The two main founders of the Guess brand are Maurice and Paul Marciano who were raised in the south of France. It was here that the brothers learnt and developed their passion for French design and the overall essence of what makes someone or a specific garment or accessory stylish. The brothers wanted to infuse that distinctive French style with an all American appeal thrown in with a hint of European sensibility and thus the Guess brand was born and reflected a combination of these three main fashion inspirations.

When Guess was launched in the early 1980s, denim wear had little if any place in fashion. People felt that denim was dated and jeans were definitely not regarded as a wardrobe staple or included in what was to be perceived as a fashionable outfit. The Marciano brothers, with their innovative and unique approach to fashion wanted to change that and embarked on designing a pair of jeans for ladies that would bring denim right back to the forefront of fashion. Their designs were timeless, sensuous, strong and chic and with a contemporary, fresh finish. Initially, retailers were sceptical about Guess and fashion buyers weren't interested in denim but the brothers' instincts and determination forced people to take note of their new denim creation which came in the form of the Marilyn jean. The 3-zip Marilyn jean was sleek and sexy, with a unique cut and a strong attitude. Bloomingdale's finally agreed to sell 24 pairs of the 3-zip Marilyn jeans but only as a favour to the brothers and as a way to stop them persisting in their pursuit to get them on the shelves! However, within hours, the entire stock was sold out, the shops and buyers had a change in attitude, and Guess quickly became the hot jeans brand to be seen wearing. 

Guess certainly became quite an iconic label of the 1980’s and part of the reason for this aside from the products was the use of original and cutting edge advertising campaigns which featured sexy, sultry models who were at that point, unknown in the fashion and modelling industry. Models such as Claudia Schiffer, Carrè Otis, Eva Herzigova, Laetitia Casta, Carla Bruni, and Naomi Campbell all launched their careers in the original Guess campaigns - directed by Paul Marciano and shot by then unfamiliar photographers such as Wayne Maser, Ellen Von Unwerth, and Neil Kirk. The Guess brand had come to life and had taken the world of fashion by storm.

With striking images that were new to audiences and an array of exciting products in the offering including further clothing, swimwear, perfume and accessories, the brand soon gained momentum and worldwide recognition.

The Guess brand is also very much involved in helping charitable causes and in 1994, The Guess Foundation was established which is dedicated to creating and encouraging positive change in the community. Contributing in a positive way to worthy causes and the environment is such an important element of Guess that was made part of the company’s mission statement and prompted the launch of the GUESS for E.V.E.R. Programme (Employees Volunteering Energy/Expertise & Resources). This programme involved Guess employees gathering supplies for victims of natural disasters, or purchasing toys for needy children. A further fundraising example initiated by Guess includes the ‘Time to Give’ Campaign whereby proceeds from a specific Guess watch launched in conjunction with the campaign would be donated to ‘Maison Chance’, a project dedicated to building a new school in Vietnam for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Guess watches are a core part of the Guess accessories collection and in keeping with the overall essence of the brand, are unique in style with a fun, sassy and sophisticated edge. With designs specifically for men and women, Guess watches are all about injecting an element of glitz and glamour into your look but in an elegant manner, allowing you to be as demure or overstated as you wish.

Striking diamante embellishments are often featured within the designs whether this being on the dial, bezel or strap but the overall style of the watch is never too elaborate and the desired effect is always statement but chic. Many Guess watches are classic and simple in the overall design and feature either leather straps (some with textured or patterned finishes), stainless steel or gold plated stainless steel straps but the brand likes to add a sense of fun into the watches and thus the logo is often boldly displayed in various forms on the dial or strap to keep the watches unique and instantly recognisable to Guess.

For men, Guess watches remain masculine, exuding a strong and confident style and often featuring three hand movement and sub dial chronographs. These are ideal for a smart daytime watch that stylishly transcends through to the perfect evening accessory.

In regards to the ladies watches, Guess has a wide array of watches to appeal to a variety of style preferences. There are some edgier and funky styled Guess watches for urban fashion fans whereas others are remarkably girly, feminine and highly trend inspired with the use of flirty candy coloured straps and dials. Some designs are incredibly demure and elegant with jewellery-like aesthetics, diamante embellishments and petite dials but still conveying the unique and bold Guess touch. Guess is consistently updating its collection of watches to keep up with seasonal trends but the brand is also highly regarded due to its ability to maintain a unique style which ultimately allows it to stand out from the crowd and remain timelessly fashionable.

Guess watches are a perfect representation of the brand’s original objective of drawing upon inspirations from a variety of style cultures and combining these to create something wonderfully striking, sexy, adventurous, glamorous and innovative.