Max Azria Targets Zika Crisis With New Side Hustle

Max Azria is the Tunisian fashion designer behind the contemporary women’s clothing brand BCBGMAXAZRIA. As the designer, chairman and CEO of the BCBG Max Azria Group, he oversees a global fashion house that encompasses over 20 brands. Make that 21 brands.

In an unexpected side gig, Azria has added ZappLight, billed as “the world’s first 2-in-1 LED light bulb and bug zapper,” to his stable of brands. He is not only CEO of the brand but also CEO and partner at parent company Clean Concept LLC, which developed the product.

In light of the global Zika crisis, Azria says ZappLight is on a mission to solve the world’s mosquito problem with a smart, safe alternative.

While he’s used to buzz (and flashing lightbulbs) of a different kind, Azria is leveraging years of building business empires like BCBG to the task.

“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,” he stated in a press release.

“I am thrilled to be part of this new and exciting venture to grow ZappLight into a global brand, adopted in homes everywhere to prevent virus-carrying insects.”

It’s simple to use—the smart device’s blue LED bulb attracts mosquitoes and other insects into a bug-zapping grid that covers 500 sq. ft of space. The entire grid uses only 1W of electricity, while the light itself uses 9W – and both can be used independently. There are no chemicals, no sprays and no fumes with ZappLight, and it’s safe and easy to clean.

Paul Van Kleef and Robert McFarlane founded Clean Concept and ZappLight in February 2016. Van Kleef serves as CMO while McFarlane is VP Sales and Marketing.

With HQ in Los Angeles, the company has an office and factory in China, while several million ZappLight units have been sold in more than two dozen countries. Now the hope is that Azria can turbo-charge ZappLight’s growth and make mosquitoes passé.

Find out more in the videos below:

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