At the time of his death in 2019, Max Azria had an estimated net worth of $400 million, built through his global fashion empire and decades of influence in contemporary womenswear.
At his peak around 2010, Azria’s fortune was significantly higher—reportedly reaching $1.2 billion—as his company generated roughly $2 billion in annual revenue across a wide portfolio of brands.
| Max Azria Net Worth | $400 Million |
| Date of Birth | Jan 1, 1949 – May 6, 2019 |
| Place of Birth | Sfax |
Building a Fashion Empire
Azria is best known as the founder of BCBG Max Azria, a label he launched in 1989. The name “BCBG” comes from the French phrase bon chic, bon genre, meaning “good style, good attitude.”
The brand became synonymous with accessible luxury, offering a wide range of products including:
- Ready-to-wear clothing
- Evening gowns and couture
- Accessories, handbags, and footwear
- Swimwear and eyewear
Over time, Azria expanded his business into a multi-brand empire, which included:
- BCBGMAXAZRIA (flagship line)
- BCBGeneration (younger, trend-focused line)
- Max Azria Atelier (high-end couture)
- Hervé Léger (famous for bandage dresses, acquired in 1998)
His designs were worn by celebrities such as Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, Sharon Stone, and Angelina Jolie, helping cement his reputation on red carpets worldwide.
Career Growth
Before moving to the United States, Azria spent over a decade designing fashion in Paris. In 1981, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he opened a chain of boutiques called “Jess,” laying the foundation for his future success.
By the mid-1990s, his brand had become a staple at New York Fashion Week, further elevating its global profile. He later diversified into multiple collections and collaborations, including a mass-market line with Miley Cyrus in 2009.
Financial Decline
Despite its earlier dominance, the BCBG brand struggled in the mid-2010s amid shifting retail trends and mounting financial pressures. Azria stepped down from the company in 2016, and in 2017, it filed for bankruptcy.
The brand was later acquired by Marquee Brands, marking the end of Azria’s direct involvement in the company he built.
Real Estate
A significant portion of Azria’s wealth was tied to real estate. In 2005, he purchased a massive Holmby Hills estate in Los Angeles for $14.4 million and reportedly spent an additional $30 million on renovations.
The mansion, designed by renowned architect Paul R. Williams, became one of the most notable luxury properties associated with the designer.
Early Life
Max Azria was born in Sfax, Tunisia, in 1949, and later moved to France, where he spent much of his early life. He began his fashion career in Paris before eventually relocating to the United States to pursue greater opportunities.
Personal Life and Death
Azria was married twice and had six children. His second wife, Lubov Azria, played a key role in the business as chief creative officer of the BCBGMAXAZRIA Group.
He passed away on May 6, 2019, at the age of 70 after battling lung cancer.
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