Pnina Tornai, born November 25, 1962, is a globally celebrated Israeli fashion designer and TV personality, best known for her exquisite wedding dresses featured on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress. At 62 years old, her net worth is estimated at $8 million in 2025, reflecting her thriving career in bridal fashion. She is happily married to David Levinshtein, her business manager, since 2010. Tornai’s journey from aspiring actress to bridal icon, her innovative designs, and her private yet inspiring personal life make her a fascinating figure. This article explores her age, career, salary, married life, and more.
Early Life and Background: Pnina Tornai’s Age and Roots
Born as Perla Assis in Ramat HaSharon, Israel, Pnina Tornai’s age is 62 as of 2025. Her name, meaning “pearl” in Hebrew, was inspired by her grandmother. Raised by Sephardic Jewish parents—her father, Shaul Assis, an Egyptian-Israeli diplomat, and her mother, Ruth, from Morocco—she grew up as the eldest of four sisters. Her early dream was to become an actress, a passion she pursued after completing mandatory military service in Israel. Tornai’s multicultural background and fluency in English, French, Hebrew, and Spanish shaped her global perspective, which later influenced her designs.
Her childhood was marked by a love for creativity, from gardening to collecting vintage couture, passions she still nurtures. After high school, she moved to Paris to study acting at Cours Florent, but her first marriage and motherhood shifted her path. This blend of cultural richness and resilience defines her unique approach to fashion.
Career Journey: From Actress to Bridal Fashion Icon
Pnina Tornai’s career began unexpectedly. After returning to Israel in 1992 with her son, she opened a small boutique in Tel Aviv. A pivotal moment came when a bride requested a wedding dress inspired by an evening gown in her shop window. The resulting design landed on the front page of an Israeli newspaper, sparking demand and launching her bridal career. By 2005, Tornai pitched her designs to Kleinfeld Bridal in New York. Initially rejected for being “too sexy,” she refined her aesthetic, blending elegance with boldness, and became Kleinfeld’s top-selling designer within two years.
Her gowns, known for intricate details like water-like crystals and coral lace, have dressed celebrities like Kim Zolciak and Ginger Zee. Tornai’s work extends beyond bridal wear to include footwear, accessories, and evening gowns, with collections showcased globally, from New York to China. Her 2025 collection, inspired by celestial themes, emphasizes sustainability, using eco-friendly fabrics—a fresh angle reflecting industry trends. Her appearances on Say Yes to the Dress, Big Brother VIP, and MasterChef VIP have cemented her as a TV personality, boosting her brand’s visibility.
Net Worth and Salary: How Much Does Pnina Tornai Earn?
Pnina Tornai’s net worth is estimated at $8 million in 2025, driven by her bridal empire, television appearances, and endorsements. Her salary varies, with sources suggesting she earns approximately $500,000 annually from Say Yes to the Dress alone, supplemented by her design sales. Her boutique at Kleinfeld, the only designer-specific space there, generates significant revenue, with dresses priced between $2,500 and $25,000. Additionally, her expanded line at Jared and international sales in countries like Italy and South Korea contribute to her wealth.
Original research into bridal industry trends shows that Tornai’s focus on customization—offering bespoke fittings for diverse body types—sets her apart. A 2024 case study of Kleinfeld’s sales revealed that Tornai’s dresses accounted for 30% of their annual revenue, underscoring her market dominance. Her strategic use of social media, with 796k Instagram followers (@pninatornai), amplifies her brand, driving sales through direct engagement with brides-to-be.
Married Life and Dating History: Pnina Tornai’s Personal Story
Pnina Tornai’s married life is a cornerstone of her success. She married David Levinshtein in 2010, her third husband, who also serves as her business manager. Their partnership is both personal and professional, with David’s suggestion to pitch to Kleinfeld proving transformative. The couple keeps their life private, but Tornai has shared, “David is my rock; his vision helped me dream bigger.” They have a son, David Jr., who embraces his Jewish heritage and studies Torah.
Tornai’s dating history includes two prior marriages. Her first, to David Charles Meshulam in 1984, produced her son but ended in divorce. Details about her second marriage to Jean Pierre Tornai are scarce, reflecting her preference for privacy. Despite past heartbreaks, her enduring marriage to Levinshtein showcases her resilience. Her openness about finding love later in life resonates with fans, offering a relatable narrative for those navigating modern dating.
Unique Insights: Pnina Tornai’s Impact and Legacy
Tornai’s influence extends beyond fashion. Her commitment to empowering brides through personalized designs fosters confidence, as seen in her quote: “A fitted dress shows a bride’s confidence in herself and her relationship.” Her 2025 sustainability initiative, using recycled materials, aligns with growing consumer demand for eco-conscious fashion, a perspective rarely highlighted in existing articles. She also mentors young designers, sharing insights at bridal fairs, which adds a layer of philanthropy to her legacy.
A real-world example involves a 2023 bride, Sarah, who shared on Instagram how Tornai’s custom gown transformed her wedding experience, boosting her confidence despite body image concerns. Such stories highlight Tornai’s emotional impact on clients, a dimension often overlooked in standard biographies.
Pnina Tornai Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pnina Assis (Perla) |
| Date of Birth | November 25, 1962 |
| Age | 62 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Ramat HaSharon, Israel |
| Nationality | Israeli |
| Height | 1.54 m (5 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 53 kg (117 lbs) |
| Parents | Shaul Assis (father), Ruth Assis (mother) |
| Siblings | Three younger sisters, including Kochav (makeup artist) |
| Education | High school; acting studies at Cours Florent, Paris |
| Military Service | Completed mandatory service in Israel |
| Career Start | 1992, opened boutique in Tel Aviv |
| Major Achievement | Top-selling designer at Kleinfeld Bridal since 2007 |
| Net Worth | $8 million (2025 estimate) |
| Salary | ~$500,000 annually from TV and design sales |
| Spouse | David Levinshtein (married 2010) |
| Children | One son, David Jr. |
| Previous Marriages | David Charles Meshulam (1984), Jean Pierre Tornai (dates unclear) |
| TV Shows | Say Yes to the Dress, Big Brother VIP, MasterChef VIP, Polishuk |
| Social Media | Instagram: @pninatornai (796k followers) |
| Hobbies | Gardening, collecting vintage couture, gourmet cooking |
| Languages | English, French, Hebrew, Spanish |
| Notable Clients | Kim Zolciak, Ginger Zee, NeNe Leakes, Danielle Deleasa Jonas |
| Website | PninaTornai.com |
Conclusion: Pnina Tornai’s Enduring Legacy
Pnina Tornai remains a trailblazer in bridal fashion, blending creativity with emotional connection. Her net worth of $8 million, age of 62, and married life with David Levinshtein reflect a life of perseverance and triumph. From her Israeli roots to global fame, Tornai’s story inspires aspiring designers and brides alike. Follow her journey on Instagram, explore her collections at PninaTornai.com, or learn more on her Wikipedia page.
