buyer. His widow later offered the home for as little as $55 million and eventually put it up for auction in 2024 with no reserve price. The fluctuations in the value of this property reflect the changes in Azria’s overall financial standing.
Following his departure from BCBG, Max Azria became the CEO of ZappLight and its parent company, Clean Concept LLC, in May 2017. This venture marked a shift from fashion to technology, focusing on developing bug zappers. He expressed enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “Though fashion and technology are inherently different, they increasingly intersect as both are centered on pushing the boundaries of great design and in inspiring and delighting consumers.” This venture, while outside the fashion industry, contributed to his overall financial portfolio.
Personal Life, Family, and Recognition
Max Azria’s personal life was closely intertwined with his professional career. He had three children—Marine, Michael, and Joyce—from his first marriage. In 1992, he remarried Lubov, who served as the Chief Creative Officer of BCBGMAXAZRIA Group. Together, they had three daughters: Anais, Chloe, and Agnes. Joyce also contributed to the family business, becoming the creative director of BCBGeneration in 2009. The involvement of his family in his fashion ventures underscores the personal investment and dedication that characterized his career.
Azria received several 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 also 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. These awards recognize his contributions to the fashion industry and his influence on design trends.
Max Azria’s net worth of $400 million at the time of his death represents the culmination of a career marked by innovation, expansion, and, ultimately, financial challenges. His legacy as a fashion designer and entrepreneur remains significant, despite the fluctuations in his financial standing. The story of BCBG MAX AZRIA and its founder serves as a case study in the complexities of the fashion industry and the factors that can influence both success and decline.
