Max Azria, an iconic designer whose influence shaped the fashion industry in the 1990s and 2000s, passed away at the age of 70 on Monday, May 6th in Houston, U.S. His wife, Lubov Azria, confirmed the sad news to the American press, signaling the end of an era for one of fashion’s most revered figures.
Originally from Tunisia, Max Azria relocated to Paris with his family at a tender age. It was in France where he embarked on his journey into the world of textiles, establishing a thriving fabric business in Paris alongside his brother, Serge Azria. The siblings eventually sold the business in 1981 and ventured to the United States, where Max Azria would go on to make a lasting impact as a designer.
In 1989, Azria introduced his high-end womenswear brand, BCBG Max Azria, which swiftly gained recognition and success in the industry. Over time, he further expanded his fashion portfolio by acquiring additional labels such as Hervé Leger, Dorotennis, and Manoukian. Despite encountering financial hurdles and later stepping down from his executive position within BCBG in 2016, Azria’s imprint on the fashion landscape remained indelible.
Subsequent to departing from the fashion realm, Max Azria delved into a new venture in the LED lightbulb sector, assuming an executive role at ZappLight. Despite his career shift, Azria’s legacy in the fashion sector will endure and be commemorated. His passing signifies the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in the annals of fashion history.
To learn more about the lasting impact of Max Azria in the fashion industry, you can visit the Vogue article and Harper’s Bazaar tribute.
