Brazen

My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie

By: Julia Haart

Narrated by: Julia Haart

The Sunday Times bestseller.

From the star of Netflix's My Unorthodox Life, a riveting, inspiring memoir. Julia Haart tells the story of her extraordinary journey, from leaving an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community to becoming one of the most influential people in fashion.

Ever since she was a child, every aspect of Julia Haart's life—what she wore, what she ate, what she thought—was controlled by the orders of ultra-Orthodox Judaism. At 19, after a lifetime spent caring for her seven younger siblings, she was married off to a man she barely knew. For the next 24 years, he would rule her life.

Eventually, when her youngest daughter, Miriam, started to question why she wasn't allowed to sing, run or ride a bike, Julia reached her breaking point. She knew that if she didn't find a way to leave, her daughters would be forced into the same unending servitude.

So Julia created a double life. When no one was looking, she'd sneak looks at fashion magazines and sketch designs for the clothes she dreamed about wearing in the world beyond her Orthodox suburb. In the ultra-Orthodox world, clothing has one purpose: to cover the body from head to toe. Giving any thought to your appearance beyond that is considered sinful, an affront to God. She started clandestinely selling life insurance to save her 'freedom' money. At the age of 42, she finally mustered the courage to leave.

Within a week, Julia started a shoe brand, and within nine months she was in Paris for fashion week. A year later, she became creative director of La Perla, the world-leading lingerie brand. And now, she is the co-owner and CEO of Elite World Group and one of the most powerful people in the fashion industry.

Propulsive and unforgettable, Julia's story is the journey from the world of 'no' to the world of 'yes'. She is an inspiration for women everywhere to find their freedom, their purpose and their voice.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Julia Haart (P)2022 Octopus Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"Julia lives her life with an exhilarating fervour that's contagious to anyone lucky enough to be around her. Never willing to accept the status quo, time and again she has fought for her place in the world and demanded her seat at the table. I'm incredibly inspired by her stories, which are always told with honesty and heart. This book is a must-read!" (Coco Rocha)

"Julia Haart is a hustler. Her story is an inspiring, believe-in-your-dreams, never-give-up, anything-in-life-is-possible story of hope. Run, don't walk, to get this book!" (Lisa Rinna)

Very entertaining and captivating book

Very entertaining and captivating book with lots to learn about fundamentalism. I didn’t know the details about fundamentalist judaism and it was fascinating and horrifying to learn. Her journey from birth up until La Perla is everything from heart breaking to victorious and will keep you wanting to listen.