Guess Bags Handbags & Shoes Company History

The Marciano brothers were raised in the south of France, a region that cultivated a passionate understanding of French design and the essence of style. Combining a love of the American West with a European sensibility they created GUESS handbags, Inc.

During the 1970s, clothing design had little or no direction. People felt denim was dated and jeans were hardly considered a fashion statement. The Marciano brothers would change that forever. Their designs were timeless, sensuous, strong and chic. The GUESS? approach was fresh and set the standard for the future of denim.

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 and Naomi Campbell launched their careers in the original GUESS? campaigns. Directed by the keen eye of Paul Marciano and shot by then unfamiliar photographers such as Wayne Maser and Neil Kirk, the GUESS? brand was brought to life from the deserts of the American West to the beaches of Rio and the streets of Paris.

Today, GUESS? is one of the most widely recognized brands in the world. Known for quality designer handbags trendsetting style, and creativity, the Company designs and markets a leading lifestyle collection of casual apparel and designer handbags for women.

GUESS? continues to be guided by two of the Marciano brothers: Maurice and Paul. Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Maurice Marciano, has overseen the Company's design direction and led its spirited and significant expansion since 1982. Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Paul Marciano, is credited with the vision behind the GUESS? image and is responsible for creating some of the most innovative and ground-breaking images in the history of advertising.

MAURICE MARCIANO
Maurice Marciano, Chairman and 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 $800 million in 2000.

Each category of merchandise reflects the same unique aesthetic that is the core of the GUESS? design philosophy. GUESS? is created to enhance the casual yet diverse lifestyles of its customers. Learn more about GUESS? and Maurice Marciano in the February, 2000 issue of Women's Wear Daily.

PAUL MARCIANO
Paul Marciano, Co-Chairman, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director, is credited with the vision that is the cornerstone of the GUESS? image - one that has created some of the most innovative and ground-breaking pictures in the history of advertising.

Truly a visionary, Paul has shaped the direction and the look of GUESS? advertising from its inception. With his unique eye for dramatic photography, he has created images that invite a voyeuristic and emotional response in the eyes of its viewers. Supported by bold, sensuous and captivating advertising images, GUESS? has received the industry's highest honors, including the Clio and Designers and Art Directors Awards, assuring its place in American pop culture.

GUESS?' successful global expansion may be attributed to Paul's lead role in overseeing the development of the domestic and international licensing and export businesses. Under his keen supervision, GUESS Handbags currently has some 30 licensees and is distributed in more than 35 countries.