The Marciano Brothers

Fashion Designers The Marciano brothers grew up in the South of France, a region which cultivated passionate understanding of French design and the essence of style. Inspired by an appreciation of the American West, the Marcianos combined their European sensibilities with a love of classic American tradition and created GUESS? Inc.

Buyers thought denim was finished, but in the minds of the Marciano brothers, instinct stood above reason. The 3-zip Marilyn jean was sexy -- a jean for those who wanted to make a statement and express their individual style and attitude. After much resistance, Bloomingdale's agreed to sell some two dozen pair of the Marilyn 3-zip jean as a favor to the Marciano brothers -- within hours, the entire stock sold out.

The GUESS? label was born in 1981 and would become one of today's most recognized and influential brand names. With a broad range of apparel and accessories for men, women and children as well as the home, the GUESS? collections fully enhance the essential quality of one's lifestyle.

Guess was founded by Georges, Armand, Paul, and Maurice Marciano , four brothers raised in Marseilles, France. They moved to California from France in 1977 and founded the company in 1981. GUESS? quickly infiltrated popular culture and became an icon of the generation. GUESS? created groundbreaking advertising campaigns featuring sexy, sultry models previously unknown in the industry, and turned them into superstars overnight. Models such as Claudia Schiffer, Carrè Otis, Eva Herzigova, Laetitia Casta, Carla Bruni, and Naomi Campbell launched their careers in the original GUESS?

GUESS?, Inc. has developed into a global lifestyle brand. While jeans remain the foundation of the company's history and success, GUESS? designs, markets and distributes its full collections of women's and men's apparel throughout the United States and Canada. The company has successfully granted licenses for the manufacture and distribution of many of its product categories, including kids & baby apparel, watches, footwear, belts, fragrance, jewelry, swimwear, handbags, small leather goods, eyewear, and leather apparel. GUESS? has licensees and distributors in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Maurice Marciano, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, is truly the driving force behind the company's spirit and commitment to superior quality. Maurice has overseen the company's design direction and growth from $6 million in sales in 1982 to some $600 million in 1996.

Paul Marciano, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, is acclaimed for defining and communicating GUESS? 's global image to the masses. Since 1982, Paul has successfully captured a message that is real, provocative, sensual and young. In addition to creating some of the most ground-breaking imagery in the history of advertising, he has introduced several famous faces and names to the fashion forefront including Carre' Otis, Claudia Schiffer, Laetitia Casta, Ellen Von Unwerth, Wayne Maser and many more.

Paul Marciano does not simply stop at advertising. His "hands on" involvement prevails throughout the Company. Paul has led GUESS? through international and licensing expansion and spearheaded commerce on http://www.guess.com/.

Armand Marciano, Senior Executive Vice President, is responsible for directing GUESS?'s successful and thriving retail and outlet store operations. In addition, Armand oversees real estate and construction development, manufacturing, distribution and customer service activities. Plans for the company's future include expanding the current global retail operation.

Georges Marciano, co-founder of GUESS?, is credited with naming the company and directing the original clothing line. Georges started his career in fashion designing men's silk neckties and relying on his three brothers to manufacture and market them. Georges' keen eye for fashion and limitless ideas combined with Maurice's business skills, Armand's retail knowledge and Paul's visual strength helped make GUESS? the powerhouse it is today. Georges left GUESS? in August of 1993, but he remains a vital part of the company's history.