GUESS INC ET AL/CA/
S-1/A, 1996-08-01
WOMEN'S, MISSES', CHILDREN'S & INFANTS' UNDERGARMENTS
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<PAGE>
   
     AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON AUGUST 1, 1996
    
 
                                                       REGISTRATION NO. 333-4419
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
   
                                AMENDMENT NO. 5
                                       TO
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
    
                            ------------------------
                                 GUESS ?, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                          <C>                          <C>
         DELAWARE                       2345                      95-3679695
      (State or other             (Primary Standard            (I.R.S. Employer
      jurisdiction of                Industrial             Identification Number)
     incorporation or        Classification Code Number)
       organization)
</TABLE>
 
                           1444 SOUTH ALAMEDA STREET
                         LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90021
                                 (213) 765-3100
         (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
            area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                               ROGER A. WILLIAMS
                            CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
                                 GUESS ?, INC.
                           1444 SOUTH ALAMEDA STREET
                         LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90021
                                 (213) 765-3100
           (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)
                           --------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
           William H. Hinman, Jr., Esq.                            Gregg A. Noel, Esq.
               Shearman & Sterling                                Jeffrey H. Cohen, Esq.
              555 California Street                        Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
       San Francisco, California 94104-1522                 300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 3400
                                                              Los Angeles, California 90071
</TABLE>
 
                           --------------------------
 
   APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
                                    PUBLIC:
  AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
                           --------------------------
 
    If  any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to  Rule 415 under the Securities Act  of
1933, check the following box. / /
 
    If  this Form  is filed  to register  additional securities  for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration statement  number  of  the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
 
    If  this Form  is a post-effective  amendment filed pursuant  to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act,  check the following box  and list the Securities  Act
registration  statement number  of the earlier  effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected  to be made pursuant to Rule  434,
please check the following box. / /
                           --------------------------
 
    THE  REGISTRANT HEREBY  AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION  STATEMENT ON  SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A  FURTHER  AMENDMENT  WHICH SPECIFICALLY  STATES  THAT  THIS  REGISTRATION
STATEMENT  SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN  ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT  OF 1933,  AS AMENDED,  OR UNTIL  THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT
SHALL  BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS  THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                 GUESS ?, INC.
                             CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
                   PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  ITEM
 NUMBER                           ITEM                                        LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- ---------  --------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>                                                 <C>
    1.     Forepart of the Registration Statement and Outside
            Front Cover Page of Prospectus...................  Facing  Page;  Cross-Reference Sheet;  Outside Front
                                                                Cover Page of Prospectus
    2.     Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
            Prospectus.......................................  Inside Front  Cover Page  of Prospectus;  Additional
                                                                Information;  Table of Contents; Outside Back Cover
                                                                Page of Prospectus
    3.     Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of
            Earnings to Fixed Charges........................  Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
    4.     Use of Proceeds...................................  Prospectus Summary; Use of Proceeds
    5.     Determination of Offering Price...................  Underwriting
    6.     Dilution..........................................  Dilution
    7.     Selling Security Holders..........................  Not Applicable
    8.     Plan of Distribution..............................  Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Underwriting
    9.     Description of Securities to Be Registered........  Outside Front Cover  Page of Prospectus;  Prospectus
                                                                Summary; Description of Capital Stock
   10.     Interests of Named Experts and Counsel............  Not Applicable
   11.     Information with Respect to Registrant............  Prospectus  Summary; Risk  Factors; Company History,
                                                                the Reorganization and Prior S Corporation  Status;
                                                                Dividend Policy; Capitalization; Selected Financial
                                                                Data;    Selected   Pro   Forma   Financial   Data;
                                                                Management's Discussion and  Analysis of  Financial
                                                                Condition  and  Results  of  Operations;  Business;
                                                                Management;   Certain    Transactions;    Principal
                                                                Stockholders;  Shares  Eligible  for  Future  Sale;
                                                                Description of Capital Stock; Financial Statements
   12.     Disclosure of Commission Position on
            Indemnification for Securities Act
            Liabilities......................................  Not Applicable
</TABLE>
 
                            ------------------------
 
    This Registration Statement contains two forms of prospectus: one to be used
in connection  with an  offering in  the  United States  and Canada  (the  "U.S.
Prospectus")  and one  to be  used in a  concurrent offering  outside the United
States and Canada (the "International Prospectus"). The U.S. Prospectus and  the
International  Prospectus will be identical in all respects except for the front
and back cover  pages and  the "Underwriting"  section. The  U.S. Prospectus  is
included  herein and is followed by those  pages to be used in the International
Prospectus which differ from those in the U.S. Prospectus. Each of the pages for
the International Prospectus  included herein has  been labeled "Alternate  Page
for International Prospectus."
<PAGE>
Information   contained  herein  is  subject   to  completion  or  amendment.  A
registration statement  relating to  these securities  has been  filed with  the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission. These securities  may not be  sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior  to the time the registration statement  becomes
effective.  This  prospectus  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these  securities
in  any state in which such offer,  solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
<PAGE>
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
   
                  PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 1, 1996
    
PROSPECTUS
                                9,200,000 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                               ------------------
 
    Of the 9,200,000  shares of Common  Stock of Guess  ?, Inc. offered  hereby,
7,360,000  shares are initially being offered in the United States and Canada by
the U.S. Underwriters and 1,840,000  shares are initially being offered  outside
the  United States and Canada by  the International Managers. The initial public
offering price and the aggregate  underwriting discount per share are  identical
for each of the Offerings. See "Underwriting."
 
    Prior  to the  Offerings, there  has been  no public  market for  the Common
Stock. It is  currently estimated  that the  initial public  offering price  per
share  of Common  Stock will be  between $21  and $23. See  "Underwriting" for a
discussion of the  factors to be  considered in determining  the initial  public
offering price of the Common Stock.
 
    The  Common  Stock has  been  approved for  listing  on the  New  York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "GES," subject to official notice of issuance.
 
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE  7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN  FACTORS
THAT  SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY.
                             ---------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES  HAVE  NOT  BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY  THE  SECURITIES
 AND   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY   STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION,  NOR  HAS
  THE  SECURITIES   AND   EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR   ANY   STATE   SECURITIES
    COMMISSION    PASSED   UPON   THE   ACCURACY   OR   ADEQUACY   OF   THIS
      PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          PRICE TO         UNDERWRITING        PROCEEDS TO
                                           PUBLIC          DISCOUNT (1)        COMPANY (2)
<S>                                   <C>                <C>                <C>
Per Share...........................          $                  $                  $
Total (3)...........................          $                  $                  $
</TABLE>
 
   
(1) The Company and certain Principal Stockholders have agreed to indemnify  the
    several   Underwriters  against   certain  liabilities,   including  certain
    liabilities  under   the   Securities  Act   of   1933,  as   amended.   See
    "Underwriting."
    
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated to be $1,750,000.
(3)  The  Company has  granted to  the U.S.  Underwriters and  the International
    Managers options,  exercisable  within  30  days  after  the  date  of  this
    Prospectus,  to purchase up to an additional 1,104,000 and 276,000 shares of
    Common Stock, respectively, to  cover over-allotments, if  any. If all  such
    additional  shares are  purchased, the  total Price  to Public, Underwriting
    Discount and Proceeds to Company will be $         , $       and $         ,
    respectively. See "Underwriting."
                            ------------------------
 
    The  shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as  and if issued to and  accepted by them, and subject  to
the  approval  of certain  legal  matters by  counsel  for the  Underwriters and
certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel
or modify such offer and  to reject orders in whole  or in part. It is  expected
that  delivery of the shares of Common Stock  will be made in New York, New York
on or about            , 1996.
 
                            ------------------------
 
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.  MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                            INCORPORATED
                       ----------------------------------
               The date of this Prospectus is            , 1996.
<PAGE>
                                   [PICTURES]
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
    THE  FOLLOWING SUMMARY  IS QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY  THE MORE DETAILED
INFORMATION AND  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  (INCLUDING THE  NOTES THERETO)  APPEARING
ELSEWHERE  IN THIS  PROSPECTUS. UNLESS OTHERWISE  NOTED, ALL  COMMON STOCK SHARE
AMOUNTS, PER SHARE DATA AND OTHER  INFORMATION SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS  (I)
HAVE  BEEN ADJUSTED TO REFLECT A 32.66 FOR 1 STOCK SPLIT, WHICH WILL BE EFFECTED
PRIOR TO CONSUMMATION OF THE OFFERINGS,  AND (II) ASSUME THAT THE  UNDERWRITERS'
OVER-ALLOTMENT  OPTIONS  HAVE NOT  BEEN EXERCISED.  UNLESS THE  CONTEXT REQUIRES
OTHERWISE, THE "COMPANY" OR "GUESS," AS USED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, MEANS GUESS  ?,
INC.  AND GUESS? EUROPE, B.V., A  NETHERLANDS CORPORATION ("GEBV"), GUESS ITALIA
S.R.L., AN ITALIAN CORPORATION ("GUESS  ITALIA," AND TOGETHER WITH GEBV,  "GUESS
EUROPE"),  AND  RANCHE  LIMITED, A  HONG  KONG CORPORATION  ("RANCHE"  OR "GUESS
ASIA"), EACH OF WHICH IS A CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY OF GUESS ?, INC.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
    Guess ?, Inc. (the  "Company" or "Guess"), founded  in 1981 by the  Marciano
brothers,  designs, markets, distributes and licenses one of the world's leading
lifestyle collections  of  casual  apparel,  accessories  and  related  consumer
products. The Company's apparel for men and women is inspired by an appreciation
of  the American lifestyle combined with a  European flair and is marketed under
the trademarks  GUESS,  GUESS  U.S.A.,  GUESS? AND  TRIANGLE  DESIGN  and  GUESS
COLLECTION.  The lines  include full collections  of denim  and cotton clothing,
including jeans,  pants, overalls,  skirts,  dresses, shorts,  blouses,  shirts,
jackets  and  knitwear.  In  addition,  the  Company  has  granted  licenses  to
manufacture and  distribute  a  broad  range of  products  that  complement  the
Company's  apparel lines, including watches,  clothing for infants and children,
eyewear, footwear, activewear, home products and other fashion accessories.  The
Company's  product  quality combined  with  captivating advertising  images have
created a global brand  franchise with products  that appeal to  style-conscious
consumers  across a  broad spectrum of  ages. The Company  generates net revenue
from wholesale and retail operations  and licensing activities, which  accounted
for  56%, 35% and 9%, respectively, of  net revenue in 1995. The Company's total
net revenue in 1995 was $486.7 million and pro forma net earnings (as  described
herein) were $43.3 million.
 
    The  Company  achieves  premium  pricing  for  its  products  by emphasizing
superior styling and quality.  The Company maintains  rigorous control over  the
quality of its products by performing its own design and development work and by
closely  monitoring  the  workmanship  of  its  contractors  and  licensees. The
enduring strength  of  the GUESS  brand  name and  image  is reinforced  by  the
Company's  consistent emphasis on  innovative and distinctive  design. Under the
direction of  Maurice Marciano,  the Company's  design department  creates  full
lines  of casual  apparel that appeal  to both  men and women.  During 1995, net
sales of apparel for men and for women accounted for approximately 48% and  52%,
respectively,  of net  revenue from  the sale of  apparel products.  Each of the
lines consists of a broad array of basic, recurring styles, complemented by more
fashion-oriented items which reflect contemporary trends. During 1995, net sales
of  basic  and  fashion   items  accounted  for   approximately  49%  and   51%,
respectively, of the Company's net revenue from the sale of apparel products.
 
    The  Company seeks to reach a  broad consumer base through multiple channels
of distribution. As of March 31, 1996, GUESS brand products were distributed  by
the  Company, its licensees and  international distributors to better department
stores and upscale  specialty stores,  112 stores  operated by  the Company  (of
which  65 were retail stores  and 47 were factory  outlet stores) and 205 stores
operated  by  licensees  and  distributors.   As  a  critical  element  of   its
distribution  to  department  stores,  the  Company  and  its  licensees utilize
shop-in-shops to enhance brand  recognition, permit more complete  merchandising
of  the  lines  and differentiate  the  presentation  of GUESS  products.  As of
December 31, 1995, the Company's and its licensees'
 
    IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERINGS, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR  EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS  WHICH STABILIZE OR  MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE  OF THE COMMON STOCK
OFFERED HEREBY AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT  WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE  OPEN
MARKET.  SUCH TRANSACTIONS  MAY BE  EFFECTED ON THE  NEW YORK  STOCK EXCHANGE OR
OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
products were sold in approximately  1,600 shop-in-shops worldwide. In order  to
protect  the Guess image and  enhance the exclusivity of  the brand, the Company
began in 1993 to withdraw its products from certain wholesale accounts which did
not meet  the  Company's merchandising  standards.  Sales to  such  discontinued
accounts represented approximately $51.1 million, $32.9 million and $3.8 million
of the Company's net revenue in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively. The Company's
own  network of stores, in  addition to providing a  key opportunity for growth,
allows the Company to present and merchandise its entire collection and to  test
market new product concepts.
 
    The  Company intends to capitalize on the worldwide recognition of its brand
name and the breadth of Guess lifestyle products by expanding its  international
operations.  The Company has established Guess Europe in Italy and Guess Asia in
Hong Kong to design, source and market  products in Europe and the Pacific  Rim.
Guess  has  granted  licenses for  the  manufacture  and sale  of  GUESS branded
products similar  to  the  Company's,  including men's  and  women's  denim  and
knitwear,  in markets such as Canada,  Argentina, Mexico, the Philippines, South
Korea, Brazil  and  Japan.  Although  Guess  is  in  the  early  stages  of  its
international  expansion, GUESS  brand products  are currently  sold in  over 70
countries  primarily  through  licensees  and  distributors.  See  "Business  --
Business Strategy -- Increase International Presence."
 
    The  desirability of  the GUESS brand  name among consumers  has allowed the
Company  to  selectively   expand  its  product   offerings  through   licensing
arrangements. The Company believes its licensing strategy significantly broadens
the  distribution of GUESS  brand products while  limiting the Company's capital
investment and operating expenses. The  Company carefully selects its  licensees
and  maintains  strict  control  over  the  design,  advertising,  marketing and
distribution of all licensed products in  order to maintain a consistent  global
GUESS brand image. The Company's 26 licensees manufacture and distribute a broad
array  of  related  consumer products  in  the United  States  and international
markets. The Company's  most significant  licenses include  GUESS WATCHES,  BABY
GUESS,  GUESS KIDS and GUESS EYEWEAR, which together accounted for approximately
48.1% of  the  Company's  net  royalties  in  1995.  The  Company  continues  to
capitalize  on the GUESS  brand image by granting  licenses to introduce related
products. Recently, the  Company licensed  the GUESS HOME  COLLECTION and  GUESS
OUTERWEAR, as well as various accessory products.
 
    Under  Paul  Marciano's  direction  and  supervision,  Guess  has  created a
consistent, high profile  image through  the use  of its  distinctive black  and
white print ads. The Company's in-house Advertising Department directs the media
placement of all advertising worldwide, including placement by its licensees and
distributors.  On numerous occasions  since 1986, the  Company's advertising has
garnered prestigious  awards  for  creativity and  excellence,  including  CLIO,
BELDING and MOBIUS awards. Such awards are generally awarded on the basis of the
judgment  of prominent members of the advertising industry. By retaining control
over its advertising programs, the Company is able to maintain the integrity  of
the GUESS brand image while realizing a substantial cost savings compared to the
use  of outside agencies. The Company requires its licensees and distributors to
invest a percentage of their net sales of licensed products and net purchases of
Guess products, respectively, in advertising, promotion and marketing. From 1992
through 1995,  the Company's  advertising  expenditures, together  with  amounts
spent  by its licensees and its distributors (as reported to the Company by such
licensees and distributors), exceeded $160 million.
 
    The  Company's  business  strategy  is   designed  to  increase  sales   and
profitability,  while preserving the  integrity and expanding  the product depth
and global reach of  the GUESS brand. To  provide greater management depth,  the
Company  has recently recruited several key executives with substantial industry
experience to  faciliate  the  implementation  of  its  business  strategy.  The
business  strategy consists of the following  key elements: (i) to maintain high
brand recognition, (ii) to increase international operations through  increasing
sales  to existing and new distributors, increasing royalties from the growth of
licensees'   businesses,    increasing    the   number    of    licensee-    and
distributor-operated  retail stores and shop-in-shops and expanding direct sales
penetration through Guess Europe, (iii) to increase both product and  geographic
licensing  arrangements,  (iv)  to  deepen the  Company's  product  offerings to
include new  fabrications and  product  lines, (v)  to  expand and  improve  the
productivity of the Company-operated retail and factory outlet store network and
(vi) to expand and upgrade domestic shop-in-shops.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
COMPANY HISTORY
 
    Maurice,  Paul  and Armand  Marciano  (the "Principal  Executive Officers"),
together with their brother Georges, began in the apparel business in France  in
1972  and opened their first retail apparel  stores in the United States in 1978
in California.  The  business of  GUESS  was founded  in  1981 by  the  Marciano
brothers.  The Company  was founded on  the concept  of a fashion  jean with the
first GUESS product being the  "three-zip Marilyn" jean, which was  stone-washed
and  adapted  to  fit the  contours  of a  woman's  body. Since  that  time, the
Company's product  offerings have  grown  to include  full  lines of  men's  and
women's  casual apparel. In  August 1993, Georges Marciano  sold his interest in
Guess to the Company and a trust for the benefit of Paul Marciano.
 
                                 THE OFFERINGS
 
    Of the 9,200,000 shares of Common  Stock, par value $.01 per share  ("Common
Stock"),  to  be sold  in the  Offerings, 7,360,000  shares are  initially being
offered in the  United States  and Canada by  the U.S.  Underwriters (the  "U.S.
Offering")  and 1,840,000 shares are initially  being offered outside the United
States and Canada by the  International Managers (the "International  Offering,"
and together with the U.S. Offering, the "Offerings").
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                   <C>
Common Stock offered by the Company hereby..........  9,200,000 shares
Common Stock to be outstanding after the Offerings
 (1)................................................  41,882,000 shares
Use of proceeds.....................................  The  estimated  net  proceeds  to the
                                                      Company of  $188.0  million  will  be
                                                      used  to  repay  the  S  Distribution
                                                      Notes (as defined herein)  (estimated
                                                      to have an aggregate principal amount
                                                      between  $180.0  million  and  $190.0
                                                      million). Any remaining net  proceeds
                                                      will be used to repay outstanding ad-
                                                      vances  under the Company's revolving
                                                      credit facility.
Listing.............................................  The Common  Stock has  been  approved
                                                      for  listing  on the  New  York Stock
                                                      Exchange ("NYSE")  under  the  symbol
                                                      "GES,"  subject to official notice of
                                                      issuance.
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Excludes approximately  5,000,000  shares  of  Common  Stock  reserved  for
     issuance  pursuant to awards under the Company's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan
     (the "1996 Equity Plan") and 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan
     (the "Directors' Plan"), including options to purchase 1,207,405 shares  of
     Common  Stock to  be granted  immediately prior  to the  Offerings. Of such
     options, 1,137,598  will have  an exercise  price per  share equal  to  the
     initial  public offering price of the Common  Stock and 69,807 will have an
     exercise price  of  $21.49  per  share. The  Company  does  not  anticipate
     recording  compensation expense relating to the  grant of any such options.
     See "Management -- Employment Agreements," "-- 1996 Equity Incentive  Plan"
     and "-- 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan."
                         ------------------------------
 
    GUESS-Registered   Trademark-,  GUESS?-Registered   Trademark-,  GUESS?  AND
TRIANGLE DESIGN-Registered Trademark-, BABY GUESS-TM-, GUESS
KIDS-Registered Trademark-, GUESS WATCHES-TM-, GUESS JEANS-TM-, GUESS U.S.A.-TM-
and GUESS COLLECTION-TM- are included among the Company's trademarks.
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,               ------------------
                                                         ------------------------------------------------  JULY 2,   JUNE 30,
                                                           1991      1992      1993      1994      1995      1995      1996
                                                         --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                                                                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                      <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA:
Net revenue (1)........................................  $450,531  $512,766  $520,224  $547,812  $486,733  $229,652  $257,406
Earnings from operations...............................   104,469   109,973   114,464   117,807    82,928    42,375    43,905(2)
Earnings before income taxes...........................   102,527   111,224   105,281   101,181    66,814    34,269    36,467
Net earnings...........................................    99,832   108,368   103,471    97,641    63,919    32,994    34,869
SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA (3):
Earnings before income taxes...........................   102,527   111,224   105,281   101,181    66,814    34,269    36,467(2)
Income taxes...........................................    41,011    44,490    42,112    40,472    26,726    13,708    14,477
                                                         --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Net earnings...........................................  $ 61,516  $ 66,734  $ 63,169  $ 60,709  $ 40,088  $ 20,561  $ 21,990
                                                         --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
                                                         --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
Net earnings per share (4).............................                                          $   1.00            $    .55
Weighted average common shares outstanding (4).........                                            40,040              39,825
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                              <C>       <C>       <C>
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA (5):
Earnings from operations.......................................................................  $ 87,985  $ 45,817  $47,271
Earnings before income taxes...................................................................    72,145    37,912   39,993
Income taxes...................................................................................    28,858    15,165   15,877
                                                                                                 --------  --------  --------
Net earnings...................................................................................  $ 43,287  $ 22,747  $24,116
                                                                                                 --------  --------  --------
                                                                                                 --------  --------  --------
Net earnings per share (4).....................................................................  $   1.08            $   .61
Weighted average common shares outstanding (4).................................................    40,040             39,825
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                                     ----------------------
                                                                                                                    AS
                                                                                                                 ADJUSTED
                                                                                                      ACTUAL        (6)
                                                                                                     ---------  -----------
                                                                                                         (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                                  <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital....................................................................................  $  84,415   $  88,078
Total assets.......................................................................................    229,735     237,179
Notes payable and long-term debt...................................................................    152,768     141,668
Net stockholders' equity...........................................................................      6,324      24,868
</TABLE>
 
- ----------------------------------
(1) Includes net revenue from (i) sales to discontinued wholesale accounts  that
    the  Company determined  did not meet  its merchandising  standards of $42.3
    million, $51.1 million, $32.9 million and $3.8 million for 1992, 1993,  1994
    and  1995, respectively,  and $3.5 million  and $407,000 for  the six months
    ended July 2, 1995 and June 30, 1996, respectively, and (ii) wholesale sales
    of discontinued product lines of $82.6 million, $31.7 million, $5.3  million
    and  $1.7  million for  1992, 1993,  1994 and  1995, respectively,  and $1.5
    million and $345,000  for the six  months ended  July 2, 1995  and June  30,
    1996,  respectively. See "Management's Discussion  and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations -- General."
(2) Includes non-recurring charges related to the write down of operating assets
    to be disposed of in contemplation of  the Offerings of $3.6 million in  the
    aggregate  (the  "Reorganization Charge")  relating to  (i) disposal  of two
    currently active remote  warehouse and production  facilities which are  not
    expected  to  be  used  in the  Company's  operations  after  the Offerings,
    resulting in a net book loss of $2.4 million, and (ii) the net book loss  of
    $1.2  million incurred by the Company in  connection with the sale of one of
    its aircraft  to  an  unaffiliated  third party  for  $6.0  million.  On  an
    after-tax  basis,  based upon  the  effective S  corporation  tax rate  or C
    corporation tax rate, as  the case may  be, the effect  of the $3.6  million
    Reorganization  Charge would  have been  $3.4 million  (historical) and $2.2
    million (supplemental  and pro  forma). The  effects of  the  Reorganization
    Charge  have  not  been  given  pro forma  effect  for  any  of  the periods
    presented. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition
    and  Results of Operations -- Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 Compared to Six
    Months Ended July 2, 1995."
(3) Reflects adjustments for  Federal and state income  taxes as if the  Company
    had been taxed as a C corporation rather than an S corporation.
(4)  Reflects  32,682,000  shares  of  Common  Stock  outstanding  prior  to the
    Offerings and  the assumed  issuance of  7,358,000 and  7,143,000 shares  of
    Common Stock at an assumed initial public offering price of $22.00 per share
    to  generate sufficient cash  to pay (i) the  S Corporation Distribution (as
    defined herein) in an amount equal  to retained earnings as of December  31,
    1995  and June 30, 1996,  respectively, and (ii) the  $300,000 to be paid by
    the Company to the  Marciano Trusts (as defined  herein) in connection  with
    the  merger of Marciano International (as  defined herein) with and into the
    Company.
(5) Pro  forma operating  results reflect  adjustments to  historical  operating
    results  for  (i)  the  elimination  of salaries  and  bonuses  paid  to the
    Principal Executive Officers in excess of  an aggregate of $4.9 million  per
    year,  or $1.2  million per  quarter (the  estimated aggregate  salaries and
    bonuses  to  be  paid  to  the  Principal  Executive  Officers  under  their
    respective employment agreements following the Offerings), (ii) the decrease
    in  depreciation and operating costs of  $2.6 million, $1.3 million and $1.2
    million for the year ended December 31,  1995 and the six months ended  July
    2,  1995 and June 30, 1996,  respectively, associated with an aircraft owned
    by the Company, which aircraft was  sold in contemplation of the  Offerings,
    (iii)  the elimination  of the  minority interest  in GEBV  and Guess Italia
    through the merger of  Marciano International with and  into the Company  in
    connection  with the  Reorganization (as  defined herein),  resulting in the
    inclusion in net earnings  of $274,000, $201,000 and  $160,000 for the  year
    ended  December 31, 1995 and the six months  ended July 2, 1995 and June 30,
    1996, respectively, which amounts had  previously been recorded as  minority
    interest,  and (iv) adjustments for Federal and state income taxes as if the
    Company had been taxed as a C corporation rather than an S corporation.  See
    "Company  History, the  Reorganization and  Prior S  Corporation Status" and
    "Management -- Employment Agreements." For additional pro forma statement of
    earnings data for 1993, 1994 and 1995  and for the six months ended July  2,
    1995  and  June  30,  1996, see  "Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of
    Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(6) The as adjusted amount includes $176.9 million of S Distribution Notes which
    represent the undistributed S corporation taxable earnings at June 30,  1996
    that would have been distributed had the Company's S corporation status been
    terminated  at such date, the sale of  shares of Common Stock by the Company
    hereby at the assumed initial public offering price of $22.00 per share  and
    the   application  of  the   estimated  net  proceeds   therefrom  to  repay
    indebtedness of the Company, including indebtedness under the S Distribution
    Notes. No adjustment has  been made to give  effect to the Company's  earned
    and undistributed taxable S corporation earnings for the period from July 1,
    1996  through  the S  Termination Date  (as defined  herein), which  will be
    distributed as part of the S Corporation Distribution. Between July 1,  1996
    and  the S Termination Date,  the Company anticipates the  increase in the S
    Distribution Notes  to  be  between approximately  $3.1  million  and  $13.1
    million.  See "Use of Proceeds" and "Company History, the Reorganization and
    Prior S Corporation Status."
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
    PROSPECTIVE  PURCHASERS OF THE  COMMON STOCK OFFERED  HEREBY SHOULD CONSIDER
CAREFULLY THE FACTORS SET FORTH BELOW, AS WELL AS OTHER INFORMATION SET FORTH IN
THIS  PROSPECTUS,  IN  EVALUATING  AN  INVESTMENT  IN  THE  COMMON  STOCK.  THIS
PROSPECTUS   CONTAINS  FORWARD-LOOKING   STATEMENTS  WHICH   INVOLVE  RISKS  AND
UNCERTAINTIES. THE COMPANY'S  ACTUAL RESULTS  AND THE TIMING  OF CERTAIN  EVENTS
COULD   DIFFER  MATERIALLY  FROM  THOSE   ANTICIPATED  BY  SUCH  FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS AS  A  RESULT  OF  CERTAIN  FACTORS  DISCUSSED  IN  THIS  PROSPECTUS,
INCLUDING  THE  FACTORS  SET FORTH  BELOW  AND IN  "MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION  AND RESULTS OF  OPERATIONS" AND "BUSINESS,"  AS
WELL AS THOSE DISCUSSED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
 
COMPETITION AND OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING THE APPAREL AND RETAILING INDUSTRIES
 
    The  apparel  industry  is  highly competitive,  fragmented  and  subject to
rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. The Company believes that its
success depends in large part upon its ability to anticipate, gauge and  respond
to  changing consumer demands and fashion trends in a timely manner and upon the
continued appeal to  consumers of  the Guess image.  Failure by  the Company  to
identify  and  respond appropriately  to changing  consumer demands  and fashion
trends could adversely affect consumer acceptance of Guess products and may have
a material adverse effect  on the Company's financial  condition and results  of
operations.  Guess competes with numerous apparel manufacturers and distributors
(including Calvin  Klein,  Ralph  Lauren, DKNY,  Tommy  Hilfiger  and  Nautica).
Moreover,  several well-known designers have  recently entered or re-entered the
designer denim market with  products generally priced  lower than the  Company's
designer   jeans  products.  Guess's  retail  and  factory  outlet  stores  face
competition  from  other   retailers.  Additionally,   the  Company   encounters
substantial  competition from department stores, including some of the Company's
major retail customers. Many of the Company's competitors have greater financial
resources than  Guess.  The  Company's licensed  apparel  and  accessories  also
compete  with a substantial number of  designer and non-designer lines. Although
the level and nature of competition  differ among its product categories,  Guess
believes  that it competes primarily on the basis of its brand image, quality of
design and workmanship and product assortment. Increased competition by existing
and future competitors could  result in reductions in  sales or prices of  Guess
products  that could have  a material adverse effect  on the Company's financial
condition  and  results  of  operations.  In  addition,  the  apparel   industry
historically  has  been  subject  to  substantial  cyclical  variations,  and  a
recession in  the general  economy or  uncertainties regarding  future  economic
prospects  that affect  consumer spending habits  could have  a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
DEPENDENCE UPON CERTAIN CUSTOMERS AND LICENSEES
 
    The  Company's  department  store  customers  include  major  United  States
retailers.  The Company's  three largest  customers accounted  for approximately
26.0% of net revenue in 1995. During 1995, Bloomingdale's, Macy's and affiliated
stores owned by Federated Department Stores together accounted for approximately
11.0% of the Company's net revenue; The May Company accounted for  approximately
7.7%   of  the  Company's  net  revenue;  and  Dillard's  stores  accounted  for
approximately 7.3%  of  the  Company's  net revenue.  Although  several  of  the
Company's department store customers are under common ownership, no other single
customer  or group  of related  customers accounted  for more  than 3.0%  of the
Company's net revenue in this period. While the Company believes that purchasing
decisions in many cases  are made independently by  each department store  chain
under  common ownership,  the trend  may be  toward more  centralized purchasing
decisions. A decision by the controlling  owner of a group of department  stores
or  any other  significant customer  to decrease  the amount  purchased from the
Company or to cease carrying Guess products could have a material adverse effect
on the  Company's financial  condition  and results  of operations.  The  retail
industry has periodically experienced consolidation and other ownership changes.
In  the  future,  the  Company's wholesale  customers  may  consolidate, undergo
restructurings or reorganizations, or realign  these affiliations, any of  which
could  decrease the number of stores that  carry the Company's or its licensees'
products or increase  the ownership  concentration within  the retail  industry.
Approximately 48.1% of the Company's net royalties was derived from its top four
licensed  product lines, GUESS WATCHES (18.9% of 1995 net royalties), BABY GUESS
(12.3%), GUESS KIDS (9.2%)  and GUESS EYEWEAR (7.7%).  The BABY GUESS and  GUESS
KIDS  lines are licensed to  the same entity. A  substantial portion of sales of
GUESS brand  products by  its licensees  are also  made to  the Company's  three
largest    customers.    The    inability   of    the    Company    to   control
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
the quality, focus, image or distribution of its licensed products could  impact
consumer  receptivity  to  the  Company's  products  generally  and,  therefore,
adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
 
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ACHIEVING AND MANAGING GROWTH
 
    To manage  growth  effectively,  Guess  will  be  required  to  continue  to
implement  changes in  certain aspects of  its business, continue  to expand its
information systems and operations to  respond to increased demand, attract  and
retain qualified personnel (including management), and develop, train and manage
an  increasing  number  of  management-level  and  other  employees.  Failure to
continue  to  enhance  operating  control  systems  or  unexpected  difficulties
encountered  during  expansion could  adversely  affect the  Company's financial
condition and results of operations.
 
    As part of its operating strategy,  Guess intends to continue to expand  its
network  of retail stores.  Factors beyond the Company's  control may affect the
Company's ability to expand, including general economic and business  conditions
affecting  consumer spending. The  actual number and  type of such  stores to be
opened  and  their  success  will  depend  on  various  factors,  including  the
performance  of the Company's wholesale and retail operations, the acceptance by
consumers of the Company's retail concepts, the ability of the Company to manage
such expansion  and hire  and  train personnel,  the availability  of  desirable
locations  and  the negotiation  of acceptable  lease  terms for  new locations.
Certain of these factors are also beyond the Company's control.
 
    In addition,  Guess's strategy  relies  heavily upon  its ability  to  align
itself  with  effective  distributors and  licensees  that are  able  to deliver
high-quality products consistent with the GUESS brand image in a timely  fashion
and  to successfully integrate  such distributors and  licensees into its global
distribution channels. A general failure by the Company to maintain and  control
its  existing distribution and  licensing arrangements or  to procure additional
distribution and licensing  relationships could adversely  affect the  Company's
growth  strategy, which could adversely affect the Company's financial condition
and results of operations.
 
    The Company's strategic plan for its  wholesale division depends in part  on
its  ability  to  expand its  sales  to international  distributors,  deepen its
product offerings and expand and upgrade its shop-in-shop program. This strategy
is subject to a number of factors beyond the Company's control including general
economic conditions and  changing consumer preferences.  Between 1992 and  1995,
net  revenue from wholesale operations decreased  32%. There can be no assurance
that the Company's business strategy will be successful in halting or  reversing
this decline in net revenue.
 
DEPENDENCE UPON KEY PERSONNEL
 
    The  success of  Guess is  largely dependent  upon the  personal efforts and
abilities of its senior management, particularly Mr. Maurice Marciano,  Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Marciano, President and Chief
Operating  Officer, and Mr. Armand Marciano, Senior Executive Vice President and
Secretary. Effective  upon  consummation of  the  Offerings, Maurice,  Paul  and
Armand  Marciano will continue to beneficially own  an aggregate of 78.0% of the
Company's  outstanding  Common  Stock  and  each  will  enter  into   employment
agreements with the Company. Although the Company has recently recruited several
key  executives with  substantial industry expertise,  the extended  loss of the
services of  one  or more  of  the Principal  Executive  Officers could  have  a
material  adverse  effect  on the  Company's  operations. The  Company  does not
currently have "key man" insurance with respect to any of such individuals.  See
"Management -- Employment Agreements."
 
FOREIGN OPERATIONS AND SOURCING; IMPORT RESTRICTIONS
 
    During  1995, approximately 18% of the Company's purchases of raw materials,
labor and finished goods for its apparel were made in Hong Kong and other  Asian
countries;  approximately 4%  were made  in Europe;  approximately 1%  were made
elsewhere outside the United  States; and the  balance of 77%  were made in  the
United  States, all through arrangements with independent contractors. In recent
years, Guess has been increasing its  sourcing of fabrics outside of the  United
States.  In addition, Guess has been  increasing its international sales and, in
1995, approximately 5.0% and 1.9% of the Company's net revenue was from  product
sales  to  customers in  international markets  and from  net royalties  paid by
international
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
licensees, respectively. As a result,  the Company's operations may be  affected
adversely by political instability resulting in the disruption of trade with the
countries  in  which  the  Company's  contractors,  suppliers  or  customers are
located, the  imposition  of additional  regulations  relating to  imports,  the
imposition of additional duties, taxes and other charges on imports, significant
fluctuations   in  the  value  of  the  dollar  against  foreign  currencies  or
restrictions on the  transfer of funds.  The inability of  a contractor to  ship
orders  in a  timely manner could  cause the  Company to miss  the delivery date
requirements  of  its  customers  for   those  items,  which  could  result   in
cancellation  of orders,  refusal to accept  deliveries or a  reduction in sales
prices. Further, since Guess is unable  to return merchandise to its  suppliers,
it  could be faced with a significant  amount of unsold merchandise, which could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and  results
of operations.
 
    Sovereignty  over Hong Kong  is scheduled to be  transferred from the United
Kingdom to  The  People's Republic  of  China effective  July  1, 1997.  If  the
business  climate in Hong Kong were to  experience an adverse change as a result
of the  transfer, the  Company believes  it could  relocate its  production  and
sourcing  facilities  outside Hong  Kong and  replace the  merchandise currently
produced in Hong  Kong with  merchandise produced elsewhere  without a  material
adverse  effect on the  Company's financial condition  or results of operations.
Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to do so.
 
    The Company's  import  operations  are subject  to  constraints  imposed  by
bilateral  textile agreements between the United  States and a number of foreign
countries, including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea. These agreements,
which have been negotiated bilaterally either under the framework established by
the  Arrangement  Regarding  International  Trade  in  Textiles,  known  as  the
Multifiber Agreement, or other applicable statutes, impose quotas on the amounts
and types of merchandise which may be imported into the United States from these
countries. These agreements also allow the United States to impose restraints at
any  time  and  on  very  short  notice  on  the  importation  of  categories of
merchandise that, under the terms of  the agreements, are not currently  subject
to specified limits. Imported products are also subject to United States customs
duties  which comprise  a material  portion of  the cost  of the  merchandise. A
substantial increase  in customs  duties could  have an  adverse effect  on  the
Company's  financial condition or  results of operations.  The United States and
the countries in  which the Company's  products are produced  or sold may,  from
time  to  time, impose  new quotas,  duties, tariffs  or other  restrictions, or
adversely adjust prevailing  quota, duty or  tariff levels, any  of which  could
have  a material adverse effect on  the Company's financial condition or results
of operations.
 
DEPENDENCE ON UNAFFILIATED MANUFACTURERS
 
    The Company does not own or operate any manufacturing facilities other  than
cutting,  silk-screen and embroidery machinery,  and is therefore dependent upon
independent contractors  for  the manufacture  of  its products.  The  Company's
products   are  manufactured  to   its  specifications  by   both  domestic  and
international manufacturers.  The  inability  of  a  manufacturer  to  ship  the
Company's products in a timely manner or to meet the Company's quality standards
could  adversely  affect  the  Company's  ability  to  deliver  products  to its
customers in a timely manner. Delays in delivery could result in missing certain
retailing seasons with respect to some or all of the Company's products or could
otherwise have  an  adverse effect  on  the Company's  financial  condition  and
results  of operations. The  Company does not have  long-term contracts with any
manufacturers.
 
PROTECTION OF TRADEMARKS
 
    Guess  believes  that  its  trademarks  and  other  proprietary  rights  are
important  to  its  success  and its  competitive  position.  Accordingly, Guess
devotes substantial  resources  to  the  establishment  and  protection  of  its
trademarks  on a worldwide  basis. Nevertheless, there can  be no assurance that
the actions taken  by the Company  to establish and  protect its trademarks  and
other  proprietary rights will be adequate  to prevent imitation of its products
by others or to prevent others from seeking to block sales of Guess products  as
violative  of the trademarks and proprietary  rights of others. No assurance can
be given that others will not assert rights in, or ownership of, trademarks  and
other  proprietary rights  of Guess.  In addition,  the laws  of certain foreign
countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of
the United States. See "Business -- Trademarks."
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
FUTURE SALES BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS; SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    The Common Stock offered hereby will  be freely tradeable (other than by  an
"affiliate"  of the  Company as such  term is  defined in the  Securities Act of
1933, as amended  (the "Securities  Act")) without  restriction or  registration
under  the Securities Act. Immediately after the Offerings, trusts controlled by
and for the benefit of Maurice  Marciano, Paul Marciano and Armand Marciano  and
their  families, respectively (the  "Principal Stockholders"), will beneficially
own approximately  35.4%,  28.8% and  13.8%,  respectively, of  the  outstanding
Common  Stock.  Subject  to  the restrictions  set  forth  below,  the Principal
Stockholders will  be  free to  sell  such shares  from  time to  time  to  take
advantage  of favorable market conditions or  for any other reason. Future sales
of shares of Common  Stock by the Company  and its stockholders could  adversely
affect  the prevailing market price of the Common Stock. Guess and the Principal
Stockholders have entered  into lock-up agreements  with Merrill Lynch,  Pierce,
Fenner  &  Smith  Incorporated  ("Merrill  Lynch")  and  Morgan  Stanley  &  Co.
Incorporated,  as   representatives  of   the  U.S.   Underwriters  (the   "U.S.
Representatives"), and with Merrill Lynch International and Morgan Stanley & Co.
International  Limited, as  representatives of  the International  Managers (the
"International Representatives" and, together with the U.S. Representatives, the
"Representatives"), pursuant to which the Company and the Principal Stockholders
have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to, directly or indirectly,  (i)
sell,  grant any  option to  purchase or  otherwise transfer  or dispose  of any
Common Stock or securities convertible  into or exchangeable or exercisable  for
Common  Stock or  file a  registration statement  under the  Securities Act with
respect to the  foregoing or  (ii) enter  into any  swap or  other agreement  or
transaction  that transfers,  in whole or  in part, the  economic consequence of
ownership of the  Common Stock,  without the  prior written  consent of  Merrill
Lynch,  for a period of  180 days after the date  of this Prospectus. After such
time, approximately 32,682,000 shares of Common Stock will be eligible for  sale
pursuant  to Rule  144 promulgated  under the  Securities Act.  In addition, the
Principal  Stockholders  have  rights  to   demand  or  participate  in   future
registrations  of  shares of  Common Stock  under the  Securities Act.  Sales of
substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that
such sales may occur, could have a  material adverse effect on the market  price
of the Common Stock. See "Shares Eligible for Future Sale" and "Underwriting."
 
CONTROL BY PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
    Following the consummation of the Offerings, the Principal Stockholders will
have  majority control of the Company and the ability to control the election of
directors and the results of other matters submitted to a vote of  stockholders.
Such  concentration  of ownership,  together with  the anti-takeover  effects of
certain provisions in the Delaware General Corporation Law and in the  Company's
Certificate  of Incorporation  and Bylaws,  may have  the effect  of delaying or
preventing a  change in  control of  the Company.  See "Description  of  Capital
Stock."  The  Board of  Directors of  the  Company is  expected to  be comprised
entirely of  designees  of  the Principal  Stockholders.  See  "Management"  and
"Principal Stockholders."
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET AND POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE
 
    Prior  to the  Offerings, there  has been  no public  market for  the Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active trading market will  develop
or  be sustained. The initial public offering  price of the Common Stock offered
hereby will be determined through negotiations among the Company, the  Principal
Stockholders  and the Representatives and may bear no relationship to the market
price for the  Common Stock after  the Offerings. Subsequent  to the  Offerings,
prices  for  the  Common Stock  will  be determined  by  the market  and  may be
influenced by a number of factors,  including depth and liquidity of the  market
for the Common Stock, investor perceptions of the Company, changes in conditions
or  trends  in  the Company's  industry  or  in the  industry  of  the Company's
significant customers, publicly traded comparable companies and general economic
and other conditions. See "Underwriting."
 
DILUTION
 
    The initial public  offering price  is expected to  be substantially  higher
than  the book value per  share of Common Stock.  Investors purchasing shares of
Common Stock in  the Offerings  will therefore incur  immediate and  substantial
dilution  of $21.44 per share, based upon  the mid-point of the filing range set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. See "Dilution."
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
    When used  in  this Prospectus  and  the documents  incorporated  herein  by
reference,   the   words  "believes,"   "anticipates,"  "expects"   and  similar
expressions are intended to  identify in certain circumstances,  forward-looking
statements.  Such statements are subject to  a number of risks and uncertainties
that could  cause actual  results  to differ  materially from  those  projected,
including  the  risks  described in  this  "Risk Factors"  section.  Given these
uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned  not to place undue  reliance
on  such statements. The  Company also undertakes no  obligation to update these
forward-looking statements.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
       COMPANY HISTORY, THE REORGANIZATION AND PRIOR S CORPORATION STATUS
 
    Maurice, Paul  and Armand  Marciano, together  with their  brother  Georges,
began  in the apparel business  in France in 1972  and opened their first retail
apparel stores in the United States in 1978 in California. The business of GUESS
was founded in 1981  by the Marciano  brothers. The Company  was founded on  the
concept  of a  fashion jean  with the first  GUESS product  being the "three-zip
Marilyn" jean,  which was  stone-washed and  adapted to  fit the  contours of  a
woman's  body. Since  that time, the  Company's product offerings  have grown to
include full lines of men's and women's casual apparel.
 
    Guess ?, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized in 1993 to succeed to  the
business  of Guess ?, Inc., a  California corporation ("Guess California"), that
commenced operations  in 1981.  Guess California  was the  entity through  which
Maurice,  Paul, Armand and  Georges Marciano conducted  the Guess business until
August 1993. At that time, Guess California  was merged into Guess ?, Inc.,  and
the  Company and a trust for the benefit of Paul Marciano repurchased the shares
of Common  Stock  owned by  Georges  Marciano, who  simultaneously  resigned  as
Chairman  and  Chief Executive  Officer of  the  Company and  from its  Board of
Directors. Since the inception of  Guess California, Georges Marciano,  together
with  Maurice Marciano, had been primarily responsible for the creation of Guess
California's product.  Georges Marciano  was  primarily responsible  for  design
while  Maurice  Marciano  was  responsible for  product  development.  After the
resignation of Georges  Marciano, Maurice  Marciano became  responsible for  all
aspects  of design along with his  prior responsibilities for the development of
the Company's  strategic focus  and  expansion of  its  business and  was  named
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. See "Management."
 
    The purchase price for the shares of Common Stock repurchased by the Company
was  approximately $203.5 million.  The Company financed  such purchase with the
proceeds from an offering  of $130.0 million principal  amount of 9 1/2%  Senior
Subordinated  Notes  due 2003  (the "Senior  Subordinated  Notes") and  an $80.0
million short term loan (the "Bridge Loan"). The Bridge Loan was repaid in  full
in  December 1993. As of the date hereof, $105.0 million principal amount of the
Senior Subordinated Notes remains outstanding.
 
    Since 1983, Guess has  elected to be treated  for Federal and certain  state
income  tax purposes  as an  S corporation  under Subchapter  S of  the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the  "Code"), and comparable state laws. As  a
result,  the earnings of the Company  (including its predecessor) for such years
have been  included in  the taxable  income of  the Company's  stockholders  for
Federal and certain state income tax purposes, and the Company has generally not
been  subject to income  tax on such  earnings, other than  California and other
state franchise taxes. Prior to the consummation of the transactions related  to
the  Offerings (the "Closing Date"), the  Company's S corporation status will be
terminated (the "S  Termination Date").  Prior to  the S  Termination Date,  the
Company will declare a distribution to its stockholders that will include all of
its  previously earned  and undistributed S  corporation earnings  through the S
Termination  Date  (the  "S   Corporation  Distribution").  The  S   Corporation
Distribution will occur prior to the S Termination Date and will be comprised of
promissory  notes bearing interest at 8% per annum (the "S Distribution Notes").
Guess estimates that such undistributed  taxable S corporation earnings will  be
between  $180.0 million and $190.0  million as of the  Closing Date, including a
gain for income tax purposes  recognized in connection with  the sale of one  of
the  Company's aircraft. See "Use  of Proceeds." On and  after the S Termination
Date,  the  Company  will  no  longer  be  treated  as  an  S  corporation  and,
accordingly,  will  be fully  subject  to Federal  and  state income  taxes. See
"Capitalization" and note 7 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
    The Company's current  primary subsidiaries include  GEBV and Guess  Italia.
Marciano  International, Inc.,  a Delaware corporation  owned by  certain of the
Principal Stockholders  ("Marciano  International"),  currently  holds  minority
interests  in  GEBV  and  Guess  Italia.  Ranche  is  currently  a  wholly-owned
subsidiary of GEBV.
 
    Prior to the consummation of the Offerings, (i) Marciano International  will
be  merged with and  into Guess, (ii) all  of the capital  stock of Guess Italia
will be contributed to GEBV, (iii) the  Company will effect a 32.66 for 1  split
of  the Common Stock and  (iv) the S Corporation  Distribution will be effected,
whereby the  Company  will  distribute  to  the  Principal  Stockholders  the  S
Distribution  Notes. The Company  will pay trusts for  the respective benefit of
Maurice  Marciano,   Paul   Marciano   and  Armand   Marciano   (the   "Marciano
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
Trusts")  an aggregate  of $300,000  in connection  with the  merger of Marciano
International with and into the Company.  Such $300,000 payment is not  included
in  the aggregate  principal amount  of the  S Distribution  Notes. All  of such
transactions (together  with  the termination  of  the Company's  S  corporation
status described above) are referred to herein as the "Reorganization."
 
    The  Company's principal executive offices are located at 1444 South Alameda
Street, Los  Angeles,  California  90021  and  its  telephone  number  is  (213)
765-3100.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
    The  net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the shares of Common Stock
offered by the Company hereby are estimated to be approximately $188.0  million,
based  on an  assumed initial  public offering  price of  $22.00 per  share. The
Company intends to immediately use such net proceeds to repay substantially  all
of  the S  Distribution Notes (estimated  to have an  aggregate principal amount
between $180.0 million and $190.0 million). The remaining net proceeds, if  any,
will  be used to repay outstanding advances under the Company's revolving credit
facility. The S Distribution Notes will bear interest at 8% and will mature  one
year  from the Closing Date. Pending repayment  of the S Distribution Notes, the
Company will invest the net proceeds in short-term, interest bearing instruments
or other  investment grade  securities. As  of June  30, 1996,  there was  $43.0
million outstanding under the revolving credit facility, which bears interest at
7.0%.  See "Company History, the Reorganization  and Prior S Corporation Status"
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results  of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
    The   Company  anticipates  that,   after  payment  of   the  S  Corporation
Distribution to the Principal Stockholders in connection with the termination of
the S corporation status of the Company,  all earnings will be retained for  the
foreseeable  future for  use in  the operations  of the  business. Purchasers of
shares of Common Stock in  the Offerings will not receive  any portion of the  S
Corporation  Distribution.  Any  future  determination  as  to  the  payment  of
dividends will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors and will
depend  upon  the   Company's  results  of   operations,  financial   condition,
contractual  restrictions  and other  factors deemed  relevant  by the  Board of
Directors. The agreement governing the Company's revolving credit facility  (the
"Credit  Agreement") and the indenture pursuant to which the Senior Subordinated
Notes were issued  (the "Indenture") restrict  the payment of  dividends by  the
Company.  For certain information regarding distributions made by the Company in
1993, 1994,  1995 and  the six  months ended  June 30,  1996, see  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of  Operations --
Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the short-term debt and capitalization of the
Company as of June 30, 1996  and as adjusted as of  that date to give effect  to
(i)  the S Corporation Distribution as if the Company's S corporation status had
terminated on such date and (ii) an  estimated $7.4 million of net deferred  tax
assets that would have been recorded had the Company's S corporation status been
terminated  on June  30, 1996, and  as further  adjusted to reflect  the sale of
shares of Common Stock by  the Company in the  Offerings and the application  of
the  estimated  net  proceeds  therefrom  to  repay  indebtedness  under  the  S
Distribution Notes and  the Credit  Agreement. The information  below should  be
read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and the
related  notes thereto which are included elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Use
of Proceeds."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                           -------------------------------------
                                                                                                     AS FURTHER
                                                                             ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED   ADJUSTED
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
Short-term debt:
  Current installments of long-term debt.................................  $       983   $     983    $     983
  Short-term notes payable...............................................        3,073     179,973(1)      3,073
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total short-term debt................................................  $     4,056   $ 180,956    $   4,056
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
Long-term debt:
  Long-term debt, net of current installments............................  $    43,712   $  43,712    $  32,612
  9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003..............................      105,000     105,000      105,000
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total long-term debt.................................................      148,712     148,712      137,612
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share; 10,000,000 shares
   authorized, no shares issued and outstanding..........................      --           --           --
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized,
   52,713,000 shares issued, 32,682,000 shares outstanding actual and as
   adjusted, 41,882,000 shares outstanding as further adjusted,
   20,031,000 shares held in treasury (2)................................           35          35          127
  Paid-in capital........................................................          181     (19,883)(3)    168,025(3)
  Retained earnings (4)..................................................      156,836       7,444        7,444
  Foreign currency translation adjustment................................           48          48           48
  Treasury stock, 20,031,000 shares repurchased (5)......................     (150,776)   (150,776)    (150,776)
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
    Net stockholders' equity (deficiency)................................        6,324    (163,132)(6)     24,868
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
    Total capitalization.................................................  $   155,036   $ (14,420)   $ 162,480
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
                                                                           -----------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1) The as adjusted amount includes $176.9 million of S Distribution Notes which
    represent the undistributed S corporation taxable earnings at June 30,  1996
    that would have been distributed had the Company's S corporation status been
    terminated on such date.
 
(2)  Excludes  approximately  5,000,000  shares  of  Common  Stock  reserved for
    issuance pursuant to awards  under the 1996 Equity  Plan and the  Directors'
    Plan,  including options to purchase 1,207,405  shares of Common Stock to be
    granted immediately prior to the Offerings. Of such options, 1,137,598  will
    have  an exercise price per share equal to the initial public offering price
    of Common Stock and 69,807 will have an exercise price of $21.49 per  share.
    The  Company does not anticipate  recording compensation expense relating to
    the grant of any  such options. See  "Management -- Employment  Agreements,"
    "--  1996 Equity Incentive Plan" and  "-- 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock
    Option Plan."
 
(3) Reflects a reduction of $20.1 million of paid-in capital for that portion of
    the S Corporation  Distribution which  is in excess  of financial  statement
    retained   earnings.  The  S   Corporation  Distribution  exceeds  financial
    statement retained earnings because of  differences in the basis of  certain
    assets  and  liabilities  between  the financial  reporting  and  income tax
    presentation.
 
(4) No adjustment  has been  made to  give effect  to the  Company's earned  and
    undistributed  taxable S  corporation earnings for  the period  from July 1,
    1996 through the S  Termination Date, which will  be distributed as part  of
    the  S Corporation Distribution. Between July  1, 1996 and the S Termination
    Date, the Company anticipates the increase in the S Distribution Notes to be
    between approximately $3.1 million and $13.1 million. See "Use of  Proceeds"
    and "Company History, the Reorganization and Prior S Corporation Status."
 
(5)  Represents the cost in excess of the allocable portion of retained earnings
    associated with  the repurchase  of  Common Stock  from a  former  principal
    stockholder  of  the  Company.  See note  7  to  the  Company's consolidated
    financial statements.
 
(6) Does not  reflect the $300,000  to be paid  by the Company  to the  Marciano
    Trusts in connection with the merger of Marciano International with and into
    the Company.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                                    DILUTION
 
    The   net  tangible  book  value  of  the  Company  at  June  30,  1996  was
approximately $5.3 million,  or $.16  per share  of Common  Stock. After  giving
effect  to the Reorganization  and the S  Corporation Distribution as  if it had
been made  as of  June  30, 1996  and the  Company's  S corporation  status  had
terminated at such date, the pro forma net tangible book value of the Company at
June  30, 1996  would have been  approximately $(164.5) million,  or $(5.03) per
share of Common Stock. After giving effect to the sale by the Company of  shares
of  Common  Stock in  the Offerings  and  the application  of the  estimated net
proceeds therefrom to repay indebtedness under the S Distribution Notes and  the
Company's Credit Agreement, the pro forma net tangible book value of the Company
as  adjusted at June  30, 1996 would  have been approximately  $23.5 million, or
$.56 per share. See "Company History, the Reorganization and Prior S Corporation
Status" and "Use  of Proceeds."  This represents  an immediate  increase in  net
tangible  book value  of $5.59  per share to  the Principal  Stockholders and an
immediate net tangible  book value  dilution of  $21.44 per  share to  investors
purchasing  shares in  the Offerings. The  following table  illustrates this per
share dilution:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share (1)...............             $   22.00
 
    Net tangible book value at June 30, 1996......................  $     .16
 
    Increase attributable to the establishment of deferred tax
     assets.......................................................        .23
 
    Decrease attributable to S Corporation Distribution and
     Reorganization (3)...........................................      (5.42)
                                                                    ---------
 
    Adjusted net tangible book value per share before the
     Offerings....................................................      (5.03)
 
    Increase attributable to new investors in the Offerings.......       5.59
                                                                    ---------
Net tangible book value, as further adjusted, per share after the
 Offerings (2)....................................................                   .56
                                                                               ---------
Dilution per share to new investors...............................             $   21.44
                                                                               ---------
                                                                               ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1) Before  deducting  estimated  underwriting  discounts  and  commissions  and
    estimated expenses of the Offerings payable by the Company.
 
(2)  Excludes  approximately  5,000,000  shares  of  Common  Stock  reserved for
    issuance pursuant to awards  under the 1996 Equity  Plan and the  Directors'
    Plan,  including options to purchase 1,207,405  shares of Common Stock to be
    granted immediately prior to the Offerings. Of such options, 1,137,590  will
    have  an exercise price per share equal to the initial public offering price
    of the Common Stock  and 69,807 will  have an exercise  price of $21.49  per
    share.  The  Company  does  not  anticipate  recording  compensation expense
    relating to the  grant of any  such options. See  "Management --  Employment
    Agreements,"  "--  1996 Equity  Incentive  Plan" and  "--  1996 Non-Employee
    Directors' Stock Option Plan."
 
(3) Reflects the $300,000 to  be paid by the Company  to the Marciano Trusts  in
    connection  with  the merger  of Marciano  International  with and  into the
    Company.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The selected  financial data  set forth  below have  been derived  from  the
consolidated  financial statements of the Company and the related notes thereto.
The statement of earnings data for the  years ended December 31, 1993, 1994  and
1995  and the balance  sheet data as of  December 31, 1994  and 1995 are derived
from the  consolidated financial  statements  of the  Company, which  have  been
audited  by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,  independent auditors and which are contained
elsewhere in this Prospectus. The statement of earnings data for the years ended
December 31, 1991 and 1992 and the  balance sheet data as of December 31,  1991,
1992  and 1993  are derived  from the  consolidated financial  statements of the
Company, which have been audited but are not contained herein. Financial data as
of June 30, 1996, and for the six month periods ended July 2, 1995 and June  30,
1996,  are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments,
consisting  only  of  normal  recurring   adjustments,  necessary  for  a   fair
presentation  of such data. The  results of operations for  the six months ended
June 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative  of the results to be expected  for
the  entire  year.  The following  selected  financial  data should  be  read in
conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and the related
notes thereto and "Management's Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition
and Results of Operations," which are included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 ----------------------
                                              -----------------------------------------------------   JULY 2,    JUNE 30,
                                                1991       1992       1993       1994       1995       1995        1996
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA:
Net revenue:
  Product sales (1).........................  $ 436,398  $ 491,978  $ 491,444  $ 507,462  $ 440,359  $ 206,579   $ 232,111
  Net royalties.............................     14,133     20,788     28,780     40,350     46,374     23,073      25,295
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
    Total net revenue.......................    450,531    512,766    520,224    547,812    486,733    229,652     257,406
Cost of sales...............................    226,238    274,920    260,409    291,989    262,142    120,809     137,113
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Gross profit................................    224,293    237,846    259,815    255,823    224,591    108,843     120,293
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses...................................    119,824    127,873    145,351    138,016    141,663     66,468      72,829
Reorganization charge (2)...................     --         --         --         --         --         --           3,559
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Earnings from operations..................    104,469    109,973    114,464    117,807     82,928     42,375      43,905
Interest, net...............................     (2,108)    (1,162)   (11,735)   (16,948)   (15,957)    (7,926)     (7,291)
Non-operating income (expense)..............        166      2,413      2,552        322       (157)      (180)       (147)
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Earnings before income taxes..............    102,527    111,224    105,281    101,181     66,814     34,269      36,467
Income taxes................................      2,695      2,856      1,810      3,540      2,895      1,275       1,598
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Net earnings..............................  $  99,832  $ 108,368  $ 103,471  $  97,641  $  63,919  $  32,994   $  34,869
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA (3):
Earnings before income taxes................  $ 102,527  $ 111,224  $ 105,281  $ 101,181  $  66,814  $  34,269   $  36,467
Income taxes................................     41,011     44,490     42,112     40,472     26,726     13,708      14,477
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net earnings................................  $  61,516  $  66,734  $  63,169  $  60,709  $  40,088  $  20,561   $  21,990
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net earnings per share (4)..................                                              $    1.00              $     .55
Weighted average common shares outstanding
 (4)........................................                                                 40,040                 39,825
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       AS OF JUNE 30, 1996
                                                             AS OF DECEMBER 31,                      -----------------------
                                         ----------------------------------------------------------                  AS
                                            1991        1992        1993        1994        1995       ACTUAL    ADJUSTED (5)
                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                           (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital........................  $   91,635  $  114,732  $   74,094  $   83,127  $   57,572  $   84,415   $  88,078
Total assets...........................     214,346     226,824     181,017     207,696     202,635     229,735     237,179
Notes payable and long-term debt.......      21,461       8,548     189,414     156,495     123,335     152,768     141,668
Net stockholders' equity
 (deficiency)..........................     149,022     167,390     (50,284)        373      10,997       6,324      24,868
</TABLE>
 
                                               (FOOTNOTES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE)
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
(CONTINUED FROM PRIOR PAGE)
(1)  Includes net revenue from (i) sales to discontinued wholesale accounts that
    the  Company  determined  did  not  meet  its  merchandising  standards   of
    $42.3 million, $51.1 million, $32.9 million and $3.8 million for 1992, 1993,
    1994  and  1995, respectively,  and $3.5  million and  $407,000 for  the six
    months ended  July  2,  1995  and June  30,  1996,  respectively,  and  (ii)
    wholesale  sales  of  discontinued  product lines  of  $82.6  million, $31.7
    million, $5.3  million and  $1.7  million for  1992,  1993, 1994  and  1995,
    respectively, and $1.5 million and $345,000 for the six months ended July 2,
    1995  and  June 30,  1996,  respectively. See  "Management's  Discussion and
    Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- General."
 
(2) In contemplation of the  Offerings, the Company recorded the  Reorganization
    Charge  for  certain  non-recurring charges  related  to the  write  down of
    operating assets to be  disposed of in  the six months  ended June 30,  1996
    aggregating  $3.6 million relating  to (i) disposal  of two currently active
    remote warehouse and production facilities which are not expected to be used
    in the Company's  operations after the  Offerings, resulting in  a net  book
    loss of $2.4 million, and (ii) the net book loss of $1.2 million incurred by
    the  Company  in connection  with  the sale  of one  of  its aircraft  to an
    unaffiliated third party for $6.0 million. On an after-tax basis, based upon
    the effective S corporation tax rate or  C corporation tax rate as the  case
    may be, the effect of the $3.6 million Reorganization Charge would have been
    $3.4 million (historical) and $2.2 million (supplemental and pro forma). The
    effects  of the Reorganization  Charge have not been  given pro forma effect
    for any of the periods presented. See "Management's Discussion and  Analysis
    of  Financial Condition and  Results of Operations --  Six Months Ended June
    30, 1996 Compared to Six Months Ended July 2, 1995."
 
(3) Reflects adjustments for  Federal and state income  taxes as if the  Company
    had been taxed as a C corporation rather than an S corporation.
 
(4)  Reflects  32,682,000  shares  of  Common  Stock  outstanding  prior  to the
    Offerings and  the assumed  issuance of  7,358,000 and  7,143,000 shares  of
    Common Stock at an assumed initial public offering price of $22.00 per share
    to  generate sufficient cash to pay (i) the S Corporation Distribution in an
    amount equal to retained earnings as of December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996,
    respectively, and  (ii)  the $300,000  to  be paid  by  the Company  to  the
    Marciano Trusts in connection with the merger of Marciano International with
    and into the Company.
 
(5) The as adjusted amount includes $176.9 million of S Distribution Notes which
    represent  the undistributed S corporation taxable earnings at June 30, 1996
    that would have been distributed had the Company's S corporation status been
    terminated at such date, the sale of  shares of Common Stock by the  Company
    hereby  at the assumed initial public offering price of $22.00 per share and
    the  application  of   the  estimated  net   proceeds  therefrom  to   repay
    indebtedness of the Company, including indebtedness under the S Distribution
    Notes.  No adjustment has been  made to give effect  to the Company's earned
    and undistributed taxable S corporation earnings for the period from July 1,
    1996 through the S  Termination Date, which will  be distributed as part  of
    the  S Corporation Distribution. Between July  1, 1996 and the S Termination
    Date, the Company anticipates the increase in the S Distribution Notes to be
    between approximately $3.1 million and $13.1 million. See "Use of  Proceeds"
    and "Company History, the Reorganization and Prior S Corporation Status."
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                       SELECTED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The  selected  pro forma  statement  of earnings  data  set forth  below are
presented for informational purposes only and may not necessarily be  indicative
of  the results of operations of  the Company as they may  be in the future. The
following selected pro forma financial data  should be read in conjunction  with
the  Company's consolidated financial  statements and the  related notes thereto
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results  of
Operations," which are included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
    Amounts  reflect pro forma  adjustments to historical  operating results for
(a) the  elimination  of  salaries  and bonuses  paid  to  the  three  Principal
Executive  Officers in excess of an aggregate  of $4.9 million per year, or $1.2
million per quarter (the estimated aggregate salaries and bonuses to be paid  to
the  Principal Executive  Officers under their  respective employment agreements
following the Offerings), (b) the  decrease in depreciation and operating  costs
of  $2.6 million, $1.3 million and $1.2  million for the year ended December 31,
1995 and the  six months ended  July 2,  1995 and June  30, 1996,  respectively,
associated  with an aircraft  owned by the  Company, which aircraft  was sold in
contemplation of the Offerings, (c) the elimination of the minority interest  in
GEBV and Guess Italia through the merger of Marciano International with and into
the Company in connection with the Reorganization, resulting in the inclusion in
net  earnings of $274,000, $201,000 and $160,000 for the year ended December 31,
1995 and the  six months ended  July 2,  1995 and June  30, 1996,  respectively,
which  amounts  had  previously  been  recorded  as  minority  interest  and (d)
adjustments for Federal and state income taxes as if the Company had been  taxed
as  a C  corporation rather  than an  S corporation.  See "Company  History, the
Reorganization and Prior  S Corporation  Status" and  "Management --  Employment
Agreements."  For additional pro forma statement of earnings data for 1993, 1994
and 1995 and  for the  six months  ended July  2, 1995  and June  30, 1996,  see
"Management's  Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of
Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                   --------------------------
                                                                                   YEAR ENDED        JULY 2,
                                                                                DECEMBER 31, 1995     1995      JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                -----------------  -----------  -------------
                                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                             <C>                <C>          <C>
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA:
Net revenue:
  Product sales...............................................................     $   440,359      $ 206,579    $   232,111
  Net royalties...............................................................          46,374         23,073         25,295
                                                                                      --------     -----------  -------------
    Total net revenue.........................................................         486,733        229,652        257,406
Cost of sales.................................................................         262,142        120,809        137,113
                                                                                      --------     -----------  -------------
Gross profit..................................................................         224,591        108,843        120,293
Selling, general and administrative expenses..................................         136,606         63,026         69,463
Reorganization charge.........................................................         --              --              3,559
                                                                                      --------     -----------  -------------
  Earnings from operations....................................................          87,985         45,817         47,271
Interest expense, net.........................................................         (15,957)        (7,926)        (7,291)
Non-operating income, net.....................................................             117             21             13
                                                                                      --------     -----------  -------------
  Earnings before income taxes................................................          72,145         37,912         39,993
Income taxes..................................................................          28,858         15,165         15,877
                                                                                      --------     -----------  -------------
  Net earnings................................................................     $    43,287      $  22,747    $    24,116
                                                                                      --------     -----------  -------------
                                                                                      --------     -----------  -------------
Net earnings per share (1)....................................................     $      1.08                   $       .61
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)................................          40,040                        39,825
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Amounts reflect 32,682,000 shares of  Common Stock outstanding prior to  the
    Offerings  and the  assumed issuance  of 7,358,000  and 7,143,000  shares of
    Common Stock at an assumed initial public offering price of $22.00 per share
    to generate sufficient cash to pay (i) the S Corporation Distribution in  an
    amount equal to retained earnings as of December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996,
    respectively,  and  (ii) the  $300,000  to be  paid  by the  Company  to the
    Marciano Trusts in connection with the merger of Marciano International with
    and into the Company.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the
"Selected  Financial  Data"  and "Selected  Pro  Forma Financial  Data"  and the
Company's consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto, which
are included elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company derives its revenue and net earnings from the worldwide sale  of
GUESS  brand products  through its  wholesale, retail  and licensing operations.
Since its  inception in  1982, the  Company's net  revenue has  grown to  $486.7
million in 1995. The Company has been profitable in every year of its operations
and  in 1995  generated pro  forma net earnings  (as described  herein) of $43.3
million.
 
    The Company derives its net revenue from the sale of Guess men's and women's
apparel to wholesale  customers and distributors,  the sale of  Guess men's  and
women's  apparel and  its licensees' products  through the  Company's network of
retail and factory outlet  stores and net  royalties from licensing  activities.
The  following  table sets  forth the  net  revenue of  the Company  through its
channels of distribution.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                         SIX MONTHS ENDED,
                                ----------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------
                                      1993              1994              1995          JULY 2, 1995     JUNE 30, 1996
                                ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------  ----------------
                                                                     (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>     <C>       <C>
Net revenue:
  Wholesale operations........  $348,879   67.1%  $358,125   65.4%  $270,931   55.7%  $142,427   62.0%  $144,782   56.3%
  Retail operations...........   142,565   27.4    149,337   27.2    169,428   34.8     64,152   27.9     87,329   33.9
                                --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------
    Net revenue from product
     sales....................   491,444   94.5    507,462   92.6    440,359   90.5    206,579   89.9    232,111   90.2
  Net royalties...............    28,780    5.5     40,350    7.4     46,374    9.5     23,073   10.1     25,295    9.8
                                --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------
    Total net revenue.........  $520,224  100.0%  $547,812  100.0%  $486,733  100.0%  $229,652  100.0%  $257,406  100.0%
                                --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------
                                --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------  --------  ------
</TABLE>
 
WHOLESALE OPERATIONS
 
    The Company, through its wholesale operations, designs, sources, markets and
distributes its men's and  women's apparel lines to  wholesale customers in  the
United  States and  Italy, to  international distributors  and to  the Company's
network of retail and  factory outlet stores.  Wholesale operations include  the
Company's  U.S.  operations,  Guess  Europe and  Guess  Asia.  Guess  Europe was
established in 1993 to provide a platform for increased international growth and
to better service  the Company's distributors  and international licensees,  and
consists  of a  design studio,  sales office,  sourcing office  and warehouse in
Florence and a showroom in Milan. Ranche, which is a wholly owned subsidiary  of
the  Company, consists of a sales office and sourcing office for the Company and
a merchandising support operation for the Company's distributors and  licensees.
In addition, GEBV is a 50% joint venture partner in a sourcing agency located in
Hong Kong.
 
    Since  its inception,  net revenue  from the  Company's wholesale operations
grew to  $396.9  million  in 1992.  Between  1992  and 1995,  net  revenue  from
wholesale  operations decreased  32%, which,  to a  large extent,  resulted from
strategic business decisions  implemented beginning  in late  1992, including  a
renewed  focus within the Company's wholesale operations on the sale of its core
men's and women's product  lines. As a result,  the Company converted the  boys'
product  line, the majority  of the girls'  product line and  women's knits into
licensing arrangements, which became effective at various times throughout 1993.
Net revenue from wholesale operations attributable to these discontinued product
lines was $82.6 million, $31.7 million, $5.3 million and $1.7 million for  1992,
1993,  1994 and 1995, respectively. Net sales  by such licensees, as reported to
the Company,  aggregated $75.6  million, $109.6  million and  $99.5 million  for
1993,  1994 and  1995, respectively. See  Note 12 to  the Company's consolidated
financial statements.
 
    Beginning in late 1993, the Company  made the strategic decision to  curtail
distribution  of  its  products  to  certain accounts  which  did  not  meet the
Company's merchandising  standards  in order  to  protect the  Guess  image  and
enhance  the exclusivity of  the brand. Net sales  to such discontinued accounts
represented approximately $42.3 million, $51.1  million, $32.9 million and  $3.8
million of the Company's net revenue in 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
In   addition,   the  Company's   net  revenue   declined  during   this  period
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
as a result of increased competition in branded denim apparel, the then sluggish
retail environment,  the  consolidation  taking  place  among  department  store
retailers  and financial  difficulties experienced  by certain  of the Company's
wholesale customers.
 
    To address the decline in net revenue from wholesale operations, the Company
is pursuing a strategy to deepen  the Company's product offerings, increase  the
number  of shop-in-shops and increase sales to international distributors. Based
on positive consumer reaction, the  Company has introduced the GUESS  COLLECTION
to  selected better department stores  for shipment in the  Fall 1996 season. In
addition, the Company intends to broaden its men's and women's lines to  include
khaki and other twill products beginning with the 1996 holiday/resort season. In
November 1995 the Company introduced a new line of jeans under the "Bare Basics"
label,  with unique  construction and fabrications  and lower  price points than
traditional Guess  jeans.  The Company  opened  18 shop-in-shops  in  the  first
quarter of 1996. The Company intends to open a total of 75 and 100 shop-in-shops
in  1996 and 1997, respectively, and intends  to support the introduction of the
GUESS COLLECTION with a unique shop-in-shop program beginning in 1997.
 
RETAIL OPERATIONS
 
    The Company's  retail operations  include  112 Company-operated  retail  and
factory outlet stores primarily located in regional shopping malls in the United
States,  including one Company-operated retail store located in Florence, Italy.
The Company's  factory  outlet  stores  serve  as  a  distribution  channel  for
discontinued  styles, slow-moving inventory,  returned goods and  seconds. As of
March 31, 1996, the domestic retail network included 64 retail stores located in
20 states  and 47  factory outlet  stores located  in 27  states. The  Company's
strategy  is to increase domestic sales  by selectively expanding its network of
retail stores, increasing the comparable store sales of its existing stores  and
closing  stores that do not meet  its financial objectives. Consistent with this
strategy, the Company has opened two retail stores in the first quarter of 1996,
and intends  to open  approximately  five additional  retail stores  during  the
remainder of 1996 and approximately 15 additional retail stores during 1997.
 
    The Company's retail management team recently refined the Company's strategy
to improve the productivity of its retail network by establishing new models for
optimal store size, design and construction costs as well as staffing levels. In
addition,  in late 1995, the  Company began to improve  the merchandising mix in
its stores and implement sophisticated information systems to improve  inventory
control.  The  Company believes  that  the implementation  of  these initiatives
contributed to the increase  in comparable retail and  factory outlet store  net
revenue of 16.7% in the first quarter of 1996.
 
    The  Company  monitors the  performance of  each of  its retail  and factory
outlet stores  to  ensure they  meet  minimum operating  performance  standards.
Stores  that  do not  meet these  minimum standards  or are  unprofitable become
candidates for closure. Since the beginning  of 1993, the Company has closed  16
stores,  including  ten  that were  closed  in  1995. During  1995,  the Company
recorded provisions for store closing expenses of $2.9 million and $1.0  million
during the third and fourth quarters, respectively. These provisions include the
costs  the Company will incur in connection with completing the closure of three
retail stores. The  Company does not  currently expect that  it will be  closing
additional  retail stores  during the  next 12  months. Costs  of closing stores
typically consist principally of  lease termination costs  and the write-off  of
certain leasehold improvements.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    The  following chart sets  forth the store openings  and closing since 1993,
total average gross square footage, comparable store net revenue and net revenue
per square foot.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          FIRST QUARTER
                                                                              ENDED
                                                                        -----------------
                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,      APRIL     MARCH
                                          ---------------------------     2,        31,
                                           1993      1994      1995      1995      1996
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
Retail stores
    Beginning of period.................       39        36        53        53        63
    Opened during period................        1        19        15         1         2
    Closed during period................       (4)       (2)       (5)       (2)    --
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    End of Period.......................       36        53        63        52        65
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
 
Factory stores
    Beginning of period.................       22        43        47        47        47
    Opened during period................       21         4         5         1     --
    Closed during period................    --        --           (5)       (1)    --
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    End of Period.......................       43        47        47        47        47
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
 
Comparable store sales increase
 (decrease).............................     (4.0)%    (5.3)%    (7.4)%    (0.1)%    16.7%
 
Total average gross square footage
 (1)....................................  341,000   425,000   543,000   507,000   593,000
 
Net revenue per average gross square
 foot...................................  $   418   $   351   $   312   $    56   $    68
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1) Average  gross  square  footage represents  the  square  footage  (including
    selling, stocking and all other areas) of the Company's stores. In the event
    a  store was open for less than the full period presented, the average gross
    square footage was computed based on  the percentage of time such store  was
    open during the period.
 
LICENSING OPERATIONS
 
    Guess  has selectively  licensed the use  of its trademarks  since 1982. The
Company's strategy is to increase  net royalties from selectively licensing  the
Guess  name to producers of high-quality  products that complement its lifestyle
collection in the United States and other territories. In addition to  licensing
products  which  complement the  Company's apparel  products, Guess  has granted
licenses for the manufacture and sale  of GUESS branded products similar to  the
Company's,  including men's and  women's denim and knitwear,  in markets such as
Canada, Argentina,  Mexico,  the Philippines,  South  Korea, Brazil  and  Japan.
Licensing  both  expands  distribution  into new  territories  and  broadens the
spectrum of GUESS  brand products. Licensed  products include watches,  clothing
for infants and children, eyewear, footwear, activewear, home products and other
fashion  accessories. The Company's royalties, net of direct expenses, from such
sales and  nonrecurring fees  increased  from $28.8  million  in 1993  to  $46.4
million  in 1995. Guess has 26 licensees,  all of which are currently generating
royalties. Net royalties from the  four most significant licenses accounted  for
approximately 48.1% and 49.1% of the Company's net royalties in 1995 and the six
months of 1996, respectively.
 
    In order to maintain its reputation for quality and style and to control the
integrity  of  the  brand  name,  the  Company's  licensing  department strictly
monitors product  design, development,  merchandising  and marketing  and  meets
regularly  with  licensees  to  ensure consistency  with  the  Company's overall
strategies, and to ensure uniformity and quality control. The Company  regularly
reviews  the financial  reports provided  by its  licensees in  order to monitor
sales trends, royalty calculations and pricing policies, among other things. All
GUESS brand products, advertising, promotional  and packaging materials must  be
approved  in advance by Guess. The Company operates centers in Los Angeles, Hong
Kong and  Milan  that assist  in  monitoring the  quality  of the  products  and
operations  of its licensees,  as well as its  distributors, in developing their
territories and products.  These centers allow  the Company to  ensure that  all
licensees and distributors comply with the strict Guess quality standards.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
    The  following table sets forth pro  forma operating results for the periods
indicated.  Pro  forma  operating  results  reflect  adjustments  to  historical
operating  results for (i) the  elimination of salaries and  bonuses paid to the
Principal Executive Officers in excess of an aggregate of $4.9 million per year,
or $1.2 million per quarter (the estimated aggregate salaries and bonuses to  be
paid  to  the Principal  Executive  Officers under  their  respective employment
agreements following the  Offerings), resulting  in a  decrease in  compensation
expense  of $14.0  million, $3.3  million, $2.4  million, $2.2  million and $2.1
million for 1993, 1994, 1995 and the six months ended July 2, 1995 and June  30,
1995,  (ii) the  decrease in depreciation  and operating costs  of $2.6 million,
$1.3 million and $1.2 million for the  year ended December 31, 1995 and the  six
months  ended July 2, 1995  and June 30, 1996,  respectively, associated with an
aircraft owned by the Company, which  aircraft was sold in contemplation of  the
Offerings,  (iii) the  elimination of  the minority  interest in  GEBV and Guess
Italia through the merger of Marciano International with and into the Company in
connection with the Reorganization, resulting  in the inclusion in net  earnings
of  $24,000,  $280,000,  $274,000, $201,000  and  $160,000 for  the  years ended
December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the six months ended July 2, 1995 and  June
30,  1996, respectively, which amounts had  previously been recorded as minority
interest and  (iv) adjustments  for Federal  and state  income taxes  as if  the
Company  had been  taxed as a  C corporation  rather than an  S corporation. See
"Company History,  the  Reorganization  and  Prior  S  Corporation  Status"  and
"Management -- Employment Agreements."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,        ----------------------
                                                       ----------------------------------   JULY 2,     JUNE 30,
                                                          1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net revenue:
  Product sales......................................  $  491,444  $  507,462  $  440,359  $  206,579  $  232,111
  Net royalties......................................      28,780      40,350      46,374      23,073      25,295
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
      Total net revenue..............................     520,224     547,812     486,733     229,652     257,406
Cost of sales........................................     260,409     291,989     262,142     120,809     137,113
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Gross profit.........................................     259,815     255,823     224,591     108,843     120,293
Selling, general and administrative expenses.........     127,971     131,711     136,606      63,026      69,463
Reorganization charge................................      --          --          --          --           3,559
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Earnings from operations...........................     131,844     124,112      87,985      45,817      47,271
Interest expense, net................................     (11,735)    (16,948)    (15,957)     (7,926)     (7,291)
Non-operating income, net............................       2,528          42         117          21          13
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Earnings before income taxes.......................     122,637     107,206      72,145      37,912      39,993
Pro forma income taxes...............................      49,055      42,882      28,858      15,165      15,877
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Pro forma net earnings.............................  $   73,582  $   64,324  $   43,287  $   22,747  $   24,116
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    The  following table sets forth pro  forma operating results as a percentage
of net revenue for the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,      ------------------------
                                                               -------------------------------    JULY 2,     JUNE 30,
                                                                 1993       1994       1995        1995         1996
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Net revenue:
  Product sales..............................................       94.5%      92.6%      90.5%       90.0%        90.2%
  Net royalties..............................................        5.5        7.4        9.5        10.0          9.8
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
      Total net revenue......................................      100.0      100.0      100.0       100.0        100.0
Cost of sales................................................       50.1       53.3       53.9        52.6         53.3
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
Gross profit.................................................       49.9       46.7       46.1        47.4         46.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses.................       24.6       24.0       28.0        27.4         27.0
Reorganization charge........................................     --         --         --          --              1.3
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
  Earnings from operations...................................       25.3       22.7       18.1        20.0         18.4
Interest expense, net........................................       (2.3)      (3.1)      (3.3)       (3.5)        (2.8)
Non-operating income, net....................................        0.5        0.0        0.0         0.0          0.0
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
  Earnings before income taxes...............................       23.5       19.6       14.8        16.5         15.6
Pro forma income taxes.......................................        9.4        7.9        5.9         6.6          6.2
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
  Pro forma net earnings.....................................       14.1%      11.7%       8.9%        9.9%         9.4%
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
</TABLE>
 
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 2, 1995
 
    NET REVENUE.  Net revenue increased $27.7 million or 12.1% to $257.4 million
in the six  months ended June  30, 1996 from  $229.7 million in  the six  months
ended July 2, 1995. Net revenue from wholesale operations increased $2.4 million
to  $144.8  million  from $142.4  million,  due principally  to  increased sales
outside the United States of $12.1  million, partially offset by a $9.7  million
decline  in domestic  wholesale sales. The  decline in  domestic wholesale sales
resulted from a $3.1 million decline due to closing certain accounts and a  $1.2
million  decline due to the licensing out  of certain apparel lines as described
above. Net  revenue from  retail  operations increased  $23.1 million  to  $87.3
million  from $64.2 million,  primarily attributable to an  increase of 14.4% in
comparable store net revenue and from volume generated by 13 new store openings,
offset by  the closing  of five  stores. The  increase in  comparable store  net
revenue  was primarily attributable to a  more favorable merchandise mix and the
implementation of improved inventory management systems. Net royalties increased
9.6% in the six months ended June  30, 1996 to $25.3 million from $23.1  million
in  the six months ended July 2, 1995. Net revenue from international operations
comprised 11.6%  and 6.8%  of the  Company's net  revenue during  the first  six
months of 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
    GROSS  PROFIT.  Gross  profit increased 10.5%  to $120.3 million  in the six
months ended June 30, 1996 from $108.8  million in the six months ended July  2,
1995.  The increase  in gross profit  resulted from increased  net royalties and
increased net revenue from  product sales. Gross profit  as a percentage of  net
revenue  decreased to 46.7% in the six months ended June 30, 1996 as compared to
47.4% in the six months ended July 2,  1995 primarily as a result of the  growth
in  net revenues derived from both  international and retail operations, both of
which generally have relatively  lower gross profit  margins. Gross profit  from
product  sales increased 10.7% to $95.0 million in the six months ended June 30,
1996 from $85.8 million in the six months ended July 2, 1995.
 
    SG&A EXPENSES.    Selling,  general  and  administrative  ("SG&A")  expenses
increased  9.6% in the six months ended June 30, 1996 to $72.8 million, or 28.3%
of net revenue, from $66.5 million, or  28.9% of net revenue, in the six  months
ended  July 2, 1995.  On a pro  forma basis, SG&A  expenses would have increased
10.2% in the six months  ended June 30, 1996 to  $69.5 million, or 27.0% of  net
revenue,  from $63.0 million, or  27.4% of net revenue,  in the six months ended
July   2,   1995.   The   increase   in   SG&A   expense   was   primarily   the
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
result  of  increased store  expenses  related to  the  expansion of  the retail
operation. The decrease in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net revenue was  the
result  of fixed expenses  being spread over  a larger revenue  base in the 1996
period.
 
    REORGANIZATION CHARGE.   In  anticipation of  the Offerings,  in the  second
quarter  of 1996 the Company recorded reserves for certain non-recurring charges
related to the  writedowns of operating  assets to be  disposed of $3.6  million
for:  (i)  disposal  of two  currently  active remote  warehouse  and production
facilities not  expected  to be  used  in  the Company's  operations  after  the
Offerings,  resulting in a net book loss of  $2.4 million, and (ii) the net book
loss of $1.2 million incurred by the Company in connection with the sale of  one
of  its aircraft.  The above charges  are based upon  the net book  value of the
related assets  as  of  June 30,  1996.  The  Company intends  to  relocate  the
warehouse  and production  operations located  at the  remote facilities  to its
central facility in Los  Angeles in an effort  to centralize its operations  and
improve operating efficiencies.
 
    EARNINGS   FROM  OPERATIONS.    Earnings   from  operations,  including  the
reorganization charge described above, increased 3.6% to $43.9 million, or 17.1%
of net revenue in  the six months  ended June 30, 1996,  from $42.4 million,  or
18.5%  of net  revenue, in the  six months  ended July 2,  1995. On  a pro forma
basis, earnings from  operations would  have increased  3.2% in  the six  months
ended  June  30, 1996  to $47.3  million, or  18.4% of  net revenue,  from $45.8
million, or 20.0% of  net revenue, in  the six months ended  July 2, 1995.  This
increase resulted primarily from the increase in net revenue.
 
    INTEREST  EXPENSE, NET.  Net interest expense decreased 8.0% to $7.3 million
in the six months ended June 30, 1996 from $7.9 million in the six months  ended
July  2, 1995. This decrease resulted primarily from lower outstanding debt. For
the first six months of 1996, the average debt balance was $149.3 million,  with
an  average effective interest rate  of 9.3%. For the  first six months of 1995,
the average debt balance was $164.8 million, with an average effective  interest
rate of 9.4%.
 
    INCOME  TAXES.   For  Federal  and certain  state  income tax  purposes, the
Company has  elected  to  be treated  as  an  S corporation  and  therefore  has
generally  not been subject to income tax  on its earnings. The Company's income
taxes, which represent state income taxes  and foreign taxes, were $1.6  million
and  $1.3  million in  the six  months ended  June  30, 1996  and July  2, 1995,
respectively. The Company's  S corporation  status will terminate  prior to  the
consummation  of the Offerings and, therefore, the Company will be fully subject
to Federal, state and foreign income taxes.  On a pro forma basis, income  taxes
would have been $15.9 million and $15.2 million in the six months ended June 30,
1996 and July 2, 1995, respectively.
 
    NET EARNINGS.  Net earnings increased 5.7% to $34.9 million, or 13.5% of net
revenue,  in the six months ended June 30, 1996, from $33.0 million, or 14.4% of
net revenue, in the  six months ended July  2, 1995. On a  pro forma basis,  net
earnings  would have increased 6.0% to $24.1 million, or 9.4% of net revenue, in
the six months ended June 30, 1996, from $22.7 million, or 9.9% of net  revenue,
in the six months ended July 2, 1995.
 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
 
    NET REVENUE.  Net revenue decreased $61.1 million or 11.1% to $486.7 million
in  1995  from $547.8  million in  1994. Net  revenue from  wholesale operations
decreased $87.2 million to $270.9 million from $358.1 million, including a $29.1
million decline due to closing certain accounts, and a $3.6 million decline  due
to  the licensing  out of  certain apparel  lines as  described above. Excluding
these items, net revenue  from wholesale operations  would have decreased  $54.5
million.  The principal reasons for the decrease were a $49.3 million decline in
domestic sales of  men's and  women's apparel and  a $15.5  million decrease  in
off-price  revenue  (which  represents  net  revenue  from  the  liquidation  of
discontinued merchandise  which  carries  lower margins),  partially  offset  by
increased sales outside the United States to international distributors of $10.3
million.  The  Company's domestic  net sales  declined during  this period  as a
result of increased competition  in branded denim  apparel, the sluggish  retail
environment, the consolidation taking place among department store retailers and
financial  difficulties  experienced  by  certain  of  the  Company's  wholesale
customers. Net revenue from retail operations increased $20.1 million to  $169.4
million  from $149.3  million. This  net increase  reflects a  37.2% increase in
Guess retail store net
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
revenue resulting from new store openings, somewhat offset by a 7.4% decline  in
comparable  store net revenue, primarily  attributable to the continued sluggish
market conditions affecting the factory  outlet stores. Net royalties  increased
14.9%  in 1995 to  $46.4 million from  $40.4 million in  1994. This increase was
attributable to the continued growth  in existing licensees' businesses as  well
as  the  addition  of  new  licensees.  Revenue  from  international  operations
(including net royalties from international  licensees) comprised 6.9% and  3.7%
of the Company's net revenue during 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
    GROSS  PROFIT.  Gross profit decreased 12.2%  to $224.6 million in 1995 from
$255.8 million in 1994. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenue decreased to
46.1% in 1995 from 46.7% in 1994. The decrease in gross profit was  attributable
to  a $67.1 million decrease in net revenue from product sales, partially offset
by a $6.0  million increase in  net royalties. Gross  profit from product  sales
decreased  17.3% to $178.2 million  in 1995 from $215.5  million in 1994. During
the second half of 1995,  the Company recorded a  provision of $3.9 million  for
anticipated  store  closing expenses.  Without  the $3.9  million  store closure
provision, gross margin would have been 46.9% of net revenue in 1995 as compared
with 46.7% of net revenue in 1994, respectively.
 
    SG&A EXPENSES.  SG&A expenses increased 2.6% to $141.7 million, or 29.1%  of
net  revenue, in 1995, from $138.0 million, or 25.2% of net revenue, in 1994. On
a pro forma basis,  SG&A expenses would  have increased 3.7%  in 1995 to  $136.6
million,  or 28.0% of net revenue, from $131.7 million, or 24.0% of net revenue,
in 1994. This increase  was primarily the result  of the continued expansion  of
the  retail division, an increase in advertising expenses and increased expenses
relating to the installation  and remodeling of twice  as many shop-in-shops  as
were  installed or remodeled  in 1994. These increases  were partially offset by
reduced expenses resulting from cost  containment efforts. The increase in  SG&A
expenses  as a percentage of  net revenue was the  result of the above mentioned
advertising and shop-in-shop  expenditures being expensed  as incurred  together
with  fixed expenses being  spread over a  smaller revenue base  during the 1995
period.
 
    EARNINGS FROM  OPERATIONS.    Earnings  from operations  decreased 29.6%  to
$82.9 million, or 17.0% of net revenue in 1995, from $117.8 million, or 21.5% of
net  revenue, in 1994. On a pro forma basis, earnings from operations would have
decreased 29.1% in 1995 to $88.0 million,  or 18.1% of net revenue, from  $124.1
million,  or 22.7% of net revenue, in 1994. This decline primarily resulted from
a decrease in net revenue, which was partially offset by higher royalty income.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE, NET.  Net interest expense decreased 5.9% to $16.0 million
for 1995 from $16.9 million in 1994.  This decrease resulted from lower debt  in
1995  which more than offset the effect  of higher interest rates. For 1995, the
average debt balance was $156.6 million, with an average effective interest rate
of 9.5%. For 1994, the average debt balance was $183.2 million, with an  average
effective interest rate of 8.6%.
 
    INCOME  TAXES.  Income taxes were $2.9  million and $3.5 million in 1995 and
1994, respectively. On  a pro forma  basis, income taxes  would have been  $26.0
million and $42.9 million in 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
    NET  EARNINGS.  Net earnings  decreased 34.5% to $63.9  million, or 13.1% of
net revenue, in 1995, from $97.6 million, or 17.8% of net revenue, in 1994. On a
pro forma basis, net  earnings would have decreased  32.7% to $43.3 million,  or
8.9%  of net revenue, in  1995, from $64.3 million, or  11.7% of net revenue, in
1994.
 
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
 
    NET REVENUE.  Net revenue increased $27.6 million or 5.3% to $547.8  million
in  1994  from $520.2  million in  1993. Net  revenue from  wholesale operations
increased $9.2 million to $358.1 million from $348.9 million, including a  $26.3
million  decline  due  to  the licensing  of  certain  apparel  lines previously
produced by  the Company  and a  $18.2 million  decline due  to closing  certain
accounts.  Excluding these  items, net  revenue from  wholesale operations would
have increased $53.7 million. Net revenue from retail operations increased  $6.7
million to $149.3 million from $142.6 million. This increase was attributable to
new  store openings,  somewhat offset by  a decline  of $5.6 million  or 5.3% in
comparable store net revenue. This decline  in comparable store net revenue  was
attributable  to the  factory outlet stores,  which were affected  by the severe
East Coast weather in the early  part of 1994, product assortment changes  which
were instituted in the
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
fall  of  1993  and sluggish  factory  outlet market  conditions.  Net royalties
increased 40.2%  in 1994  to $40.4  million  from $28.8  million in  1993.  This
increase  was  attributable  to  royalties  from  new  licensees  including  the
aforementioned boys,  girls,  and  women's  knit lines,  as  well  as  increased
royalties   from  higher  net  revenue   by  existing  licensees.  Revenue  from
international operations comprised 3.7%  and 2.7% of  the Company's net  revenue
during 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
    GROSS  PROFIT.  Gross profit  decreased 1.5% to $255.8  million in 1994 from
$259.8 million in 1993. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenue decreased to
46.7% in 1994 from 49.9% in 1993. The decrease in gross profit was  attributable
to a $15.6 million decrease in gross profit from product sales, partially offset
by  an $11.6 million increase in net  royalties. Gross profit from product sales
decreased 6.7%  to $215.5  million in  1994 from  $231.0 million  in 1993.  This
decrease  reflects an increase in production costs due to changes in fabrication
and processing  costs, as  well as  higher occupancy  costs as  a percentage  of
revenue due to the opening of new retail stores.
 
    SG&A  EXPENSES.  SG&A expenses decreased 5.1% to $138.0 million, or 25.2% of
net revenue, in 1994, from $145.4 million, or 27.9% of net revenue, in 1993.  On
a  pro forma basis,  SG&A expenses would  have increased 2.9%  in 1994 to $131.7
million, or 24.0% of net revenue, from $128.0 million, or 24.6% of net  revenue,
in  1993. This increase  was primarily attributable  to the opening  of a design
studio in  Florence,  Italy and  an  increase  in domestic  design  and  selling
expenses related to the additions of new stores.
 
    EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS.  Earnings from operations increased 2.9% to $117.8
million,  or 21.5% of net revenue in 1994,  from $114.5 million, or 22.0% of net
revenue, in 1993.  On a  pro forma basis,  earnings from  operations would  have
decreased  5.9% in 1994 to $124.1 million,  or 22.7% of net revenue, from $131.8
million, or 25.3% of net revenue, in 1993.
 
    NON-OPERATING INCOME.    Non-operating  income was  $0.3  million  for  1994
compared to $2.6 million in 1993. The non-operating income in 1993 was primarily
a result of a lawsuit settlement.
 
    INTEREST  EXPENSE, NET.  Net interest expense increased to $16.9 million for
1994 from  $11.7 million  in 1993.  This increase  resulted from  the full  year
effect   of  financing  transactions   entered  into  in   connection  with  the
recapitalization of the Company  in August 1993, including  the issuance of  the
Senior  Subordinated Notes and borrowing under  a revolving credit facility. For
1994, the average  debt balance was  $183.2 million, with  an average  effective
interest  rate of 8.6%.  For 1993, the  average debt balance  was $90.5 million,
with an average effective interest rate of 8.9%.
 
    INCOME TAXES.  Income taxes were $3.5  million and $1.8 million in 1994  and
1993,  respectively. On a  pro forma basis,  income taxes would  have been $42.9
million and $49.1 million in 1994 and 1993, respectively.
 
    NET EARNINGS.  Net earnings decreased 5.6% to $97.6 million, or 17.8% of net
revenue, in  1994,  from  $103.5 million  or  19.9%  of net  revenue,  in  1993,
primarily  due to the  increase in interest  expense. On a  pro forma basis, net
earnings would have decreased 12.6% to  $64.3 million, or 11.7% of net  revenue,
in 1994, from $73.6 million, or 14.1% of net revenue, in 1993.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    The  Company  has relied  primarily upon  internally generated  funds, trade
credit and bank borrowings to finance  its operations and expansion and to  make
periodic distributions to its stockholders. As of June 30, 1996, the Company had
working  capital of  $84.4 million,  compared to  $57.6 million  at December 31,
1995. The $26.8 million  increase in working capital  primarily resulted from  a
$19.5  million increase in inventories, an  $8.8 million increase in receivables
and a $3.5  million decrease  in payables, partially  offset by  a $5.4  million
increase  in  accrued liabilities.  The  increase in  inventory  and receivables
relates to seasonal  requirements and the  buildup of initial  inventory of  the
Company's  BARE BASICS  line. The  accounts receivable  reserves aggregated $8.2
million at June 30,  1996, as compared  with $8.6 million at  June 30, 1995  and
$10.8  million at December 31, 1995. The reduction in the reserves from December
31, 1995  to June  30,  1996 is  principally due  to  the seasonal  granting  of
markdowns  (which are charged  against the accounts  receivable reserves) in the
first quarter of 1996 related to product sales recorded in the fourth quarter of
1995 and is consistent with the Company's historical experience.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
    As part of  the Company's  management of  its working  capital, the  Company
performs all customer credit functions internally, including extension of credit
and  collections. The Company's bad  debt write-offs were less  than 0.5% of net
revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1996 and year ended December 31, 1995.
 
    The Company's  Credit  Agreement provides  for  a $100.0  million  revolving
credit  facility which includes a $20.0  million sublimit for letters of credit.
As of June  30, 1996, the  Company had $43.0  million in outstanding  borrowings
under  the revolving credit  facility and outstanding letters  of credit of $8.6
million. As of June 30, 1996, the Company had $48.4 million available for future
borrowings under such  facility. The  revolving credit facility  will expire  in
December 1997. In addition to the revolving credit, the Company also has a $25.0
million  letter of credit facility.  As of June 30,  1996, the Company had $15.3
million outstanding under this facility.
 
    Capital expenditures, net of lease incentives granted, totaled $21.7 million
for 1995 and  $18.3 million  for 1994. The  Company estimates  that its  capital
expenditures  for 1996  will be approximately  $20.0 million,  primarily for the
expansion of its retail stores and operations.
 
    As a result of the Company's treatment  as an S corporation for Federal  and
certain  state income  tax purposes, the  Company has provided  to the Principal
Stockholders periodic distributions for the payment of income taxes, as well  as
a  return on their investment. The Company paid dividends, including amounts for
taxes, of $117.7  million, $47.0  million, $53.3  million and  $39.6 million  in
1993,  1994, 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. Prior to
consummation of  the  Offerings, the  Company  will declare  the  S  Corporation
Distribution  and distribute the  S Distribution Notes,  which notes will mature
one year from the Closing  Date of the Offerings.  Prior to the consummation  of
the  Offerings,  the  Company's S  corporation  status will  be  terminated. The
Company anticipates  that,  after  payment of  the  S  Corporation  Distribution
(including  repayment of the remaining balance of the S Distribution Notes), any
earnings will be retained  for the foreseeable future  in the operations of  the
business.  See  "Company History,  the  Reorganization and  Prior  S Corporation
Status" and "Dividend Policy."
 
    Subsequent to the  consummation of  the Offerings, the  Company's cash  flow
needs  will  decrease as  a result  of decreased  compensation to  the Principal
Executive Officers and the absence of stockholder distributions for the purposes
of tax payments.  Offsetting these decreases  will be increases  related to  the
need to apply funds to the payment of Federal and additional state income taxes.
The  net effect on cash  for such changes is  expected to increase the Company's
cash flow.
 
    The Company anticipates  that it will  be able to  satisfy its ongoing  cash
requirements  through 1997,  including retail and  international expansion plans
and interest payments on the Company's Senior Subordinated Notes, primarily with
cash flow from operations, supplemented,  if necessary, by borrowings under  its
Credit Agreement.
 
SEASONALITY
 
    The  Company's business is impacted by  the general seasonal trends that are
characteristic of the  apparel and  retail industries.  The Company's  wholesale
operations  generally  experience stronger  performance in  the first  and third
quarters, while retail operations are generally stronger in the third and fourth
quarters. As the timing of the shipment of products may vary from year to  year,
the  results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the
full year.  The  Company  has  not had  significant  overhead  and  other  costs
generally associated with large seasonal variations.
 
    The  following table  sets forth  certain unaudited  quarterly data  for the
periods shown.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1994                                        1995                             1996
                     ------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------  --------------------
                       FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH      FIRST     SECOND      THIRD     FOURTH      FIRST     SECOND
                       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                  <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net revenue........  $ 122,729  $ 119,383  $ 160,783  $ 144,917  $ 124,903  $ 104,749  $ 133,129  $ 123,952  $ 134,898  $ 122,508
Gross profit.......     59,784     53,611     79,232     63,196     59,636     49,207     59,148     56,600     64,419     55,874
</TABLE>
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
INFLATION
 
    The Company does not believe that the relatively moderate rates of inflation
experienced in  the  United  States  over  the  last  three  years  have  had  a
significant effect on its net revenue or profitability. Although higher rates of
inflation  have been experienced in  a number of foreign  countries in which the
Company's products are manufactured, the Company does not believe that they have
had a material effect on the Company's net revenue or profitability.
 
EXCHANGE RATES
 
    The Company  receives United  States dollars  for substantially  all of  its
product  sales  and its  licensing revenues.  Inventory purchases  from offshore
contract manufacturers  are  primarily  denominated in  United  States  dollars;
however,  purchase  prices  for  the  Company's  products  may  be  impacted  by
fluctuations in the exchange rate between the United States dollar and the local
currencies  of  the  contract  manufacturers,  which  may  have  the  effect  of
increasing the Company's cost of goods in the future. During the last two fiscal
years,  exchange  rate  fluctuations  have  not had  a  material  impact  on the
Company's inventory  costs. The  Company currently  does not  engage in  hedging
activities with respect to such exchange rate risk. See "Risk Factors -- Foreign
Operations."
 
IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
   
    The  Financial Accounting Standards  Board (the "FASB")  issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards  No. 121  ("SFAS No. 121"),  "Accounting for  the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be disposed of," in
March  1995 which  is effective  for fiscal  years beginning  after December 15,
1995. SFAS  No.  121 establishes  accounting  standards for  the  impairment  of
long-lived  assets,  certain identifiable  intangibles  and goodwill  related to
these assets and certain identifiable intangibles to be disposed of. The Company
adopted the  provisions  of  SFAS No.  121  effective  April 1,  1996  and  has,
accordingly,  recorded  a  write-down  aggregating $2.4  million  in  the second
quarter of 1996 related  to certain operating  assets to be  disposed of and  is
included  as  a  component of  the  $3.6  million Reorganization  Charge  in the
Company's statement of earnings. The Company  does not anticipate that SFAS  No.
121  will have a material impact on its financial statements. See note 14 to the
Company's consolidated financial statements.
    
 
    In October 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123,  "Accounting  for  Stock-Based Compensation"  ("SFAS  123").  SFAS  123
established  a  fair  value-based  method of  accounting  for  compensation cost
related to  stock options  and other  forms of  stock-based compensation  plans.
However,  SFAS 123  allows an entity  to continue to  measure compensation costs
using the principles of Accounting Principles Board pronouncement 25 if  certain
pro forma disclosures are made. SFAS 123 is effective for fiscal years beginning
after  December 15, 1995.  The Company intends  to adopt the  provisions for pro
forma disclosure requirements of  SFAS 123 in fiscal  1996 and anticipates  that
SFAS 123 will not have a material impact on its financial statements. As of June
30,  1996, the  Company had  not issued any  stock options  or other instruments
under which SFAS 123 would apply.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
                                    BUSINESS
 
INTRODUCTION
 
    Guess,   founded  in  1981  by  the  Marciano  brothers,  designs,  markets,
distributes and licenses  one of  the world's leading  lifestyle collections  of
casual apparel, accessories and related consumer products. The Company's apparel
for  men and  women is  inspired by  an appreciation  of the  American lifestyle
combined with a European flair and is marketed under the trademarks GUESS, GUESS
U.S.A., GUESS? AND TRIANGLE DESIGN and GUESS COLLECTION. The lines include  full
collections  of  denim and  cotton clothing,  including jeans,  pants, overalls,
skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets and knitwear. In addition, the
Company has granted  licenses to  manufacture and  distribute a  broad range  of
products  that  complement  the  Company's  apparel  lines,  including  watches,
clothing for infants and children, eyewear, footwear, activewear, home  products
and  other  fashion accessories.  The  Company's product  quality  combined with
captivating advertising  images  have  created a  global  brand  franchise  with
products  that appeal  to style-conscious consumers  across a  broad spectrum of
ages. The Company  generates revenue  from wholesale and  retail operations  and
licensing  activities, which accounted for 56%, 35% and 9%, respectively, of net
revenue in 1995. The Company's total net revenue in 1995 was $486.7 million  and
pro forma net earnings (as described herein) were $43.3 million.
 
    The  Company  achieves  premium  pricing  for  its  products  by emphasizing
superior styling and quality.  The Company maintains  rigorous control over  the
quality of its products by performing its own design and development work and by
closely  monitoring  the  workmanship  of  its  contractors  and  licensees. The
enduring strength  of  the GUESS  brand  name and  image  is reinforced  by  the
Company's  consistent emphasis on  innovative and distinctive  design. Under the
direction of  Maurice Marciano,  the Company's  design department  creates  full
lines  of casual  apparel that appeal  to both  men and women.  During 1995, net
sales of apparel for men and for women accounted for approximately 48% and  52%,
respectively,  of net  revenue from  the sale of  apparel products.  Each of the
lines consists of a broad array of basic, recurring styles, complemented by more
fashion-oriented items which reflect contemporary trends. During 1995, net sales
of  basic  and  fashion   items  accounted  for   approximately  49%  and   51%,
respectively, of the Company's net revenue from the sale of apparel products.
 
    The  Company seeks to reach a  broad consumer base through multiple channels
of distribution. As of March 31, 1996, GUESS brand products were distributed  by
the  Company, its licensees and  international distributors to better department
stores and upscale  specialty stores,  112 stores  operated by  the Company  (of
which  65 were retail stores  and 47 were factory  outlet stores) and 205 stores
operated  by  licensees  and  distributors.   As  a  critical  element  of   its
distribution  to  department  stores,  the  Company  and  its  licensees utilize
shop-in-shops to enhance brand  recognition, permit more complete  merchandising
of  the  lines  and differentiate  the  presentation  of GUESS  products.  As of
December 31,  1995, the  Company's  and its  licensees'  products were  sold  in
approximately 1,600 shop-in-shops worldwide. In order to protect the Guess image
and  enhance the exclusivity of the brand, the Company began in 1993 to withdraw
its products from certain  wholesale accounts which did  not meet the  Company's
merchandising   standards.  Sales  to  such  discontinued  accounts  represented
approximately $51.1 million, $32.9 million and $3.8 million of the Company's net
revenue in  1993, 1994  and 1995,  respectively. The  Company's own  network  of
stores,  in  addition to  providing  a key  opportunity  for growth,  allows the
Company to present and merchandise its entire collection and to test market  new
product concepts.
 
    The  Company intends to capitalize on the worldwide recognition of its brand
name and the breadth of Guess lifestyle products by expanding its  international
operations.  The Company has established Guess Europe in Italy and Guess Asia in
Hong Kong to design, source and market  products in Europe and the Pacific  Rim.
Guess  has  granted  licenses for  the  manufacture  and sale  of  GUESS branded
products similar  to  the  Company's,  including men's  and  women's  denim  and
knitwear,  in markets such as Canada,  Argentina, Mexico, the Philippines, South
Korea, Brazil  and  Japan.  Although  Guess  is  in  the  early  stages  of  its
international  expansion, GUESS  brand products  are currently  sold in  over 70
countries primarily through licensees and distributors.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    The desirability of  the GUESS brand  name among consumers  has allowed  the
Company   to  selectively   expand  its  product   offerings  through  licensing
arrangements. The Company believes its licensing strategy significantly broadens
the distribution of GUESS  brand products while  limiting the Company's  capital
investment  and operating expenses. The Company carefully selects its licensees,
maintains  strict   control  over   the  design,   advertising,  marketing   and
distribution  of all licensed products in  order to maintain a consistent global
GUESS brand image. The Company's 26 licensees manufacture and distribute a broad
array of  related  consumer products  in  the United  States  and  international
markets.  The Company's  most significant  licenses include  GUESS WATCHES, BABY
GUESS, GUESS KIDS and GUESS EYEWEAR, which together accounted for  approximately
48.1%  of  the  Company's  net  royalties  in  1995.  The  Company  continues to
capitalize on the GUESS  brand image by granting  licenses to introduce  related
products.  Recently, the  Company licensed the  GUESS HOME  COLLECTION and GUESS
OUTERWEAR, as well as various accessory products.
 
    Under Paul  Marciano's  direction  and  supervision,  Guess  has  created  a
consistent,  high profile  image through  the use  of its  distinctive black and
white print ads. The Company's in-house Advertising Department directs the media
placement of all advertising worldwide, including placement by its licensees and
distributors. On numerous  occasions since 1986,  the Company's advertising  has
garnered  prestigious  awards  for creativity  and  excellence,  including CLIO,
BELDING and MOBIUS awards. Such awards are generally awarded on the basis of the
judgment of prominent members of the advertising industry. By retaining  control
over  its advertising programs, the Company is able to maintain the integrity of
the GUESS brand image while realizing a substantial cost savings compared to the
use of outside agencies. The Company requires its licensees and distributors  to
invest a percentage of their net sales of licensed products and net purchases of
Guess products, respectively, in advertising, promotion and marketing. From 1992
through  1995,  the Company's  advertising  expenditures, together  with amounts
spent by its licensees and its distributors (as reported to the Company by  such
licensees and distributors), exceeded $160.0 million.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
    The   Company's  business  strategy  is   designed  to  increase  sales  and
profitability while preserving the integrity and expanding the product depth and
global reach of  the GUESS brand.  Over the  past three years,  the Company  has
built  the infrastructure necessary to support distribution and licensing of its
products worldwide. To  provide greater management  depth, Company has  recently
recruited  several  key  executives  with  substantial  industry  experience  to
facilitate the implementation  of its  business strategy,  including Ken  Duane,
Andrea Weiss and Michael Wallen. The key elements of the strategy include:
 
        MAINTAIN  HIGH BRAND RECOGNITION.   The Company  intends to continue its
    efforts to increase its  revenues by enhancing  consumer recognition of  its
    brand  name and image.  Under the creative leadership  of Paul Marciano, the
    Company's award-winning  advertising  has established  the  Guess  signature
    image  and  reinforced the  lifestyle  concept of  Guess  and Guess-licensed
    products in  mutually supportive  marketing campaigns.  In addition  to  the
    Company's  expenditures,  licensees are  required to  spend a  percentage of
    total revenues in advertising. The aggregate advertising expenditures of the
    Company and its distributors  and licensees (as reported  to the Company  by
    such  licensees  and  distributors)  were $50.7  million  in  1995,  a 16.2%
    increase over 1994.
 
        INCREASE  INTERNATIONAL   PRESENCE.     The  Company   believes  it   is
    well-positioned to capitalize on the worldwide recognition of its brand name
    and  the breadth  of Guess  lifestyle products  by continuing  to expand its
    distribution internationally through distributors and licensees. The Company
    has recently established Guess Europe in  Italy and Guess Asia in Hong  Kong
    to  design, source and market products in  Europe and the Pacific Rim, which
    will facilitate  increased  sales  to  existing  and  new  distributors  and
    licensees  outside the United States. As of March 31, 1996, 164 Guess retail
    stores were  operated internationally,  111  of which  were operated  by  13
    licensees  and 53 of which were  operated by eight distributors. The Company
    has been  advised  by its  distributors  and  licensees that  they  plan  to
    establish approximately 35 new distributor-operated stores and approximately
    21   licensee-operated  stores,  respectively,  by  the  end  of  1996,  and
    approximately  an  additional   45  new   distributor-operated  stores   and
    approximately 39 licensee-operated stores, respectively, by the end of 1997.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
        EXPAND  LICENSING  ARRANGEMENTS.   The  Company expects  to  continue to
    license the GUESS  name selectively  to producers of  high quality  products
    that  complement its lifestyle collection. Since  the beginning of 1993, the
    Company has added new licenses, which in 1995 represented approximately  30%
    of  the Company's  net royalties. Recently,  the Company  licensed the GUESS
    HOME COLLECTION and GUESS OUTERWEAR, as well as various accessory  products.
    To  maintain its reputation for quality  and style and control the integrity
    of the brand name, the Company  will continue to provide design,  production
    and technical and marketing assistance to its licensees to ensure compliance
    with its strict marketing and product standards.
 
        EXPAND  RETAIL STORE NETWORK.   The Company  believes an expanded retail
    network will reinforce consumer  recognition of its  brand name and  enhance
    the  presentation of the  complete Guess merchandise  collections. Since the
    beginning of 1993 through March 31, 1996, the Company has opened a total  of
    25  retail  and  25  factory  outlet stores  (net  of  store  closings). The
    percentage of net revenue generated by the retail network has increased from
    19.3% to 38.5%  of the Company's  net revenue from  product sales from  1992
    through  1995.  The Company  intends to  open approximately  five additional
    retail stores during the remainder  of 1996 and approximately 15  additional
    retail  stores during 1997. The Company  is currently completing the closure
    of three retail  stores, the costs  of which closures  were reserved for  in
    1995.
 
        DEEPEN  PRODUCT  OFFERINGS.   The  Company has  recently  introduced new
    product lines and categories to complement its existing lines. In 1993,  the
    Company  introduced in its retail stores  the GUESS COLLECTION and has since
    expanded this collection  to a full  line of higher  priced women's  apparel
    that  incorporates a sophisticated combination of styles and colors. In 1995
    and  the  first  quarter  of  1996,  the  GUESS  COLLECTION  accounted   for
    approximately  11.4%  and  14.6%,  respectively,  of  net  revenue  from the
    Company's stores.  Based  on positive  consumer  reaction, the  Company  has
    introduced  the GUESS  COLLECTION to  selected better  department stores for
    shipment in  the Fall  1996  season. In  addition,  the Company  intends  to
    broaden  its  men's  and women's  lines  to  include khaki  and  other twill
    products beginning with the 1996 holiday/resort season. In November 1995 the
    Company introduced a new line of  jeans under the "Bare Basics" label,  with
    unique construction and fabrications and lower price points than traditional
    Guess jeans.
 
        IMPROVE  PRODUCTIVITY OF THE RETAIL STORE NETWORK.  The Company's retail
    management team has recently refined  the Company's strategy to improve  the
    productivity  of its retail  network by establishing  new models for optimal
    store size, design  and construction costs  as well as  staffing levels.  In
    addition,  in late 1995, the Company  began to improve the merchandising mix
    in its stores and implemented  sophisticated information systems to  improve
    inventory  management. The Company believes that the implementation of these
    initiatives contributed to  the increase  in comparable  factory outlet  and
    retail store net revenue of 16.7% in the first quarter of 1996.
 
        EXPAND  AND UPGRADE  SHOP-IN-SHOP PROGRAM.   To enhance  the presence of
    Guess  products  in  department  stores,  the  Company  intends  to  develop
    approximately  80 new  shop-in-shops in  1996 and  100 in  1997, and remodel
    approximately 45 additional shops in 1996 and 55 in 1997. The design of  the
    shops   utilizes  the   distinctive  Guess  advertising   to  promote  brand
    recognition and differentiate the location  from its competition. The  shops
    also  facilitate ease of  shopping by presenting  a complete presentation of
    the Company's  merchandise. In  addition, the  installation of  these  shops
    enables  the Company  to establish  premium locations  within the department
    stores and, therefore, compete more effectively against other products.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
GENERAL
 
    The Company derives its net revenue from the sale of Guess men's and women's
apparel to wholesale customers and distributors and the sale of Guess men's  and
women's  apparel and  its licensees' products  through the  Company's network of
retail and factory outlet stores. The following table sets forth the net revenue
of the Company through its channels of distribution.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                -------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------
                                     1993             1994             1995         JULY 2, 1995     JUNE 30, 1996
                                ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                             <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>    <C>       <C>
Net Revenue:
  Wholesale operations........  $348,879   67.1% $358,125   65.4% $270,931   55.7% $142,427   62.0% $144,782   56.2%
  Retail operations...........   142,565   27.4   149,337   27.2   169,428   34.8    64,154   27.9    87,329   33.9
                                --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----
  Net revenue from product
   sales......................   491,444   94.5   507,462   92.6   440,359   90.5   206,581   89.9   232,111   90.1
  Net royalties...............    28,780    5.5    40,350    7.4    46,374    9.5    23,074   10.1    25,295    9.9
                                --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----
    Total net revenue.........  $520,224  100.0% $547,812  100.0% $486,733  100.0% $229,655  100.0% $257,406  100.0%
                                --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----
                                --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----  --------  -----
</TABLE>
 
    The following table sets forth the Company's net revenue from product  sales
generated  through such channels  of distribution by  product category (licensed
products represent  sales  of licensed  products  by the  Company's  retail  and
factory outlet stores).
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                          -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1993                     1994                     1995
                                          -----------------------  -----------------------  -----------------------
PRODUCT
- ----------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
Men's apparel...........................  $  239,767       48.8%   $  250,687       49.4%   $  194,945       44.3%
Women's apparel.........................     199,405       40.6       225,268       44.4       210,945       47.9
Licensed and other products (1).........      20,608        4.2        26,172        5.2        32,766        7.4
Discontinued apparel (1)................      31,664        6.4         5,335        1.0         1,703        0.4
                                          ----------      -----    ----------      -----    ----------      -----
  Total (2).............................  $  491,444      100.0%   $  507,462      100.0%   $  440,359      100.0%
                                          ----------      -----    ----------      -----    ----------      -----
                                          ----------      -----    ----------      -----    ----------      -----
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1)  In late 1992, the  Company entered into licensing  agreements for the boys'
    product line, the  majority of the  girls' product line  and women's  knits,
    which  were previously produced by the  Company. While the licensing of such
    products reduced net revenue in  1993, the associated reduction in  earnings
    from  operations from such sales was substantially offset by the increase in
    net royalties  from the  new licenses.  "Other products"  represents  retail
    operations' sales of such discontinued product lines.
 
(2)  Beginning in 1993, the Company began to withdraw its products from selected
    accounts which did not meet  the Company's standards for merchandising.  Net
    product  sales  to  discontinued  accounts  represented  approximately $51.1
    million, $32.9 million and  $3.8 million of the  Company's net revenue  from
    product sales in 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
PRODUCTS
 
    COMPANY PRODUCTS.  The GUESS brand was founded upon its core product line of
high-quality  jeans and other denim casual  wear. Guess has been marketing denim
apparel since its inception in 1981, and has built and maintained a global brand
franchise with products that appeal to style-conscious consumers across a  broad
spectrum  of ages. The Company was founded on the concept of a fashion jean with
the  first  Guess  product  being  the  "three-zip  Marilyn"  jean,  which   was
stone-washed  and  adapted to  fit the  contours  of a  woman's body.  Since its
inception, the Company  has expanded its  products to include  a broad range  of
denim  and cotton clothing for men  and women, including jeans, pants, overalls,
skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets and knitwear.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    The Company's apparel  products are organized  into two primary  categories:
men's  apparel  and  women's  apparel  (including  the  GUESS  COLLECTION).  The
following table sets forth  the approximate range of  current retail prices  for
the Company's products:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            RANGE OF
                                           SUGGESTED
                                         RETAIL PRICES
                                     ----------------------                                                   RANGE OF
WOMEN'S                                                          MEN'S                                       SUGGESTED
- -----------------------------------                              ------------------------------------      RETAIL PRICES
                                                                                                       ----------------------
<S>                                  <C>      <C>   <C>          <C>                                   <C>      <C>   <C>
Jeans..............................  $   58    -    $    64      Jeans...............................  $   58    -    $    72
Shorts.............................      39    -         52      Shorts..............................      39    -         60
Tops...............................      38    -         76      Woven Tops..........................      40    -         78
Dresses............................      68    -         82      Jackets.............................      82    -        162
Pants..............................      60    -         68      T-Shirts............................      22    -         88
Jackets............................      78    -         80
Guess Collection...................      58    -        340
</TABLE>
 
    A major portion of the Company's men's and women's apparel lines consists of
basic,  recurring  styles which  the Company  believes  are less  susceptible to
fashion obsolescence  and  are less  seasonal  in nature  than  fashion  product
styles.  Basic product styles provide  the Company with a  base of business that
usually carries over from season to season and year to year. Basic products  are
primarily  made of denim and include jeans, skirts, dresses, overalls and shorts
in a  variety of  fits, washes  and styles.  To take  advantage of  contemporary
trends,  the  Company complements  its basic  styles with  more fashion-oriented
items. Fashion products range  in style from  contemporary sportswear to  casual
apparel  and include colored  denim items, pants,  shirts, jackets and knitwear,
made of  a variety  of  materials including  fine  cotton, man-made  fabric  and
leather.  A limited number of best-selling fashion  items in a collection may be
included in one or more subsequent collections, and a select few may be added to
the Company's basic styles.
 
    In 1993, the  Company expanded its  line of women's  apparel to include  the
GUESS  COLLECTION, a  collection of women's  skirts, tops,  jackets, blazers and
blouses incorporating  a sophisticated  combination of  colors and  styles.  The
GUESS COLLECTION was introduced exclusively through Guess stores and, based upon
positive  consumer  reaction, the  Company  expanded distribution  of  the GUESS
COLLECTION to selected better  department stores for shipment  in the 1996  Fall
season.  The GUESS COLLECTION appeals to the contemporary segment of the apparel
market and will  generally be sold  in separate selling  areas from other  Guess
denim and casual apparel.
 
    LICENSED  PRODUCTS.  The high level of  desirability of the GUESS brand name
among consumers  has  allowed the  Company  to selectively  expand  its  product
offerings   through  licensing  arrangements.  The   Company  currently  has  26
licensees. Sales  of  licensed products  (as  reported  to the  Company  by  its
licensees) have grown from $451.7 million in 1993 to $736.5 million in 1995. The
Company's  net royalties from  such sales and fees  from new licensees increased
from $28.8 million in 1993 to $46.4 million in 1995. Approximately 48.1% of  the
Company's  net royalties was  derived from its top  four licensed product lines.
These product lines are GUESS WATCHES (18.9% of 1995 net royalties), BABY  GUESS
(12.3%), GUESS KIDS (9.2%) and GUESS EYEWEAR (7.7%).
 
    GUESS  WATCHES have been manufactured and  distributed since 1983. The GUESS
WATCH line  includes approximately  408 styles  of watches  for men,  women  and
children,  and clocks.  Retail prices range  from approximately $55  to $125. In
1996, an upscale, higher-priced line of watches is planned to be introduced at a
retail price range of $175 to $250.
 
    The BABY GUESS  and GUESS  KIDS product  lines include  infants', boys'  and
girls'  clothing, accessories, infant layette items and baby hair care products.
These  products  retail  for  $4.50  to   $70  and  are  sold  domestically   in
free-standing licensed stores, better department stores and through distributors
in Asia.
 
    GUESS  EYEWEAR is manufactured  and distributed worldwide.  The eyewear line
offers styles ranging in retail  price from $37 to  $200. Guess eyewear is  sold
through optical specialty and department stores.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
    Guess  also licenses  a range  of other  products, including  men's apparel,
women's knitwear, footwear, activewear,  athleticwear, leather goods,  neckwear,
jewelry  and a home collection.  Most of these licenses  have been granted since
1993 and are in their early stage of development.
 
DESIGN
 
    The enduring strength of the GUESS brand name and image is partially due  to
the  Company's consistent emphasis on innovative and distinctive design. For the
past 15 years, the Guess design  teams have anticipated and adapted to  changing
consumer tastes while retaining the distinctive Guess image. Under the direction
of  Maurice Marciano, Guess garments  are designed by an  in-house staff of four
design teams (men's, women's, GUESS COLLECTION and Guess Europe) located in  Los
Angeles and Florence, Italy. Guess design teams travel around the world in order
to  monitor fashion trends and discover new  fabrics. Fabric shows in Europe and
the United States provide  additional opportunities to  discover and sample  new
fabrics.  These fabrics,  together with  the trends  uncovered by  the Company's
designers serve as the primary source of inspiration for the Company's lines and
collections. The Company also maintains a fashion library consisting of  antique
and  contemporary  garments as  an additional  source  of creative  concepts. In
addition, design teams regularly meet  with members of the sales,  merchandising
and  retail operations to further refine the Company's products in order to meet
the particular needs of the Company's markets. Many Guess products are developed
using computer-aided design equipment which allows a designer to view and modify
two- and three-dimensional  images of  a new  design. By  the end  of 1996,  the
Company   intends  to  link   its  Los  Angeles   and  Florence  design  centers
electronically so that individual designs  may be accessed, modified and  shared
by  designers in  both locations. After  working prototypes of  each garment are
prepared and reviewed, the pattern makers  oversee the final production of  each
garment's  pattern.  As  of  March 31,  1996,  the  Company's  design department
employed 130  persons, approximately  27 of  whom were  designers and  assistant
designers.
 
    Licensed  products are  designed by  both the  Company and  its licensees. A
separate design team of 12 associates works with the Company's licensees and all
licensee designs must be approved by the Company to ensure consistency with  the
Guess image. See "-- Licensing Agreements and Terms."
 
DOMESTIC WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS
 
    The  Company's  domestic  wholesale customers  consist  primarily  of better
department stores and select upscale specialty stores, which have the image  and
merchandising  expertise that Guess  requires for the  effective presentation of
its products. Leading wholesale  customers include Federated Department  Stores,
The  May Department Stores  Company, Dillard Department  Stores, Inc. and select
upscale specialty stores. As of December 31, 1995, the Company sold its products
directly  to  approximately  2,700  retail  doors  in  the  United  States   and
approximately 350 doors in Italy.
 
    A  key element of  the Company's merchandising  strategy is the shop-in-shop
merchandising format, an exclusive selling  area within a department store  that
presents  a full array of Guess products using Guess signage and fixtures. As of
December 31,  1995,  there  were approximately  1,160  shop-in-shops  (excluding
shop-in-shops  installed by licensees)  that feature Guess  products (other than
the GUESS  COLLECTION)  and  the  Company intends  to  increase  the  number  of
shop-in-shops  by  approximately 80  by  the end  of  1996 and  approximately an
additional 100  by  the end  of  1997. Guess  also  intends to  establish  GUESS
COLLECTION  shop-in-shops, in  addition to  existing shop-in-shops,  in selected
better department stores beginning in the Spring of 1997.
 
    The Company's  close wholesale  customer  relationships have  been  achieved
through  innovative  and  effective  marketing  and  merchandising  and superior
customer service. As of March 31, 1996, the Company had 77 sales representatives
and 81 merchandise coordinators.  The sales representatives  are located in  the
Company's  showrooms in  New York, Los  Angeles, Dallas,  Atlanta, Chicago, Hong
Kong, Milan  and  Florence.  They  coordinate  with  buyers  for  the  Company's
customers  to  determine the  inventory  level and  product  mix that  should be
carried in each store to maximize retail sell-through and enhance the customers'
profit margins. Such inventory level and product mix are then used as the  basis
for  developing sales projections and product needs for each wholesale customer.
In addition, Guess sales representatives  monitor the inventories of  customers,
which  assists the Company in scheduling production. The merchandisers work with
the store to ensure the Company's products are appropriately displayed.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    Certain of the Company's domestic wholesale customers, including some  under
common  ownership, have accounted for significant  portions of the Company's net
revenue. During  1995, Bloomingdale's,  Macy's and  affiliated stores  owned  by
Federated  Department Stores together  accounted for approximately  11.0% of the
Company's net revenue.  During the same  period, The May  Company and  Dillard's
accounted  for  approximately  7.7%  and  7.3%  of  the  Company's  net revenue,
respectively.  See  "Risk  Factors  --  Dependence  on  Certain  Customers   and
Licensees."
 
DOMESTIC RETAIL OPERATIONS
 
    As  of March 31, 1996, the Company's domestic retail operations consisted of
64 retail and 47 factory outlet stores operated directly by Guess in the  United
States, which principally sell GUESS label products. Guess retail stores outside
the  United States, with  the exception of the  Company-owned store in Florence,
Italy, are owned and operated by  the Company's distributors and licensees.  See
"-- International Business." Since the beginning of 1993 through March 31, 1996,
the Company has opened a total of 35 retail and 30 factory outlet stores and has
closed  10 retail and five factory outlet  stores. The percentage of net revenue
generated by  the  retail network  has  increased from  19.3%  to 38.5%  of  the
Company's net revenue from product sales from 1992 through 1995.
 
    The  Company's  retail management  team has  recently refined  the Company's
strategy to improve the productivity of  its retail network by establishing  new
models for optimal store size, design and construction costs as well as staffing
levels.   In  addition,  in  late  1995,   the  Company  began  to  improve  the
merchandising mix  in  its  stores  and  implemented  sophisticated  information
systems   to  improve  inventory  management.  The  Company  believes  that  the
implementation of these  initiatives contributed to  the increase in  comparable
retail  and factory outlet  store net revenue  of 16.7% in  the first quarter of
1996.
 
    RETAIL STORES.  The Company's 64  domestic retail stores typically range  in
size  from  approximately  3,400 to  8,500  square  feet, with  61  locations in
regional shopping  malls and  three stand-alone  stores in  areas of  high  foot
traffic.  The retail stores are located in 20 states with approximately an equal
number of stores on both the East and  West Coasts. Of the retail stores on  the
West  Coast, 22 are located  in California. The Company's  retail stores carry a
full assortment of men's  and women's Guess merchandise,  including most of  its
licensed products. Distribution through its own retail stores allows the Company
to  influence the  merchandising and  presentation of  its products  and to test
market new product concepts. The Company's strategy is to increase its  domestic
sales  by selectively expanding  its network of retail  stores and by increasing
the productivity  of  its  existing  stores.  Over  the  past  year,  Guess  has
significantly   strengthened  its  retail   operations  management  through  the
selective hiring of experienced well-respected retail professionals.
 
    The Company intends to continue to locate its stores in regional malls  with
a  smaller number of flagship stores in major  cities. As of March 31, 1996, the
Company had  opened two  retail stores  in  1996. The  Company intends  to  open
approximately  five additional retail stores during the remainder of 1996 and 15
additional retail stores during  1997. The Company  is currently completing  the
closure of three retail stores, the costs of which closures were reserved for in
1995.  The Company does not currently expect  that it will be closing additional
retail stores during the next 12 months.
 
    FACTORY OUTLET STORES.   The  Company's 47 factory  outlet stores  typically
range  in size from approximately 2,100 to  7,500 square feet and are located in
outlet malls and  strip centers  outside the  shopping radius  of the  Company's
wholesale customers and its retail stores. The factory outlet stores are located
in  27 states, with no  major concentration in any  one state. These stores sell
selected styles  of  Guess  apparel  and licensed  products  at  a  discount  to
value-conscious  customers,  enabling  the Company  to  effectively  control the
distribution of its excess  inventory, thereby protecting  the Guess image.  The
Company  plans  to open  one and  close one  factory outlet  store in  1996. The
Company has no plans to open additional factory outlet stores in 1997.
 
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
 
    Given the  high level  of GUESS  brand awareness  in countries  outside  the
United  States, the  Company believes  that international  distribution of GUESS
brand products represents a significant opportunity to
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
increase revenue  and profits.  This  awareness is  partially  a result  of  the
substantial  international advertising undertaken  by the Company  in advance of
distributing products to these locations. Although Guess is in the early  stages
of  its international expansion, GUESS brand products are currently sold in over
70 countries.
 
    Guess derives net revenue and earnings  from outside the United States  from
three principal sources: (i) sales of GUESS brand apparel directly to 12 foreign
distributors  who distribute such  apparel to better  department stores, upscale
specialty retail  stores  and Guess-licensed  retail  stores operated  by  Guess
distributors  or licensees,  (ii) royalties  from licensees  who manufacture and
distribute GUESS brand  products outside the  United States and  (iii) sales  of
GUESS brand apparel by Guess Europe directly to upscale retail stores in Italy.
 
    Since  1991, the Company has been  selling its products through distributors
and licensees  in Asia,  the Middle  East and  Australia. In  1993, the  Company
opened a design studio, sourcing office, sales office and warehouse in Italy and
in  1994 began sourcing,  marketing and distributing  products directly in Italy
and executed a  distribution agreement  for Spain. Recently,  Guess has  entered
into  distribution agreements  for Belgium,  Greece and  Hungary, and  is in the
process of negotiating additional arrangements in Europe and elsewhere including
the United Kingdom, Israel, Holland and Turkey.
 
    As of March 31, 1996, 164 Guess retail stores were operated internationally,
111 of which  were operated by  13 licensees and  53 of which  were operated  by
eight  distributors. The Company's distribution and license agreements generally
provide detailed  guidelines for  store  fittings, fixtures,  merchandising  and
marketing  programs and the  appearance, merchandising and  service standards of
these stores are closely monitored to ensure the Guess image is maintained.  The
Company  has been advised  by its distributors  and licensees that  they plan to
establish approximately 35 new distributor-operated stores and approximately  21
licensee-operated stores, respectively, by the end of 1996, and approximately an
additional   45   new   distributor-operated   stores   and   approximately   39
licensee-operated stores, respectively, by the end of 1997. Guess also owns  and
operates  a  flagship  Guess retail  store  located  in Florence,  Italy.  As of
December 31, 1995, there  were approximately 220  shop-in-shops for GUESS  brand
products  in  stores outside  the United  States. See  "Risk Factors  -- Foreign
Operations and Sourcing -- Import Restrictions."
 
LICENSING AGREEMENTS AND TERMS
 
    The  Company  carefully  selects  and  maintains  tight  control  over   its
licensees.  In  evaluating  a  potential  licensee,  the  Company  considers the
experience, financial stability, manufacturing performance and marketing ability
of the proposed licensee  and evaluates the  marketability and compatibility  of
the  proposed products with other GUESS brand merchandise. The Company's license
agreements generally  cover  three  years  with an  option  to  renew  prior  to
expiration  for  an  additional  multi-year  period.  In  addition  to licensing
products which  complement the  Company's apparel  products, Guess  has  granted
licenses  for the manufacture and sale of  GUESS branded products similar to the
Company's, including men's and  women's denim and knitwear,  in markets such  as
Canada,  Argentina,  Mexico, the  Philippines,  South Korea,  Brazil  and Japan.
Licenses granted to certain licensees which have produced high-quality  products
and otherwise have demonstrated exceptional operating performance, such as GUESS
WATCHES  and BABY GUESS, have been renewed repeatedly and in some cases expanded
to include new products or markets. The typical license agreement requires  that
the  licensee pay the Company the greater of  a royalty based on a percentage of
the licensee's net sales  of licensed products or  a guaranteed minimum  royalty
that  typically increases  over the  term of  the license  agreement. Generally,
licensees are  required to  spend a  percentage  of the  net sales  of  licensed
products  for advertising and  promotion of the  licensed products. In addition,
certain foreign licensees are  required to contribute  toward the protection  of
the  Company's  trademarks within  the  territories granted  to  such licensees,
thereby assisting  Guess in  its  efforts to  prevent counterfeiting  and  other
trademark infringement in such countries.
 
    The   Company's  licensing  department  strictly  monitors  product  design,
development, merchandising and marketing. All GUESS brand products, advertising,
promotional and packaging materials  must be approved in  advance by Guess.  The
licensing  department meets regularly with  licensees to ensure consistency with
Guess's overall marketing,  merchandising and design  strategies, and to  ensure
uniformity  and quality  control. See "Risk  Factors --  Dependence upon Certain
Customers and Licensees."
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING
 
    The Company's advertising,  public relations  and marketing  strategy is  to
promote  a consistent  high impact  image which  endures regardless  of changing
consumer trends. Since the Company's inception, Paul Marciano has had  principal
responsibility  for the  GUESS brand  image and  creative vision.  All worldwide
advertising  and  promotional  material  is  controlled  through  the  Company's
Advertising  Department based in  Los Angeles, while  Guess Public Relations and
Special Events are based in New York.  GUESS JEANS, GUESS U.S.A. and GUESS  INC.
images  have been showcased in international  print campaigns in dozens of major
magazines, on billboards, bus shelters  and telephone kiosks, on television  and
most recently in movie theaters throughout the United States.
 
    ADVERTISING.   The Company's advertising strategy is designed to promote the
Guess image rather than  focus on specific  products. The Company's  distinctive
black and white print advertisements have garnered prestigious awards, including
CLIO,  BELDING and  MOBIUS awards  for creativity  and excellence.  Such awards,
which the Company has received on  numerous occasions since 1986, are  generally
awarded  on the basis  of the judgment  of prominent members  of the advertising
industry.  Guess  has   maintained  a   high  degree  of   consistency  in   its
advertisements,  using  similar  themes  and images.  The  Company  requires its
licensees and distributors to invest a percentage of their net sales of licensed
products and  net purchases  of Guess  products, respectively,  in  advertising,
promotion  and  marketing. From  1992  through 1995,  the  Company's advertising
expenditures, together with amounts spent by its licensees and its  distributors
(as reported to the Company by such licensees and distributors), exceeded $160.0
million.
 
    The  Company's  in-house  Advertising Department  is  responsible  for media
placement of  all advertising  worldwide including  that of  its licensees.  The
Company  uses a variety  of media, primarily  black and white  print and outdoor
advertising  in  various  countries.  The  Company  has  focused   advertisement
placement   in  national  and   international  contemporary  fashion/beauty  and
lifestyle magazines including VOGUE, GLAMOUR, VANITY FAIR, HARPERS BAZAAR, ELLE,
W and DETAILS. By retaining control  over its advertising programs, the  Company
is  able to  maintain the  integrity of  the GUESS  brand image  while realizing
substantial cost savings compared to the use of outside agencies. The  Company's
Advertising Department consisted of 10 employees as of March 31, 1996.
 
    PUBLIC  RELATIONS.  The Company's Public Relations Department is responsible
for communicating the Guess  image to the public  and news media worldwide.  The
Public  Relations Department also coordinates local publicity and special events
programs for the Company and its  licensees, including in-store Guess model  and
celebrity  appearances and fashion shows.  The Guess Public Relations Department
consisted of seven full time employees as of March 31, 1996.
 
    MARKETING.  The Company utilizes various additional marketing tools such  as
corporate  mailers, videos,  newsletters, special events  and a  toll free Guess
number to  assist customers  worldwide in  finding Guess  retail locations.  The
Company  also  produces  200,000 copies  of  the  GUESS JOURNAL,  a  full color,
oversized semi-annual magazine available in  retail stores worldwide or  through
the  Guess mailing list. The  GUESS JOURNAL features trends  in the arts, travel
destinations, candid celebrity profiles, philanthropic events and Guess  product
information.
 
    The  Company further  strengthens communications with  customers through the
WORLD OF GUESS, the Company's Internet site  on the World Wide Web. This  global
medium  enables the  Company to  provide timely  information in  an entertaining
fashion on  the  Company's  history,  Guess  products  and  store  locations  to
consumers  and allows  the Company to  receive and respond  directly to customer
feedback.
 
SOURCING AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
 
    The Company sources products through  numerous suppliers, many of whom  have
established  relationships with  the Company. The  Company seeks  to achieve the
most efficient means for  the timely delivery of  its high quality products  and
continues  to rebalance its sourcing by  region in response to increasing demand
within each region. The Company's fabric  specialists work with fabric mills  in
the  United States, Europe  and Asia to  develop woven and  knitted fabrics that
enhance the products' comfort, design and appearance. For a substantial  portion
of the Company's apparel products, fabric purchases take place generally four to
five
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
months  prior  to the  corresponding  selling season.  Apparel  production (cut,
manufacture and trim) generally begins  after the Company has received  customer
orders.  Delivery of finished goods to  customers occurs approximately 90 to 120
days after receipt of customers' orders.
 
    The Company engages both domestic and foreign contractors for the production
of its products. During 1995, the Company purchased approximately 77% of its raw
materials, labor and  finished goods  in the United  States, 18%  in Hong  Kong,
Taiwan,  South Korea and other Asian countries,  4% in Europe, and 1% elsewhere.
The production and sourcing staffs in Los Angeles and Italy oversee all  aspects
of fabric acquisition, apparel manufacturing, quality control and production, as
well  as researching and developing new  sources of supply. The Company operates
product sourcing  and quality  control offices  in Los  Angeles, Hong  Kong  and
Florence.
 
    The  Company  does  not own  any  production equipment  other  than cutting,
silkscreen and embroidery machinery. The Company's apparel products are produced
for  the  Company  by  approximately  80  different  contractors.  None  of  the
contractors  engaged by the Company accounted for more than 10% of the Company's
total production during 1995. The Company has long-term relationships with  many
of  its contractors, although it does not have written agreements with them. The
Company uses a variety of raw materials, principally consisting of woven  denim,
woven  cotton and knitted  fabrics and yarns. The  Company must make commitments
for a significant  portion of  its fabric purchases  well in  advance of  sales,
although  the Company's  risk is  reduced because  a substantial  portion of the
Company's products (approximately  43% in  1995) are  sewn in  basic denim.  See
"Risk  Factors -- Foreign Operations and Sourcing; Import Restrictions," and "--
Dependence on Unaffiliated Manufacturers."
 
QUALITY CONTROL
 
    The Company's quality control program is designed to ensure that all of  the
Company's  products  meet  the  Company's high  quality  standards.  The Company
monitors the quality  of its  fabrics prior to  the production  of garments  and
inspects  prototypes of each  product before production  runs are commenced. The
Company also performs  random in-line  quality control checks  during and  after
production  before the garments  leave the contractor.  Final random inspections
occur when the garments are received in the Company's distribution centers.  The
Company  currently has 25 full-time personnel engaged in quality control located
in its Los Angeles  office, five located  in Hong Kong (who  work for the  joint
venture)  and  four  in  Florence, including  two  independent  contractors. The
Company believes that its policy of inspecting its products at its  distribution
centers  and  at the  contractors' facilities  is  important in  maintaining the
quality and reputation of its products. The Company also conducts inspections on
all licensed products.
 
    The Company  permits defective  garments  to be  authorized for  return  for
credit  by the purchasers. Less than 0.6% of the garments shipped by the Company
during each of the last three years has been returned under this policy.
 
WAREHOUSE AND DISTRIBUTION CENTERS
 
    The Company  utilizes distribution  centers at  three strategically  located
sites.  Two of the distribution  centers are operated by  the Company and one is
operated by an independent contractor. Distribution of the Company's products in
the United States  is centralized in  the Los Angeles  facility operated by  the
Company.  The Company also operates a distribution center in Florence to service
Europe. The Company utilizes a contract warehouse in Hong Kong that services the
Pacific Rim.
 
    The Company  currently intends  to  open a  contract warehouse  in  Northern
Europe  for distribution  to portions  of Europe  outside of  Italy. The Company
anticipates that such warehouse will become operational during the first half of
1997.
 
    In order to ensure that each of its retail customers receives merchandise in
satisfactory condition, substantially all Company products are processed through
one of  the  Company's  distribution  centers  before  delivery  to  the  retail
customer.  Each  customer  is  assigned to  one  of  the  Company's distribution
centers, depending on the customer's location.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
    At its distribution center in Los Angeles, the Company has also developed  a
fully  integrated and  automated distribution system.  The bar  code scanning of
merchandise, picking  tickets  and  distribution cartons,  together  with  radio
frequency communications, provide timely, controlled, accurate and instantaneous
updates to the distribution information systems.
 
COMPETITION
 
    The apparel industry is highly competitive and fragmented, and is subject to
rapidly changing consumer demands and preferences. The Company believes that its
success  depends in large part upon its ability to anticipate, gauge and respond
to changing consumer demands and fashion trends in a timely manner and upon  the
continued  appeal to consumers of the  Guess image. Guess competes with numerous
apparel manufacturers and  distributors (including Calvin  Klein, Ralph  Lauren,
DKNY,  Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica).  Moreover, several well-known designers have
recently entered or re-entered the designer denim market with products generally
priced lower than the  Company's designer jeans  products. The Company's  retail
and  factory outlet stores face  competition from other retailers. Additionally,
the Company encounters substantial competition from department stores, including
some of the Company's major retail customers. The Company's licensed apparel and
accessories also compete with a substantial number of designer and  non-designer
lines.  Many of the Company's competitors  have greater financial resources than
Guess.  The  Company's  licensed  products  also  compete  with  various   other
well-known  consumer brands. Although the level and nature of competition differ
among its product categories,  Guess believes that it  competes on the basis  of
its brand image, quality of design and workmanship and product assortment.
 
TRADEMARKS
 
    The  Company's trademarks include GUESS?, GUESS, GUESS? AND TRIANGLE DESIGN,
BABY GUESS, GUESS KIDS, GUESS U.S.A. and GUESS COLLECTION. As of March 31, 1996,
the Company had more than 1,500 U.S. and international registered trademarks  or
trademark  applications pending with the trademark  offices of the United States
and over 137 countries around the world.  From time to time, the Company  adopts
new  trademarks  in connection  with  the marketing  of  new product  lines. The
Company considers its trademarks to have  significant value in the marketing  of
its  products  and,  since  shortly after  the  Company's  inception,  has acted
aggressively to register and protect its trademarks worldwide.
 
    Like many  well-known  brands,  the  Company's  trademarks  are  subject  to
infringement.  Guess  has  a  staff devoted  to  the  monitoring  and aggressive
protection  of  its  trademarks  worldwide,  which  uses,  among  other  things,
available legal remedies to prevent unauthorized use of its trademarks.
 
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
 
    The  Company believes that  advanced information processing  is essential to
maintaining its competitive  position. Consequently, over  the past three  years
(ending  December  31, 1995),  the Company  has invested  over $20.0  million in
upgrading its  management  information  systems.  The  Company  is  implementing
systems  which allow  areas of  the business to  be more  pro-active to customer
requirements, to  improve  internal  communication  flow,  to  increase  process
efficiency, and to support management decisions.
 
    The  Company's  systems  provide, among  other  things,  comprehensive order
processing, production, accounting and management information for the marketing,
selling, manufacturing, retailing  and distribution functions  of the  Company's
business.  The  Company  has  developed a  sophisticated  software  program that
enables  the  Company  to  track,  among  other  things,  orders,  manufacturing
schedules,  inventory  and  sales  of Guess  products.  The  program  includes a
centralized management information system  which provides the various  operating
departments with integrated financial, sales, inventory and distribution related
information.
 
    Computer-aided-design  ("CAD") systems  are utilized within  both the design
and marking and grading departments to  develop fabrics and styles. The  Company
has  these systems in place both  domestically and internationally, allowing for
this information to be shared. All style and fabric information is maintained in
a line management  system which  streamlines communication  between the  design,
sales and production departments.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
    The  Company is  a Quick Response  ("QR") vendor which,  via electronic data
interchange ("EDI"), provides for  customer orders to be  shipped from 24 to  72
hours  from the time of order receipt. The Company currently receives EDI orders
on a  worldwide basis,  including  its Singapore  and London  distributors.  The
Company's  integrated  and  automated distribution  system,  utilizing  bar code
scanning of merchandise, pick tickets and shipping cartons, together with  radio
frequency   communications,  provide  controlled,  accurate,  and  instantaneous
updates to the distribution information system.
 
    The retail systems allow for rapid stock replenishment, concise  merchandise
planning,  and  inventory  accounting  and control  practices.  The  Company has
installed sophisticated  point-of-sale registers  in  Guess retail  and  factory
outlet  stores and is in  the process of installing  a computer network for such
stores that will  enable the Company  to track inventory  from store receipt  to
final sales.
 
WHOLESALE BACKLOG
 
    The  Company maintains  a model  stock program  in its  basic denim products
under which Guess can  replenish a customer's inventory  within 48 hours.  Guess
generally  receives orders for its fashion apparel three to five months prior to
the time the products are delivered to  stores. The bulk of the fashion  product
orders  are received after test  markets for the Fall  and Spring seasons. As of
June 30, 1996, the Company  had unfilled wholesale orders, consisting  primarily
of orders for fashion apparel, of approximately $83.3 million, compared to $85.9
million  of such orders as of July  2, 1995. Guess expects to fill substantially
all of these orders in 1996. The  backlog of wholesale orders at any given  time
is  affected by a number of factors, including seasonality and the scheduling of
manufacturing and shipment of products. Accordingly, a comparison of backlogs of
wholesale orders from period to period is not necessarily meaningful and may not
be indicative of eventual actual shipments.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
    Guess believes  that  its  employees  ("associates") are  one  of  its  most
valuable  resources.  As  of  March 31,  1996,  there  were  approximately 2,600
associates. Total associates include approximately 1,100 in wholesale operations
and approximately 1,500 in retail operations.
 
    Guess is not a party to any  labor agreements and none of its associates  is
represented  by a labor  union. The Company considers  its relationship with its
associates to be good and has not experienced any interruption of its operations
due to labor  disputes. In  addition, the  Company was  among the  first in  the
apparel   industry  to  implement  a  program   to  monitor  the  compliance  of
subcontractors with Federal minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.
 
PROPERTIES
 
    Certain information concerning  Guess's principal facilities,  all of  which
are leased, is set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  APPROXIMATE AREA
           LOCATION                                    USE                         IN SQUARE FEET
- -------------------------------  -----------------------------------------------  ----------------
<S>                              <C>                                              <C>
1444 South Alameda Street        Principal executive and administrative offices,        514,000
Los Angeles, California          design facilities, sales offices, distribution
                                 and warehouse facilities, production control,
                                 sourcing
1385 Broadway                    Administrative offices, public relations,               30,000
New York, New York               showrooms
Kowloon, Hong Kong               Distribution, showrooms, licensing coordination          3,000
                                 control
Milan, Italy                     Showrooms                                                1,800
Florence, Italy                  Administrative offices, design facilities,              17,200
                                 production control, sourcing, retail,
                                 distribution and warehouse facility
</TABLE>
 
    The   Company's  corporate,  wholesale  and   retail  headquarters  and  its
production, warehousing and distribution facilities are located in Los  Angeles,
California and consist of seven adjacent buildings totaling
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
approximately  514,000 square feet. Certain of  these facilities are leased from
limited partnerships in which the  sole partners are the Principal  Stockholders
pursuant  to leases that expire in July  2008. The total lease payments to these
limited partnerships  are  $208,000  per  month  with  aggregate  minimum  lease
commitments  at  December 31,  1995  totaling approximately  $32.7  million. See
"Certain Transactions."
 
    In addition, Guess leases its  showrooms, advertising, licensing, sales  and
merchandising offices, remote warehousing facility and retail and factory outlet
store  locations  under non-cancelable  operating  lease agreements  expiring on
various dates through November 2007. These facilities are located principally in
the United States,  with aggregate  minimum lease commitments,  at December  31,
1995,  totaling approximately $135.8 million. The current terms of the Company's
store leases, including renewal options, expire as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         NUMBER
YEARS LEASE TERMS EXPIRE                                                                OF STORES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>
  1995-1997.........................................................................            3
  1998-2000.........................................................................            9
  2001-2003.........................................................................           22
  2004-2006.........................................................................           65
  2007-2009.........................................................................           11
  2010-2012.........................................................................            2
</TABLE>
 
    Guess believes that  its existing  facilities are well  maintained, in  good
operating condition and are adequate to support its present level of operations.
See  "Certain Transactions." See Notes 8 and  9 of Notes to Financial Statements
for further information regarding current lease obligations.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
    The Company is  subject to federal,  state and local  laws, regulations  and
ordinances  that  (i)  govern activities  or  operations that  may  have adverse
environmental effects (such as  emissions to air, discharges  to water, and  the
generation,  handling, storage  and disposal of  solid and  hazardous wastes) or
(ii) impose  liability  for  the costs  of  clean  up or  other  remediation  of
contaminated  property,  including  damages  from  spills,  disposals  or  other
releases of hazardous  substances or  wastes, in  certain circumstances  without
regard  to  fault. Certain  of the  Company's  operations routinely  involve the
handling of chemicals and wastes, some of  which are or may become regulated  as
hazardous  substances.  The Company  has not  incurred, and  does not  expect to
incur, any significant expenditures or liabilities for environmental matters. As
a result, the Company believes that its environmental obligations will not  have
a material adverse effect on its results of operations.
 
LITIGATION
 
    Guess  is a party to various claims, complaints and other legal actions that
have arisen in the ordinary  course of business from  time to time. The  Company
believes  that the outcome  of all pending legal  proceedings, in the aggregate,
will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition  or
results of operations.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The  following  table sets  forth  certain information  as  of July  1, 1996
concerning the directors and executive officers of the Company:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        NAME               AGE                                       POSITION
- ---------------------      ---      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>
Maurice Marciano               47   Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Paul Marciano                  44   President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Armand Marciano                51   Senior Executive Vice President, Secretary and Director
Ken Duane                      39   President of Worldwide Sales -- Corporate
Roger Williams                 48   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Andrea Weiss                   41   President of Retail Operations
Michael Wallen                 43   President, Retail Merchandising
</TABLE>
 
    Pursuant to  the Stockholders'  Agreement  described herein  under  "Certain
Transactions,"  the Principal Stockholders  have agreed to  vote their shares of
Common Stock to elect each of Maurice, Paul and Armand Marciano, or one designee
of any such person (if such designee shall be reasonably acceptable to the other
Principal Stockholders), to  the Board  of Directors. Maurice,  Paul and  Armand
Marciano are brothers. Maurice, Paul and Armand Marciano have worked together in
the fashion industry for the last 25 years.
 
    MAURICE  MARCIANO, who was one  of the founders of  the Company in 1981, has
served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since
August 1993. Mr. Marciano had served as President of the Company from June  1990
to September 1992 and as Executive Vice President from 1981 until June 1990. Mr.
Marciano's  responsibilities include the design  direction of the Company, sales
and merchandising, manufacturing and production as well as financial aspects  of
the  Company. In addition, Mr. Marciano leads the marketing side of the business
with Mr. Paul Marciano. Mr.  Marciano has been a  Director of the Company  since
1981  (except for the period from January  1993 to May 1993). From February 1993
to May  1993,  Mr. Marciano  was  Chairman and  Chief  Executive Officer  and  a
Director of Pepe Clothing USA, Inc.
 
    PAUL  MARCIANO joined the Company two months after its inception in 1981 and
has served as creative director for Guess advertising worldwide since that time.
He has served as President of the Company since September 1992 and as a Director
of the Company since 1990. Mr. Marciano's responsibilities have included  direct
supervisory  responsibility  for international  expansion, licensing,  the legal
department, MIS  and  developing the  Advertising  Department. Mr.  Marciano  is
recognized  for shaping the direction and  look of the Company's advertising and
creating the Company's signature image. Mr. Marciano served as Senior  Executive
Vice President of the Company from August 1990 to September 1992.
 
    ARMAND  MARCIANO joined the  Company two months after  its inception in 1981
and has served as Senior Executive Vice President of the Company since  November
1992.  Mr.  Marciano has  direct  supervisory responsibility  for  the Company's
domestic retail  and  factory  outlet  stores.  In  addition,  Mr.  Marciano  is
responsible  for the manufacturing, distribution,  customer service and European
exports aspects of the business. Mr. Marciano has been a Director and  Secretary
of  the  Company since  1983. From  July 1988  to 1992,  Mr. Marciano  served as
Executive Vice President of the Company.
 
    KEN DUANE joined the Company as President of Worldwide Sales -- Corporate in
June 1996. From  June 1990  to June  1996, Mr.  Duane served  as Executive  Vice
President Sales and Marketing for Nautica International. Mr. Duane had served as
a  Senior Vice  President Sales and  Marketing for Hugo  Boss International from
October 1985  to July  1990 and  prior to  that time  was a  Vice President  and
National Sales Manager for J. Schoeneman/Burberry's beginning June 1981.
 
    ROGER  WILLIAMS has  been the Executive  Vice President  and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since March 1994. From October 1992 to February 1994,  he
served  as Executive  Vice President  and Chief  Financial Officer  of The Donna
Karan  Company.  From  July  1990  to  October  1992,  he  was  Executive   Vice
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
President  --  Operations  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  of  Authentic Fitness
Corporation, a  company formed  in  1990 to  acquire  substantially all  of  the
Activewear  division  of Warnaco,  Inc., where  Mr.  Williams served  in various
capacities (ending with Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer)  from
May  1986 to June 1990. Since August 1994, Mr. Williams has served as a Director
of Nantucket Industries, Inc.
 
    ANDREA WEISS joined Guess  as President of Retail  Operations for the  Guess
Retail and Factory Division in January 1996. Ms. Weiss was Senior Vice President
and  Director of Stores for Ann Taylor Stores and Ann Taylor Studio Shoe Stores,
and an officer  of Ann  Taylor Stores Corporation,  from July  1992 to  February
1996.  From March 1990 to July 1992,  she was Director of Merchandise Operations
for the Walt Disney World  Resort, a division of  The Walt Disney Company.  From
November 1987 to April 1990, she was Senior Vice President of Operations for the
Naragansett  Clothing Company, a  specialty women's apparel  retailer. Ms. Weiss
sits on the Board of Common Ground, a non-profit organization.
 
    MICHAEL WALLEN has been President, Retail Merchandising since May 1995. From
October 1993 to April 1995, Mr. Wallen served as Executive Vice President of  G.
H.  Bass & Company, a division  of Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation. From January
1992 to August 1993, he served as  President of Merchandising of Macy's West,  a
division of R. H. Macy & Co., Inc. From January 1988 to January 1992, Mr. Wallen
served  as Senior Vice President of Macy's  California, Inc., a subsidiary of R.
H. Macy & Co., Inc. Mr. Wallen began  his professional career with R. H. Macy  &
Co., Inc. in New York and spent 19 years with the firm.
 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
 
    The Company's Board of Directors is currently comprised of Maurice, Paul and
Armand  Marciano.  Shortly  following  the consummation  of  the  Offerings, the
Company intends to appoint two directors who are neither officers nor  employees
of  the Company or its affiliates and, within one year following consummation of
the Offerings, to appoint an additional two such directors.
 
    Upon the appointment  of the first  two additional directors,  the Board  of
Directors  will establish an  Audit Committee and  a Compensation Committee. The
Audit Committee will be responsible for  recommending to the Board of  Directors
the engagement of the independent auditors of the Company and reviewing with the
independent  auditors  the  scope  and  results  of  the  audits,  the  internal
accounting controls  of  the  Company,  audit  practices  and  the  professional
services  furnished by the independent auditors. The Compensation Committee will
be responsible for  reviewing and  approving all  compensation arrangements  for
officers of the Company, and will also be responsible for administering the 1996
Equity Plan.
 
    The Company's Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Directors of
each  class will be  elected at the  annual meeting of  stockholders held in the
year in which  the term for  such class  expires and will  serve thereafter  for
three years. The first class, whose term will expire at the first annual meeting
after  the Offerings, currently  consists of Armand  Marciano; the second class,
whose term  will  expire at  the  second  annual meeting  after  the  Offerings,
currently consists of Paul Marciano; and the third class, whose term will expire
at  the third annual meeting after  the Offerings, currently consists of Maurice
Marciano. For  further information  on the  effect of  the classified  Board  of
Directors,   see  "Description  of  Capital  Stock  --  Certain  Certificate  of
Incorporation, Bylaws and Statutory Provisions Affecting Stockholders."
 
    The General  Corporation  Law  of  the  State  of  Delaware  (the  "Delaware
Corporation  Law")  provides  that a  company  may indemnify  its  directors and
officers as  to  certain  liabilities. The  Company's  Restated  Certificate  of
Incorporation  and  Restated  Bylaws  provide  for  the  indemnification  of its
directors and officers to the fullest  extent permitted by law, and the  Company
intends  to  enter into  separate indemnification  agreements  with each  of its
directors and officers to effectuate these provisions and to purchase directors'
and  officers'  liability  insurance.  The  effect  of  such  provisions  is  to
indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the directors and officers of
the  Company against  all costs,  expenses and  liabilities incurred  by them in
connection with any  action, suit or  proceeding in which  they are involved  by
reason  of their affiliation with the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock
- --  Certain  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  Bylaws  and  Statutory  Provisions
Affecting Stockholders -- Director and Officer Indemnification."
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
 
    Directors  who  are employees  of the  Company  receive no  compensation for
serving on the Board  of Directors. It  is expected that  directors who are  not
employees  of the  Company will  receive an annual  retainer fee  of $15,000 for
their services and  attendance fees  of $1,000  per meeting.  All directors  are
reimbursed  for  expenses incurred  in connection  with  attendance at  board or
committee meetings.
 
    In addition, pursuant to the Directors' Plan, each non-employee director  of
the  Company, upon  joining the Board  of Directors,  will receive non-qualified
options to purchase 10,000 shares of Common Stock and will receive non-qualified
options to purchase an additional 3,000 shares of Common Stock on the first  day
of each fiscal year thereafter. The exercise price of such options will be equal
to  85% of the fair market  value of the Common Stock  on the respective date of
grant, the term of the  options will be ten years,  and the options will  become
exercisable  in 25% installments on each of  the first four anniversaries of the
date of grant. See "-- 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan."
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
    The following  table  sets forth  each  component of  compensation  paid  or
awarded  to, or earned by, the Chief  Executive Officer and the four most highly
compensated executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer serving as
of December 31, 1995 (the "Named Executive Officers") for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         ANNUAL COMPENSATION
                                      ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                OTHER ANNUAL           ALL OTHER
    NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION         YEAR        SALARY        BONUS       COMPENSATION (1)     COMPENSATION (2)
- ------------------------------------  ---------  ------------  ------------  -------------------  -------------------
<S>                                   <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>                  <C>
Maurice Marciano                           1995  $  2,000,000  $  1,200,000      $   378,230           $   2,250
 Chairman of the Board and Chief           1994     2,000,000     1,950,000          438,990               2,250
 Executive Officer (3)                     1993       653,846       728,097          --                    2,250
Paul Marciano                              1995     1,560,000       900,000          192,464               2,250
 President and Chief Operating             1994     1,560,000     2,250,000          343,317               2,250
 Officer                                   1993     1,560,000     3,700,485           33,302               2,250
Armand Marciano                            1995       742,306       900,000          202,512               2,250
 Senior Executive Vice President           1994       600,000     1,800,000          278,041               2,250
                                           1993       599,997     3,700,485           32,743               2,250
Roger Williams                             1995       450,000       --                30,620               2,250
 Executive Vice President and Chief        1994       342,308       100,000          147,152              --
 Financial Officer
Michael Wallen (4)                         1995       246,154        25,000           55,792              --
 President, Retail Merchandising
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Amounts of  1995 Other Annual  Compensation in  excess of 25%  of the  total
    indicated  for such executive  officer include the  following: (i) $192,256,
    $55,720 and $65,230 for transportation  for Maurice Marciano, Paul  Marciano
    and  Armand Marciano,  respectively, (ii)  $179,000, $130,000,  $130,000 and
    $18,400 for  life  insurance for  Maurice  Marciano, Paul  Marciano,  Armand
    Marciano  and Roger Williams, respectively, and (iii) $55,701 for relocation
    and other housing related expenses for Michael Wallen.
    Amounts of 1994  Other Annual  Compensation in excess  of 25%  of the  total
    indicated for such executive officer include the following: (i) $248,103 and
    $89,012   for  transportation  for  Maurice   Marciano  and  Paul  Marciano,
    respectively, (ii) $184,088,  $212,026 and $207,115  for life insurance  for
    Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano and Armand Marciano, respectively, and (iii)
    $119,059  for  relocation  and  other  housing  related  expenses  for Roger
    Williams.
    Amounts of 1993  Other Annual  Compensation in excess  of 25%  of the  total
    indicated  for  such  executive  officer  include  $33,302  and  $32,743 for
    transportation for Paul Marciano and Armand Marciano, respectively.
 
                                      (FOOTNOTES CONTINUE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE)
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
(CONTINUED FROM PRIOR PAGE)
 
(2) Includes contributions to the Company's 401(k) Savings Plan dated January 1,
    1992, by the Company for such executive officers.
 
(3) Mr. Marciano rejoined the Company in August 1993.
 
(4) Mr. Wallen joined the Company in May 1995.
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
 
    The  Company  has  entered   into  individual  employment  agreements   (the
"Executive  Employment Agreements") with each of Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano
and Armand  Marciano  (the "Executives").  The  initial term  of  the  Executive
Employment  Agreements begins  on the  date of  this Prospectus  (the "Effective
Date") and will terminate  on the third anniversary  of the Effective Date.  The
Executive Employment Agreements will automatically extend after the initial term
for  successive one-year terms, unless  notice not to extend  is given by either
party at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term. The  Executive
Employment  Agreements provide for  an annual base  salary of $900,000, $900,000
and  $650,000  for  Maurice  Marciano,   Paul  Marciano  and  Armand   Marciano,
respectively, which may be increased based on annual reviews by the Compensation
Committee.  In addition, the Executive  Employment Agreements provide for annual
bonuses to be determined in accordance with the Company's Bonus Plan (as defined
below), with  a minimum  expected target  bonus equal  to 100%  of base  salary.
Commencing  on the expiration of the term of the Executive Employment Agreement,
or earlier should the  Executive Employment Agreement  be terminated other  than
due  to  the  Executive's  death  or for  cause  (as  defined  in  the Executive
Employment Agreements),  the  Company and  Maurice  Marciano, Paul  Marciano  or
Armand  Marciano, as  the case  may be,  will enter  into a  two-year consulting
agreement under which such Executive will render certain consulting services for
which the  Company will  pay  an annual  consulting fee  equal  to 50%  of  such
Executive's   annual  base  salary,  as  in  effect  immediately  prior  to  the
commencement of the consulting period.  In addition, each Executive is  entitled
to  certain fringe benefits, including access to aircraft leased or owned by the
Company and full  Company-paid health  and life  insurance for  himself and  his
immediate  family during  his lifetime. If  any of the  Executives is terminated
without cause or  resigns for  good reason  (as such  terms are  defined in  the
Executive  Employment Agreements), then such Executive will receive as severance
his then current base salary  and annual target bonus  for the remainder of  his
term  of  employment.  The  Executive  will  also  continue  to  participate  in
Company-sponsored health,  life insurance  and other  fringe benefit  plans  and
programs  during  the  severance  period.  Each  Executive  Employment Agreement
further provides that upon the death  or permanent disability of the  Executive,
such  Executive (or  his beneficiary)  will receive  a pro  rata portion  of his
annual target bonus  for the year  in which the  Executive's death or  permanent
disability  occurs.  The Executive  Employment  Agreements also  include certain
noncompetition, nonsolicitation and confidentiality provisions.
 
    The Company entered into an employment agreement with Ken Duane, dated as of
May 14, 1996 (the "Duane Agreement"), pursuant to which Mr. Duane will serve  as
President  of Worldwide  Sales-Corporate for  a term  of three  years. Under the
Duane Agreement,  Mr.  Duane is  entitled  to (i)  a  base salary  of  $550,000,
$600,000  and  $650,000  in the  first,  second  and third  years  of  the term,
respectively; (ii) a guaranteed bonus of $250,000 in the first year of the term,
a performance bonus ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 in the second year of  the
term and a performance bonus ranging from $100,000 to $325,000 in the third year
of the term; and (iii) participation in various health, life insurance and other
fringe  benefit plans and programs maintained  by the Company. Immediately prior
to the Offerings, Mr. Duane will be granted nonqualified options to purchase  an
aggregate  of 104,705 shares of Common  Stock, consisting of options to purchase
69,807 shares at an exercise price of  $21.49 per share and options to  purchase
34,898  shares at an exercise price equal to the price per share at which shares
are sold in the Offerings. On the date of the Offerings, Mr. Duane will be fully
vested in options to purchase 34,898 shares  at an exercise price of $21.49  per
share.  On June 3, 1998,  Mr. Duane will be fully  vested in options to purchase
34,909 shares at an exercise price of $21.49 per share and on June 3, 1999,  Mr.
Duane will be fully vested in the remaining options to purchase 34,898 shares at
an  exercise price  equal to  the initial  public offering  price per  share. In
addition, Mr. Duane will  receive a cash  payment of $1.0  million prior to  the
Offerings. The Company does not anticipate recording any compensation expense in
connection with such options. If the Company terminates
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
Mr. Duane's employment other than for cause (as defined in the Duane Agreement),
he  will be entitled to the balance of the compensation described above, subject
to  mitigation.  The  Duane  Agreement  also  includes  certain  confidentiality
provisions.
 
    The  Company's  employment  agreement  with  Roger  Williams  (the "Williams
Agreement"), pursuant to which Mr.  Williams serves as Executive Vice  President
and  Chief Financial Officer of the Company, expires on March 1, 1999. Under the
Williams Agreement, Mr.  Williams is entitled  to (i) a  base salary  (currently
$450,000  per year), subject to increase based upon an annual performance review
by the Board, (ii) an annual  performance bonus based upon the profitability  of
the  Company  of  up  to  50%  of  his  base  salary  for  such  year  and (iii)
participation in various health, life  insurance and other fringe benefit  plans
and  programs maintained by the Company. Immediately prior to the Offerings, Mr.
Williams will be granted nonqualified  stock options to purchase 200,000  shares
of  Common Stock  at an  exercise price equal  to the  price per  share at which
shares are sold in the Offerings. Portions of Mr. Williams's stock options  will
vest  and become exercisable  each February 28 from  1997 through 1999, becoming
fully exercisable as  of March 1,  1999. Certain termination  of employment  and
change  of control events set forth  in his employment agreement will accelerate
the vesting of his stock options or enable Mr. Williams to immediately  exercise
his  stock options  to the  extent then vested.  In addition,  if Mr. Williams's
employment is terminated by the Company other  than for cause, or if he  resigns
for  good reason (as such terms are  defined in the Williams Agreement), he will
be entitled (i) to receive a lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of his  base
salary  and his  performance bonus  for one  year and  (ii) to  continue for the
one-year period  following his  termination  to be  covered, together  with  his
spouse  and dependents, at the Company's  expense, under all medical, health and
accident insurance or  other such  health care arrangements  maintained for  his
benefit  immediately  prior  to  such  termination.  Mr.  Williams's  employment
agreement   also   includes   certain   noncompetition,   nonsolicitation    and
confidentiality provisions.
 
    The  Company entered into  an employment agreement  with Andrea Weiss, dated
January 22, 1996 (the "Weiss Agreement"), pursuant to which Ms. Weiss will serve
as President of Retail Operations of the Company for a term of two years.  Under
the  Weiss Agreement,  Ms. Weiss  is entitled  to (i)  a base  salary (currently
$375,000 per year); (ii)  an annual performance bonus  ranging from $125,000  to
$325,000,  depending on the  performance of the Retail  Division of the Company;
and (iii)  participation in  various  health, life  insurance and  other  fringe
benefit  plans and programs maintained by the Company. The Company has an option
to extend the term of employment for an additional two years. Upon  consummation
of  the Offerings, Ms. Weiss will be  eligible to participate in the 1996 Equity
Plan at a  level commensurate with  her executive level  of employment. See  "--
1996  Equity Incentive  Plan." If  Ms. Weiss's  employment is  terminated by the
Company other than  for cause  at any  time during the  first two  years of  her
employment,  she will be entitled to the balance of her salary for the two years
plus up to an additional six months' salary.
 
1996 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
 
    Prior to the consummation of the Offerings, the Company intends to adopt the
1996 Equity Plan. The 1996 Equity Plan will be administered by the  Compensation
Committee  upon establishment thereof, and by the  Board prior to that time (the
"Committee"). The 1996 Equity Plan provides for the granting of incentive  stock
options  (within the meaning of Section 422  of the Code) and nonqualified stock
options, stock  appreciation rights,  restricted  stock, performance  units  and
performance  shares  (individually, an  "Award,"  or collectively,  "Awards") to
those officers,  and  other key  employees  and consultants  with  potential  to
contribute  to the future success of  the Company or its subsidiaries; PROVIDED,
that only employees may  be granted incentive stock  options. The Committee  has
discretion  to select  the persons  to whom Awards  will be  granted (from among
those eligible), to determine the type, size and terms and conditions applicable
to each  Award  and the  authority  to  interpret, construe  and  implement  the
provisions  of  the 1996  Equity  Plan; PROVIDED,  that  in accordance  with the
requirements under Section  162(m) of  the Code,  no participant  may receive  a
grant  of stock options or  stock appreciation rights with  respect to more than
500,000 shares of Common  Stock in any Plan  year. The Compensation  Committee's
decisions  are binding on the Company and persons eligible to participate in the
1996 Equity Plan and all  other persons having any  interest in the 1996  Equity
Plan.  It  is  presently  anticipated that  approximately  160  individuals will
initially participate in the 1996 Equity Plan.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
    The maximum number of shares of Common  Stock that may be subject to  Awards
under  the  1996 Equity  Plan, including  Awards  granted concurrently  with the
Offerings, is 4,500,000  shares, subject  to adjustment in  accordance with  the
terms  of the 1996 Equity  Plan. Common Stock issued  under the 1996 Equity Plan
may be either authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares or any combination
thereof. Any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award which lapses, expires or
is otherwise  terminated  prior  to  the issuance  of  such  shares  may  become
available for new Awards.
 
    The  following table shows the dollar value and number of Options awarded to
the individuals and groups listed below pursuant to the 1996 Equity Plan:
 
                               NEW PLAN BENEFITS
                           1996 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  DOLLAR
NAME                                                                            VALUE($)(1)     NUMBER OF OPTIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------------  ------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                <C>
Maurice Marciano...........................................................         --                  --
Paul Marciano..............................................................         --                  --
Armand Marciano............................................................         --                  --
Roger Williams.............................................................         --                200,000(2)
Ken Duane..................................................................     $    35,602           104,705(2)
Andrea Weiss...............................................................         --                 75,000(3)
Michael Wallen.............................................................         --                 50,000(3)
Executive Group............................................................     $    35,602           429,705
Non-Employee Director Group................................................         --                  --
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group.......................................         --                777,700(3)
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1) Represents the aggregate value of unexercised in-the-money options as of the
    date of the grant, assuming an  initial public offering price of the  Common
    Stock  of  $22.00  per  share. The  Company  does  not  anticipate recording
    compensation expense relating to the grant of any such options.
 
(2) See  "-- Employment  Agreements"  above for  the  vesting schedule  of  such
    options.
 
(3)  The date of grant of the options will be the date of the Offerings, and the
    exercise price per share of such options will be the initial public offering
    price of the Common Stock in the Offerings. Such options generally vest over
    three or five-year periods, depending upon the employee's length of  service
    with the Company.
 
    Set forth below is a description of the types of Awards which may be granted
under the 1996 Equity Plan:
 
    STOCK  OPTIONS.   Options (each, an  "Option") to purchase  shares of Common
Stock, which may  be nonqualified  or incentive  stock options,  may be  granted
under  the 1996 Equity Plan at an exercise price (the "Option Price") determined
by the Committee in its discretion, PROVIDED that the Option Price of  incentive
stock options may be no less than the fair market value of the underlying Common
Stock  on  the date  of grant  (110%  of fair  market value  in  the case  of an
incentive stock option granted to a ten percent shareholder).
 
    Options will expire not later  than ten years after  the date on which  they
are  granted (five years in  the case of an incentive  stock option granted to a
ten percent shareholder). Options become exercisable  at such times and in  such
installments as determined by the Compensation Committee; PROVIDED that all such
Options will be fully exercisable within five years after the date on which they
are  granted, and such exercisability  may be based on  (i) length of service or
(ii) the attainment of performance goals established by the Committee;  PROVIDED
FURTHER that no Option granted before August 15, 1996 to a person who is subject
to  Section 16 of the Exchange Act may  be exercised within the first six months
following the date of grant. Subject to the preceding proviso, the Committee may
also accelerate  the time  or times  at  which any  or all  Options held  by  an
optionee  may be exercised. Payment of the Option  Price must be made in full at
the time  of exercise  in cash,  certified or  bank check,  or other  instrument
acceptable to the Committee. In the
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
discretion  of the  Committee, payment in  full or in  part may also  be made by
tendering to the Company shares of Common Stock having a fair market value equal
to the Option Price (or such portion thereof), by means of a "cashless exercise"
procedure to be  approved by the  Committee or by  withholding shares of  Common
Stock  that would otherwise have been issued  to the optionee in connection with
the exercise of an Option.
 
    STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS.  A stock  appreciation right ("SAR") is an  Award
entitling  the recipient  to receive an  amount equal  to (or less  than, if the
Committee so determines  at the time  of grant)  the excess of  the fair  market
value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price
per  share specified for the  SAR, multiplied by the  number of shares of Common
Stock with respect to which the SAR  is then being exercised. An SAR granted  in
connection  with an Option  will be exercisable  to the extent  that the related
Option is exercisable. Upon  the exercise of  an SAR related  to an Option,  the
Option  related thereto will be cancelled to  the extent of the number of shares
covered by such exercise and such shares  will no longer be available for  grant
under  the 1996 Equity Plan. Upon the exercise of a related Option, the SAR will
be cancelled automatically to the extent of the number of shares covered by  the
exercise  of the Option. SARs unrelated to an Option will contain such terms and
conditions as  to exercisability,  vesting  and duration  as the  Committee  may
determine,  but such duration will not be  greater than ten years. The Committee
may accelerate the period for the exercise  of an SAR. Payment upon exercise  of
an  SAR will be  made, at the election  of the Committee, in  cash, in shares of
Common Stock or a combination thereof. In no event shall an SAR granted prior to
August 15, 1996 be exercisable within the  first six months after the date  such
SAR is granted, or in the case of an SAR granted prior to August 15, 1996 and in
tandem  with a Stock Option, within the first six months after the date of grant
of the related stock option.
 
    The Committee may grant limited stock appreciation rights (an "LSAR")  under
the  1996 Equity Plan. An  LSAR is an SAR which  becomes exercisable only in the
event of a "change in control" (as defined below). Any such LSAR will be settled
solely in cash. An LSAR must be  exercised within the 30-day period following  a
change in control.
 
    RESTRICTED  STOCK.  An Award of  restricted stock ("Restricted Stock") is an
Award of Common  Stock which is  subject to such  restrictions as the  Committee
deems  appropriate,  including  forfeiture conditions  and  restrictions against
transfer for a  period specified by  the Committee. With  respect to  Restricted
Stock  Awards made prior to August 15, 1996, a participant may not sell, assign,
transfer, pledge or  otherwise dispose  of such an  Award during  the six  month
period  commencing on  the date  of the  Award. Restricted  Stock Awards  may be
granted under the 1996 Equity Plan for or without consideration. Restrictions on
Restricted Stock may  lapse in  installments based  on factors  selected by  the
Committee.  The Committee, in  its sole discretion, may  waive or accelerate the
lapsing of restrictions  in whole or  in part.  Prior to the  expiration of  the
restricted  period, except as otherwise provided by the Committee, a grantee who
has received a Restricted  Stock Award has  the rights of  a shareholder of  the
Company, including the right to vote and to receive cash dividends on the shares
subject to the Award. Stock dividends issued with respect to shares covered by a
Restricted Stock Award will be treated as additional shares under such Award and
will  be subject to  the same restrictions  and other terms  and conditions that
apply to the shares with respect to which such dividends are issued.
 
    PERFORMANCE SHARES;  PERFORMANCE  UNITS.    A  performance  share  Award  (a
"Performance  Share")  is  an Award  which  represents  the right  to  receive a
specified number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock  upon  satisfaction  of  certain
specified  performance criteria, subject  to such other  terms and conditions as
the Committee deems appropriate. A performance unit (a "Performance Unit") is an
Award of a number of units entitling the recipient to receive an amount equal to
(or less than, if the Committee so  determines at the time of grant) the  excess
of  the fair market value of  a share of Common Stock  on the relevant date over
the price per share specified for the Performance Unit, multiplied by the number
of Units, upon satisfaction of  certain specified performance criteria,  subject
to  such  other  terms  and  conditions  as  the  Committee  deems  appropriate.
Performance objectives will  be established  before, or as  soon as  practicable
after, the commencement of the performance period (the "Performance Period") and
may  be based  on net  earnings, operating  earnings or  income, absolute and/or
relative return on  equity or  assets, earnings  per share,  cash flow,  pre-tax
profits,  earnings growth,  revenue growth,  comparisons to  peer companies, any
combination of the  foregoing and/or such  other measures, including  individual
measures of performance, as the Committee deems
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
appropriate.  Prior to the  end of a  Performance Period, the  Committee, in its
discretion and only under  conditions which do not  affect the deductibility  of
compensation  attributable to  Performance Shares  or Performance  Units, as the
case may  be, under  Section 162(m)  of  the Code,  may adjust  the  performance
objectives  to reflect an  event which may materially  affect the performance of
the Company, a subsidiary or a  division, including, but not limited to,  market
conditions  or  a  significant acquisition  or  disposition of  assets  or other
property by the  Company, a  subsidiary or  a division.  The extent  to which  a
grantee  is entitled to payment in settlement  of a Performance Share Award or a
Performance Unit Award at the end  of the Performance Period will be  determined
by  the  Committee, in  its sole  discretion, based  on whether  the performance
criteria have been met.
 
    Payment in settlement  of a Performance  Share Award or  a Performance  Unit
Award  will  be  made as  soon  as practicable  following  the last  day  of the
Performance Period, or  at such other  time as the  Committee may determine,  in
shares of Common Stock or cash, respectively.
 
    ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION.  Under the 1996 Equity Plan, if there is any change
in the  outstanding shares  of Common  Stock by  reason of  any stock  dividend,
recapitalization, merger, consolidation, stock split, combination or exchange of
shares or other form of reorganization, or any other change involving the Common
Stock,  such  proportionate  adjustments  as  may  be  necessary  (in  the  form
determined by the  Committee) to  reflect such change  will be  made to  prevent
dilution or enlargement of rights with respect to the aggregate number of shares
of  Common Stock for  which Awards in  respect thereof may  be granted under the
1996 Equity  Plan,  the  number  of  shares of  Common  Stock  covered  by  each
outstanding  Award and  the price  per share  in respect  thereof. Generally, an
individual's  rights  under  the  1996  Equity  Plan  may  not  be  assigned  or
transferred (except in the event of death).
 
    In  the  event  of a  change  in control  and  except as  the  Committee (as
constituted prior to such  change in control)  may expressly provide  otherwise:
(i) all Options or SARs then outstanding will become fully exercisable as of the
date  of  the change  in  control, whether  or  not then  exercisable;  (ii) all
restrictions and conditions of all Restricted Stock Awards then outstanding will
lapse as of  the date  of the  change in  control; (iii)  all Performance  Share
Awards  and Performance Unit Awards will be  deemed to have been fully earned as
of the date of the change in control and (iv) in the case of a change in control
involving a merger  of, or  consolidation involving,  the Company  in which  the
Company  is (A)  not the surviving  corporation (the "Surviving  Entity") or (B)
becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of  the Surviving Entity or a parent  thereof,
each outstanding Option granted under the Plan and not exercised (a "Predecessor
Option")  will be  converted into an  option (a "Substitute  Option") to acquire
common stock of the Surviving Entity or its parent, which Substitute Option will
have substantially the same terms and conditions as the Predecessor Option, with
appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and exercise prices.
The above notwithstanding, any Award granted before August 15, 1996 to a  person
who  is subject to  Section 16 of  the Exchange Act  and within six  months of a
change in control  will not be  afforded any such  acceleration as to  exercise,
vesting  and payment  rights or  lapsing as  to conditions  or restrictions. For
purposes of the 1996 Equity Plan and the Directors' Plan, a "change in  control"
shall  have  occurred when  (A)  any person  or  "group" within  the  meaning of
Sections 13(d) or 14(d)(2)  of the Securities Exchange  Act of 1934, as  amended
(the "Exchange Act") (other than (x) the Company, any subsidiary of the Company,
any employee benefit plan of the Company or of any subsidiary of the Company, or
any  person or entity organized, appointed or  established by the Company or any
subsidiary of the Company for or pursuant to the terms of any such plans or  (y)
Maurice  Marciano, Paul  Marciano or Armand  Marciano, any  trust established in
whole or in part for the benefit of one or more of them or their family members,
or any other entity controlled by one  or more of them), alone or together  with
its  affiliates  and  associates (collectively,  an  "Acquiring  Person"), shall
become the beneficial owner of  20% or more of  either (i) the then  outstanding
shares  of Common Stock or (ii) the  combined voting power of the Company's then
outstanding voting securities (except pursuant  to an offer for all  outstanding
shares  of Common  Stock at  a price  and upon  such terms  and conditions  as a
majority of the Continuing Directors (as  defined below) determine to be in  the
best  interests of  the Company  and its  shareholders (other  than an Acquiring
Person on whose behalf the offer is  being made)), (B) during any period of  two
consecutive  years, individuals who  at the beginning  of such period constitute
the Board of  Directors and any  new director (other  than a director  who is  a
representative or nominee of an Acquiring Person) whose election by the Board of
Directors or nomination for election by the
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
Company's  shareholders was  approved by a  vote of  at least a  majority of the
directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the
period or whose election or nomination  for election was previously so  approved
(collectively,  the "Continuing Directors"), no  longer constitute a majority of
the Board of Directors, (C) the shareholders of the Company approve a merger  or
consolidation  of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or
consolidation which  would  result  in  the voting  securities  of  the  Company
outstanding  immediately  prior  thereto  continuing  to  represent  (either  by
remaining outstanding  or  by being  converted  into voting  securities  of  the
Surviving  Entity or a parent thereof) at least 80% of the combined voting power
of the voting securities  of the Company  or such Surviving  Entity or a  parent
thereof  outstanding immediately after such merger  or consolidation; or (D) the
shareholders of  the Company  approve a  plan of  reorganization (other  than  a
reorganization  under the United States Bankruptcy Code) or complete liquidation
of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all
or substantially all of the Company's  assets; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that a  change
in  control shall not be deemed  to have occurred in the  event of (x) a sale or
conveyance in which the Company continues as  a holding company of an entity  or
entities  that conduct  all or substantially  all of the  business or businesses
formerly conducted by  the Company  or (y)  any transaction  undertaken for  the
purpose  of reincorporating the Company under  the laws of another jurisdiction,
if such transaction does not materially  affect the beneficial ownership of  the
Company's capital stock.
 
    The  1996 Equity Plan will remain in effect until terminated by the Board of
Directors  and  thereafter  until  all  Awards  granted  thereunder  are  either
satisfied  by the issuance of  shares of Common Stock or  the payment of cash or
terminated pursuant to  the terms of  the 1996  Equity Plan or  under any  Award
agreements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  no Awards may  be granted under the
1996 Equity Plan after the tenth anniversary  of the effective date of the  1996
Equity  Plan. The Board of Directors may  at any time terminate, modify, suspend
or amend  the 1996  Equity  Plan; PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that no  such  amendment,
modification,  suspension or termination  may adversely affect  an optionee's or
grantee's rights under any Award theretofore granted under the 1996 Equity Plan,
except with the consent of  such optionee or grantee,  and no such amendment  or
modification  will be  effective unless  and until the  same is  approved by the
shareholders of  the Company  where  such shareholder  approval is  required  to
comply  with Rule 16b-3 under  the Exchange Act, Section  162(m) of the Code, or
other applicable law,  regulation or  Nasdaq National Market  or stock  exchange
rule.
 
    CERTAIN  FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF OPTIONS.  Certain of the Federal
income tax consequences to  optionees and the Company  of Options granted  under
the 1996 Equity Plan should generally be as set forth in the following summary.
 
    An  employee to whom an incentive stock option ("ISO") which qualifies under
Section 422 of  the Code is  granted will not  recognize income at  the time  of
grant  or exercise  of such Option.  However, upon  the exercise of  an ISO, any
excess in  the fair  market price  of the  Common Stock  over the  Option  Price
constitutes  a  tax  preference  item which  may  have  alternative  minimum tax
consequences for the employee. If the  employee sells such shares more than  one
year after the date of transfer of such shares and more than two years after the
date  of grant of  such ISO, the  employee will generally  recognize a long-term
capital gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between the sale prices of
such shares and the Option Price. The Company will not be entitled to a  federal
income tax deduction in connection with the grant or exercise of the ISO. If the
employee  does not hold such  shares for the required  period, when the employee
sells such shares, the employee will recognize ordinary compensation income  and
possibly capital gain or loss (long-term or short-term, depending on the holding
period  of the stock sold) in such amounts as are prescribed by the Code and the
regulations thereunder and the Company will  generally be entitled to a  Federal
income  tax  deduction  in  the  amount  of  such  ordinary  compensation income
recognized by the employee.
 
    An employee to whom a nonqualified stock option ("NSO") is granted will  not
recognize  income  at the  time  of grant  of  such Option.  When  such employee
exercises such NSO,  the employee  will recognize  ordinary compensation  income
equal  to the excess, if any, of the fair market value, as of the date of Option
exercise, of the shares the employee receives upon such exercise over the Option
Price paid. The tax basis of such shares  to such employee will be equal to  the
Option  Price paid plus the  amount, if any, includible  in the employee's gross
income, and the employee's holding period  for such shares will commence on  the
date  on which the employee recognizes taxable income in respect of such shares.
Gain or loss upon a subsequent sale
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
of any Common Stock received upon the exercise of a NSO generally would be taxed
as capital gain  or loss (long-term  or short-term, depending  upon the  holding
period of the stock sold). Certain additional rules apply if the Option Price is
paid  in shares previously  owned by the participant.  Subject to the applicable
provisions of the Code and regulations thereunder, the Company will generally be
entitled to a  Federal income tax  deduction in respect  of a NSO  in an  amount
equal  to  the ordinary  compensation income  recognized  by the  employee. This
deduction will, in general, be  allowed for the taxable  year of the Company  in
which the participant recognizes such ordinary income.
 
1996 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
    Prior to the consummation of the Offerings, the Company intends to adopt the
Directors'  Plan. The purposes of the Directors'  Plan are to attract and retain
as non-employee  directors individuals  with superior  training, experience  and
ability  and to provide additional incentives to such individuals by giving them
an opportunity to participate in the  ownership of Common Stock of the  Company.
All  directors who are not employees of  the Company are eligible to participate
in the  Directors' Plan.  It is  presently anticipated  that approximately  four
individuals will participate in the Directors' Plan.
 
    Under  the Directors' Plan, any person who is not an employee of the Company
and who becomes a  director either on  or after the date  of the Offerings  will
receive  a non-qualified  option (a  "Non-Qualified Option")  to purchase 10,000
shares of Common Stock on the date he or she becomes a director. In addition, on
the first business day of each fiscal year of the Company, commencing January 1,
1997, while the Directors' Plan is in effect (each, an "Eligibility Date"), each
non-employee director who has not  been an employee of  the Company at any  time
during  the  previous  twelve  months will  receive  a  Non-Qualified  Option to
purchase 3,000 shares of Common Stock.
 
    The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under  the
Directors'  Plan is 500,000, subject to  adjustment in accordance with the terms
of the Directors'  Plan. Common Stock  issued under the  Directors' Plan may  be
either authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares or a combination thereof.
Any  shares  of Common  Stock subject  to a  Non-Qualified Option  which lapses,
expires or  is otherwise  terminated without  the issuance  of such  shares  may
become available for new awards.
 
    All  Non-Qualified Options granted  under the Directors'  Plan will vest and
become exercisable in 25% installments in  each of the first four  anniversaries
of  the  date of  grant;  PROVIDED that  the  participant may  not  exercise any
Non-Qualified Option as to less than 100 shares at any one time or, if the total
remaining number of shares is less  than 100, the participant must exercise  the
entire  remaining shares  covered by the  Non-Qualified Option.  However, in the
event of a  "change in control"  of the Company,  (i) all Non-Qualified  Options
then  outstanding will become fully exercisable and (ii) in the case of a change
in control involving  a merger of,  or consolidation involving,  the Company  in
which  the Company is (A) not the Surviving Entity or (B) becomes a wholly owned
subsidiary of  the Surviving  Entity  or any  parent thereof,  each  Predecessor
Option will be converted into a Substitute Option to acquire common stock of the
Surviving  Entity or its parent, which Substitute Option will have substantially
the same  terms  and conditions  as  the Predecessor  Option,  with  appropriate
adjustments  as to the  number and kind  of shares and  exercise prices. See "--
1996 Equity Incentive Plan --  Additional Information" above for the  definition
of  "change in control." In addition, if  there is any change in the outstanding
shares of  Common  Stock by  reason  of any  stock  dividend,  recapitalization,
merger,  consolidation, stock split, combination or  exchange of shares or other
form of reorganization,  or any other  change involving the  Common Stock,  such
proportionate  adjustments as  may be necessary  (in the form  determined by the
Board) to reflect such change will be made to prevent dilution or enlargement of
rights with regard to the aggregate number  of shares of Common Stock for  which
Non-Qualified  Options in  respect thereof may  be granted  under the Directors'
Plan, the  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock  covered  by  each  outstanding
Non-Qualified Option and the price per share in respect thereof.
 
    The  price  of the  shares  of Common  Stock  purchased upon  exercise  of a
Non-Qualified Option will be equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock subject to such Non-Qualified Option as of the date of grant. The exercise
price must be paid in  full at the time of  exercise in cash, certified or  bank
check,  or  other  instrument  acceptable  to the  Board  of  Directors.  In the
discretion of  the Board,  payment  in full  or  in part  may  also be  made  by
tendering  to the  Company shares  of Common  Stock having  a fair  market value
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
equal to the exercise price (or such  portion thereof), by means of a  "cashless
exercise"  procedure to be approved by the  Board of Directors or by withholding
shares of Common  Stock that would  otherwise have been  issued to the  optionee
upon  the  exercise  of the  Non-Qualified  Option.  The Company  may  also loan
optionees sufficient funds to exercise any Non-Qualified Option.
 
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.   Non-Qualified  Options granted  or to  be  granted
under the Directors' Plan are nontransferable. Each Non-Qualified Option granted
will  expire ten years from the date of grant and cannot be exercised after that
time. In addition, if any participant ceases to be an eligible director for  any
reason  other than  death or disability,  any Non-Qualified Option  held by such
participant may thereafter be exercised, to the extent it was exercisable at the
time of termination, for a period of six months from the time of termination  or
the expiration of the stated term of such Non-Qualified Option, whichever period
is  shorter;  PROVIDED,  HOWEVER,  that if  such  participant  dies  within such
six-month period, any unexercised Non-Qualified Options held by such participant
will be exercisable,  to the  extent exercisable  at the  time of  death, for  a
period  of one year from the  date of such death or  until the expiration of the
stated term of any  such Non-Qualified Option, whichever  period is shorter.  If
any  participant  ceases  to be  an  eligible  director by  reason  of  death or
disability, any Non-Qualified Option held by such participant may thereafter  be
exercised,  to the extent it  was exercisable at the  time of termination, for a
period of one year from the date of such termination or until the expiration  of
the  stated  term of  such Non-Qualified  Option,  whichever period  is shorter;
PROVIDED, that  if a  participant  who is  disabled  dies within  such  one-year
period,  any  unexercised Non-Qualified  Option  held by  such  participant will
thereafter be  exercisable, to  the extent  it was  exercisable at  the time  of
death,  for  a period  of one  year from  the date  of such  death or  until the
expiration of the stated term of such Non-Qualified Option, whichever period  is
shorter.
 
    Unless  it is terminated at  an earlier date by  the Board of Directors, the
Directors' Plan shall terminate ten  years after the date Non-Qualified  Options
are first granted under the Directors' Plan.
 
    The  Board of  Directors has full  and exclusive  discretionary authority to
revise administrative rules  and guidelines  governing the  Directors' Plan,  to
interpret  the terms of the Directors'  Plan and related agreements, to delegate
its responsibility and  authority under  the Directors' Plan,  and to  generally
supervise  the administration of the Directors'  Plan. In addition, the Board of
Directors may amend, alter,  suspend or discontinue the  Directors' Plan at  any
time;  PROVIDED, that the Board of Directors may not act to impair the rights of
plan participants pursuant to Non-Qualified Options previously granted under the
Directors' Plan  without  the  optionee's  consent.  No  amendment,  alteration,
suspension  or  termination  will be  effective  unless  and until  the  same is
approved by the shareholders of the  Company where such shareholder approval  is
required to comply with applicable law.
 
    CERTAIN  FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF NON-QUALIFIED OPTIONS.  Although
no Federal  income  tax  liability  accrues  to a  participant  at  the  time  a
Non-Qualified  Option  is  granted,  the  participant  must  recognize  ordinary
compensation income in the year in  which the Non-Qualified Option is  exercised
equal  to the amount by  which the fair market value  of the purchased shares on
the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price. The tax basis of such shares to
such participant  will be  equal to  the  exercise price  paid plus  the  amount
includible  in  the participant's  gross income,  and the  participant's holding
period for  such shares  will commence  on  the date  on which  the  participant
recognizes  taxable  income in  respect  of such  shares.  Gain or  loss  upon a
subsequent  sale  of  any  Common  Stock   received  upon  the  exercise  of   a
Non-Qualified Option generally would be taxed as capital gain or loss (long-term
or  short-term, depending  upon the holding  period of the  stock sold). Certain
additional rules apply if the exercise price for a Non-Qualified Option is  paid
in shares previously owned by the participant.
 
    Subject to the applicable provisions of the Code and regulations thereunder,
the  Company will generally be entitled to  an income tax deduction equal to the
amount of ordinary compensation income the participant recognizes in  connection
with  the exercise of any Non-Qualified  Option. The deduction will, in general,
be allowed  for  the  taxable year  of  the  Company in  which  the  participant
recognizes such ordinary compensation income.
 
ANNUAL INCENTIVE BONUS PLAN
 
    Prior  to the consummation of the Offerings, the Company intends to adopt an
Annual Incentive Bonus Plan (the "Bonus Plan") which will be administered by the
Compensation Committee after the Offerings.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
Participation is based upon individual  selection by the Compensation  Committee
from among key employees who, in the judgment of the Compensation Committee, are
in a position to have a significant impact on the performance of the Company. It
is  anticipated that approximately 100 individuals will participate in the Bonus
Plan. Awards  are  based  upon  the extent  to  which  the  Company's  financial
performance  (in terms  of net earnings,  operating income,  earnings per share,
cash flow, absolute and/or relative return on equity or assets, pre-tax profits,
earning growth, revenue growth, comparison to peer companies, any combination of
the  foregoing  and/or  other  appropriate  measures  in  such  manner  as   the
Compensation  Committee deems appropriate)  during the year  has met or exceeded
certain  performance  goals  specified  by  the  Compensation  Committee.   Some
performance  goals applicable to participants may include elements which specify
individual achievement objectives directly related to such individual's areas of
responsibility. In determining  whether performance goals  have been  satisfied,
the Compensation Committee in its discretion may direct that adjustments be made
to  the performance goals or actual financial performance as reported to reflect
extraordinary changes  that  have occurred  during  the year.  The  Compensation
Committee  may  alternatively  grant  a  discretionary  bonus.  In  the  event a
participant terminates employment  prior to  the end of  a year  for any  reason
other  than disability, retirement or death, no  award under the Bonus Plan will
be paid for such year unless otherwise determined by the Compensation  Committee
in  its  sole  discretion. If  employment  terminates by  reason  of disability,
retirement or death,  the participant  will be entitled  to receive  a PRO  RATA
award.
 
    Because  the performance  goals under the  Bonus Plan are  determined by the
Compensation Committee in its  discretion, it is not  possible to determine  the
benefits  and amounts  that will  be received  by any  individual participant or
group of participants in the future.
 
    The Board of Directors may terminate,  modify or suspend the Bonus Plan,  in
whole or in part, at any time; provided that no such termination or modification
may impair any rights which may have accrued under such Plan.
 
401(K) SAVINGS PLAN
 
    On  January 1, 1992, the  Company established the Guess  ? Inc. Savings Plan
(the "Savings Plan") under Section 401(k)  of the Code. Under the Savings  Plan,
associates  may contribute up to  15% of their compensation  per year subject to
the elective limits  as defined by  guidelines of the  Internal Revenue  Service
(the  "IRS") and the Company  may make matching contributions  in amounts not to
exceed 1.5% of the associates' annual compensation. The Company's  contributions
to  the Savings  Plan during the  years ended  December 31, 1993,  1994 and 1995
aggregated $221,000, $213,000 and  $261,000, respectively. Contributions to  the
Savings  Plan  during  the six  months  ended July  2,  1995 and  June  30, 1996
aggregated $132,000 and $134,000, respectively.
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
    The Company did not have a  Compensation Committee during 1995, but each  of
Maurice,  Paul and  Armand Marciano  (each of whom  also served  as an executive
officer of the  Company during  1995) participated  in deliberations  concerning
executive   compensation.  See  "Certain  Transactions"  immediately  below  for
information regarding related-party transactions involving each of Maurice, Paul
and Armand Marciano.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Company is engaged in various transactions with entities affiliated with
the Marciano Trusts and the  other Principal Stockholders. The Company  believes
that  each of the transactions discussed below was entered into on terms no less
favorable to the  Company than  could have  been obtained  from an  unaffiliated
third party.
 
LICENSE ARRANGEMENTS AND LICENSEE TRANSACTIONS
 
    On  January 1,  1995, the  Company entered  into a  licensing agreement with
Charles David of California ("Charles  David"). This new agreement superseded  a
prior  license agreement dated September  28, 1990 and amended  in May 1993. The
Marciano Trusts and Nathalie Marciano (the spouse of Maurice Marciano)  together
own 50% of Charles David, and the remaining 50% is owned by the father-in-law of
Maurice  Marciano.  The license  agreement grants  Charles  David the  rights to
manufacture worldwide and distribute worldwide (except Japan) men's, women's and
some children's leather and rubber footwear, excluding athletic footwear,  which
bear  the GUESS logo and trademark. The  license also includes related shoe care
products and  accessories. Gross  royalties  earned by  the Company  under  such
license  agreement for the fiscal years ended  December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995,
and for the six months ended June 30, 1996, was $1.7 million, $1.9 million, $2.1
million and $858,000, respectively. In the same respective periods, the  Company
purchased  $3.7 million, $4.8 million, $6.4 million and $2.7 million of products
from Charles David for resale in the Company's retail stores.
 
    On September 1, 1994,  the Company entered into  a licensing agreement  with
California  Sunshine Active Wear, Inc.  ("California Sunshine"), granting it the
rights to manufacture and distribute certain men's and women's activewear, which
bear the GUESS  logo and trademark,  in the United  States. The Marciano  Trusts
together  own 51% of California Sunshine.  Gross royalties earned by the Company
under such license agreement  for the fiscal years  ended December 31, 1994  and
1995, and for the six months ended June 30, 1996, was $0, $342,000 and $350,000,
respectively. In the same respective periods, the Company purchased $0, $254,000
and  $332,000 of products  from California Sunshine for  resale in the Company's
retail stores.
 
    Effective January 1, 1995,  the Company entered  into a licensing  agreement
with  Guess Italia, S.r.l. ("Guess Italia"),  granting it the exclusive right in
Italy and  non-exclusive right  in  other parts  of  Europe to  manufacture  and
distribute  men's and women's  apparel and accessories that  bear the GUESS logo
and trademark. Guess  Italia is owned  79% by  the Company and  21% by  Marciano
International,  a company  wholly owned  by the  Marciano Trusts  that is  to be
merged into the Company as part of the Reorganization. Gross royalties earned by
the Company under such license agreement for the fiscal year ended December  31,
1995  and for  the six  months ended  June 30,  1996 was  $505,000 and $266,000,
respectively. During 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996,
the Company  purchased $0,  $0, $511,000  and $251,000  of products  from  Guess
Italia  for resale in  the retail division's  stores. The Company  sold $0, $1.1
million, $411,000 and  $94,000 of products  to Guess Italia  during 1993,  1994,
1995  and the six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. The Company will pay
the Marciano Trusts an  aggregate of $300,000 in  connection with the merger  of
Marciano  International into the Company. Such  $300,000 payment is not included
in the aggregate principal amount of the S Distribution Notes.
 
    During 1993 and 1994, the Company made advances to Guess Italia of  $193,000
and  $989,000,  respectively.  These  advances  were  subsequently  recorded  as
additional paid-in capital.
 
    On December 1,  1992, the Company  entered into a  licensing agreement  with
Nantucket  Industries, Inc.  ("Nantucket Industries")  granting it  the right to
distribute and manufacture  men's and  women's innerwear, which  bear the  GUESS
logo  and trademark, in the United States. The Marciano Trusts together own 8.9%
of Nantucket  Industries.  Gross royalties  earned  by the  Company  under  such
license  agreement for the fiscal years ended  December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995,
and for the six months ended June 30, 1996, was $47,000, $214,000, $264,000  and
$157,000,  respectively. In the  same respective periods,  the Company purchased
$23,000, $201,000, $505,000 and $313,000  of products from Nantucket  Industries
for resale in the Company's retail stores.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
PURCHASING AGENCY AGREEMENT
 
    On  May 3, 1994, the Company entered  into an agreement with Ranche to serve
as a non-exclusive buying  agent for the Company  in Hong Kong, which  agreement
was terminated in the first quarter of 1996 when certain of Ranche's assets were
transferred  to Newtimes  Guess Ltd.,  a Hong  Kong corporation  ("Newtimes") in
which the Marciano  Trusts, through their  ownership of Marciano  International,
and  the Company hold indirect ownership interests of 25% and 25%, respectively.
Ranche is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of GEBV. In the fiscal year  ended
December  31, 1995,  and in the  six months  ended June 30,  1996, Ranche earned
commission income from the Company  of $1.3 million and $192,000,  respectively,
in  connection  with supplying  product. In  addition,  Ranche operates  under a
licensing arrangement to  distribute product to  authorized distributors.  Gross
royalties  earned by the  Company under such  license for the  fiscal year ended
December 31, 1995, and for the six months ended June 30, 1996, was $240,000  and
$133,000, respectively.
 
    In  February 1996, the  Company entered into a  buying agency agreement with
Newtimes. Pursuant to  such agreement,  the Company pays  Newtimes a  commission
based upon the price of all raw materials purchased for the Company by Newtimes.
As  of June  30, 1996,  the Company had  paid Newtimes  aggregate commissions of
$186,000. In connection with the  Reorganization, the Marciano Trusts'  indirect
interest in Newtimes will be transferred to the Company.
 
SALE/LEASEBACK TRANSACTION
 
    On  July 29, 1992, the Company  sold its corporate and distribution facility
in Los Angeles to a limited partnership in which the sole partners were the then
existing stockholders under a sale/leaseback arrangement. The facility was  sold
for  $24 million,  of which  $13 million  was received  in cash  upon closing of
escrow. The balance of $11 million was paid by issuance of a promissory note due
in July 1994.  The note  was repaid in  February 1993.  The limited  partnership
obtained  additional financing for  its purchase of the  facility through a loan
from  an  institutional  third  party  lender.  The  loan  is  secured  by   the
partnership's  interest  in the  facility  and in  the  lease with  the Company.
Pursuant to  the lease,  the Company  has agreed  to indemnify  the  partnership
against  certain losses that  may be incurred  in connection with  such loan. In
August 1993, the partnership acquired and retired Georges Marciano's  beneficial
interest  in  such  partnership,  and  the  corporate  general  partner  in such
partnership redeemed  Georges Marciano's  beneficial interest  in the  corporate
general partner.
 
LEASES
 
    The  Company leases warehouse  and administrative facilities  and one retail
administrative facility from partnerships  affiliated with the Marciano  Trusts.
The  leases will expire in July 2008. Aggregate lease payments under such leases
for the fiscal years ended December 31,  1993, 1994 and 1995 and the fiscal  six
months  ended June 30,  1996 were $2.1  million, $2.6 million,  $2.8 million and
$1.3 million, respectively.
 
LOANS TO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    In 1995, the  Company loaned Mr.  Wallen the  sum of $200,000  at an  annual
interest  rate of 7%  in connection with  certain moving expenses.  This loan is
scheduled to be repaid on August 31, 1999, with interest on the loan payable  in
four  annual  installments  commencing August  31,  1996.  If Mr.  Wallen  is an
employee in good standing on August 31, 1996, the first interest payment will be
waived.
 
    In 1994, the Company loaned Mr.  Williams the sum of $400,000 in  connection
with certain moving expenses. The loan has been repaid in full.
 
OTHER TRANSACTION
 
    On  December  31, 1993,  the  Company wrote  off  a current  note receivable
(including accrued interest) in the  amount of $521,000 from G&C  Entertainment,
Inc.  ("G&C"),  a  corporation  engaged  in  television  and  record  production
development. The Company acquired its 51%  interest in equity of G&C in  January
1993  from trusts for the benefit of Georges Marciano and Paul Marciano who were
G&C's sole stockholders prior to such acquisition. G&C was dissolved in 1994.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT
 
    Prior to consummation of the  Offerings, the Principal Stockholders and  the
Company  will amend and restate the Amended and Restated Shareholders' Agreement
dated November  12,  1993  (the  "Stockholders'  Agreement").  Pursuant  to  the
Stockholders'  Agreement, the Principal  Stockholders have agreed  to vote their
shares of Common Stock to  elect each of Maurice,  Paul and Armand Marciano,  or
one designee of any such person (if such designee shall be reasonably acceptable
to   the  other  Principal   Stockholders)  to  the   Board  of  Directors.  The
Stockholders' Agreement provides  that each  of the  Principal Stockholders  has
granted to each other and to the Company rights of first refusal with respect to
the  sale of any shares of the  Company's outstanding Common Stock (with certain
limited exceptions).
 
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 
    On August 23,  1993, the  Company repurchased 95%  of the  shares of  Common
Stock  then held by Georges  Marciano for a price of  $203.5 million and a trust
for the benefit of Paul Marciano purchased the remaining 5% of such shares for a
price of $10.7  million. The purchase  price for such  shares was determined  by
negotiation  among the Company, the Marciano  Trusts and Georges Marciano. Among
the factors  considered in  determining the  purchase price  were the  past  and
present  operations of  the Company,  the prospects  for future  earnings of the
Company and  other relevant  factors. In  connection with  such repurchase,  the
Company and the Marciano Trusts agreed to release and indemnify Georges Marciano
and  the Georges Marciano Trust from and  against any claims relating to certain
specified matters, including the Company, its management, financing,  operations
and  personnel,  and the  offer and  sale of  the Company's  Senior Subordinated
Notes. Any  claim  for  such  indemnity  will  be  in  the  first  instance  the
responsibility  of the Company. As consideration for such indemnity and release,
Georges Marciano and  the Georges Marciano  Trust released the  Company and  the
Marciano  Trusts from any claim relating to certain specified matters, including
the Company, its  management, financing,  operations and  personnel (other  than
certain  excluded  matters).  In  addition, the  Company  canceled  the existing
license agreement between it and an  affiliate of Georges Marciano with  respect
to  the GEORGES MARCIANO-Registered Trademark-  trademarks, effective August 23,
1994, and agreed to assign to such  affiliate all of the Company's right,  title
and  interest  in  the GEORGES  MARCIANO-Registered  Trademark-  trademarks, but
reserved  the  right  to  use  such   trademarks  until  August  23,  1994.   As
consideration  for such assignment, Georges Marciano  agreed to refrain from any
use of the  GEORGES MARCIANO-Registered Trademark-  trademarks until August  23,
1995.
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
    The  following table and the notes thereto  set forth information, as of the
date of this Prospectus,  relating to beneficial ownership  (as defined in  Rule
13d-3 of the Exchange Act) of the Company's equity securities and each Principal
Stockholder:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP   BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
                                                                          OF COMMON STOCK        OF COMMON STOCK
                                                                            PRIOR TO THE            AFTER THE
                                                                           OFFERINGS (1)          OFFERINGS (1)
                                                                        --------------------   --------------------
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS                                                 NUMBER     PERCENT     NUMBER     PERCENT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------   -----------  -------
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>       <C>          <C>
Maurice Marciano (2)..................................................   14,812,252   45.3%     14,812,252   35.4%
Paul Marciano (3).....................................................   12,062,736   36.9      12,062,736   28.8
Armand Marciano (4)...................................................    5,806,831   17.8       5,806,831   13.8
All directors and executive officers as a group
 (7 persons)..........................................................   32,681,819  100.0%     32,681,819   78.0%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
(1)  The address of  each person listed above  is c/o Guess  ?, Inc., 1444 South
    Alameda Street, Los Angeles,  California 90021. Subject  to the Amended  and
    Restated  Stockholders' Agreement dated as of  August 1, 1996 and applicable
    community property laws and similar laws, each person listed above has  sole
    voting and investment power with respect to such shares.
 
(2)   Includes  shares  beneficially  owned  by  Maurice  Marciano  as  follows:
    13,072,727  shares  as   trustee  of  the   Maurice  Marciano  Trust   (1995
    Restatement)  with respect to which he has sole voting and investment power;
    1,094,332 shares as co-trustee  of the Paul  Marciano 1996 Grantor  Retained
    Annuity  Trust with respect to which  he shares voting and investment power;
    and 645,193  shares  as  co-trustee  of the  Armand  Marciano  1996  Grantor
    Retained Annuity Trust with respect to which he shares voting and investment
    power.
 
(3)  Includes shares beneficially owned by  Paul Marciano as follows: 10,502,443
    shares as trustee of  the Paul Marciano Trust  dated February 20, 1986  with
    respect  to which  he has  sole voting  and investment  power; and 1,560,293
    shares as co-trustee of the  Maurice Marciano 1996 Grantor Retained  Annuity
    Trust with respect to which he shares voting and investment power.
 
(4)  Includes shares  beneficially owned  by Armand  Marciano as  trustee of the
    Armand Marciano Trust dated February 20,  1986 with respect to which he  has
    sole voting and investment power.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Upon  the consummation  of the Offerings,  the Company  will have 41,882,000
shares of Common  Stock outstanding. Of  these shares, the  9,200,000 shares  of
Common  Stock sold  by the  Company in  the Offerings  will be  freely tradeable
without restriction or  further registration  under the  Securities Act,  unless
held  by an "affiliate" of the Company (as that term is defined below). Any such
affiliate will be subject  to the resale limitations  of Rule 144 adopted  under
the  Securities Act. The remaining 32,682,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding
are  "restricted  securities"  for  purposes  of  Rule  144  and  are  held   by
"affiliates"  of the Company within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities
Act. Restricted securities may not be resold in a public distribution except  in
compliance  with the registration requirements of the Securities Act or pursuant
to an exemption  therefrom, including the  exemption provided by  Rule 144.  The
Principal  Stockholders  have contractual  rights  to demand  or  participate in
future registrations of shares of Common Stock under the Securities Act.
 
    In general, under  Rule 144  as currently in  effect, a  person (or  persons
whose  shares are  aggregated), including a  person who  may be deemed  to be an
"affiliate" of the Company as that term is defined under the Securities Act,  is
entitled  to sell within any three month  period a number of shares beneficially
owned for at least two years that does  not exceed the greater of (i) 1% of  the
then  outstanding  shares of  Common Stock  or (ii)  the average  weekly trading
volume of the outstanding shares of Common Stock during the four calendar  weeks
preceding  such  sale.  Sales  under  Rule  144  are  also  subject  to  certain
requirements as to the  manner of sale, notice  and the availability of  current
public information about the Company. However, a person (or persons whose shares
are  aggregated) who  is not an  "affiliate" of  the Company during  the 90 days
preceding a  proposed  sale  by  such person  and  who  has  beneficially  owned
"restricted securities" for at least three years is entitled to sell such shares
under  Rule  144  without  regard  to  the  volume,  manner  of  sale  or notice
requirements. As defined in Rule  144, an "affiliate" of  an issuer is a  person
that  directly or indirectly controls,  or is controlled by,  or is under common
control with such issuer.
 
    The Company and the Principal  Stockholders have agreed, subject to  certain
exceptions,  not  to, directly  or  indirectly, (i)  sell,  grant any  option to
purchase or otherwise  transfer or  dispose of  any Common  Stock or  securities
convertible  into  or exchangeable  or exercisable  for Common  Stock or  file a
registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the foregoing or
(ii) enter into any  swap or other agreement  or transaction that transfers,  in
whole  or in part,  the economic consequence  of ownership of  the Common Stock,
without the prior written  consent of Merrill  Lynch, for a  period of 180  days
after the date of this Prospectus.
 
    Effective  upon the  consummation of the  Offerings, the  Company intends to
grant options covering  approximately 1,207,405  shares of its  Common Stock  to
certain of its employees pursuant to the 1996 Equity Plan. After such grants, an
aggregate  of approximately  3,792,595 shares  will remain  available for future
option grants  and  other equity  awards  under the  1996  Equity Plan  and  the
Directors'  Plan. See  "Management -- 1996  Equity Incentive Plan"  and "-- 1996
Non-Employee Directors'  Stock  Option Plan."  The  Company intends  to  file  a
registration statement under the Securities Act to register all of the shares of
Common  Stock reserved  for issuance under  the 1996 Equity  Plan and Directors'
Plan. Such registration statement is expected to be filed as soon as practicable
after the date  of the Offerings  and will automatically  become effective  upon
filing.  Shares issued under the 1996 Equity  Plan and the Directors' Plan after
the registration statement is filed may  thereafter be sold in the open  market,
subject,  in the case of the various holders, to the Rule 144 volume limitations
applicable to affiliates and  any transfer restrictions imposed  on the date  of
the grant.
 
    Prior  to the  Offerings, there  has been  no public  market for  the Common
Stock. No predictions can be  made of the effect, if  any, that future sales  of
shares  of Common Stock, and  options to acquire shares  of Common Stock, or the
availability of shares for future sale, will have on the market price prevailing
from time to time. Sales  of substantial amounts of  Common Stock in the  public
market,  or the  perception that  such sales  may occur,  could have  a material
adverse effect on the  market price of  the Common Stock.  See "Risk Factors  --
Future Sales by Principal Stockholders; Shares Eligible for Future Sale."
 
                                       58
<PAGE>
                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
 
    The  following summary  description of the  capital stock of  the Company is
qualified in its entirety  by reference to the  form of Restated Certificate  of
Incorporation  of the Company (the "Restated  Certificate") and form of Restated
Bylaws of  the  Company,  to  become  effective prior  to  the  closing  of  the
Offerings,  a copy of each  of which is filed as  an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part.
 
    The authorized capital stock of  the Company consists of 150,000,000  shares
of  Common Stock, par value  $.01 per share, and  10,000,000 shares of Preferred
Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock").
 
COMMON STOCK
 
    Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on  all
matters  submitted  to a  vote of  the shareholders,  including the  election of
directors. The Restated Certificate  does not provide  for cumulative voting  in
the  election of directors. Accordingly, holders of  a majority of the shares of
Common Stock entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all of  the
directors  standing for election. Subject to  preferences that may be applicable
to any Preferred  Stock outstanding  at the time,  holders of  Common Stock  are
entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time
to  time by the Board of Directors  out of funds legally available therefor. See
"Dividend Policy." In the event of  a liquidation, dissolution or winding up  of
the Company, holders of Common Stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets
remaining  after  payment  of  the  Company's  liabilities  and  the liquidation
preference, if any,  of any outstanding  shares of Preferred  Stock. Holders  of
Common  Stock have no  preemptive rights and  no rights to  convert their Common
Stock into any  other securities  and there  are no  redemption provisions  with
respect  to such shares. All of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully
paid and non-assessable. The  rights, preferences and  privileges of holders  of
Common Stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the
holders  of  shares of  any  series of  Preferred  Stock which  the  Company may
designate and issue in the future.
 
    At present there is no established trading market for the Common Stock.  The
Common  Stock has been approved for listing  on the NYSE under the symbol "GES,"
subject to official notice of issuance.
 
    The transfer agent and registrar for the Common Stock is The First  National
Bank of Boston.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
    The  Restated  Certificate provides  that  the Board  of  Directors, without
further action by the stockholders, may  issue shares of the Preferred Stock  in
one or more series and may fix or alter the relative, participating, optional or
other  rights, preferences,  privileges and  restrictions, including  the voting
rights, redemption  provisions  (including sinking  fund  provisions),  dividend
rights,  dividend rates, liquidation preferences  and conversion rights, and the
description of and number of shares  constituting any wholly unissued series  of
Preferred  Stock. The Board of  Directors, without further stockholder approval,
can issue  Preferred  Stock  with  voting  and  conversion  rights  which  could
adversely  affect the voting power of the  holders of Common Stock. No shares of
Preferred Stock presently are outstanding and the Company currently has no plans
to issue shares of Preferred Stock.  The issuance of Preferred Stock in  certain
circumstances  may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control
of the Company without further action  by the stockholders, may discourage  bids
for  the Company's Common Stock at a premium over the market price of the Common
Stock and may adversely affect the market price and the voting and other  rights
of the holders of Common Stock.
 
CERTAIN CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, BYLAWS AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS AFFECTING
STOCKHOLDERS
 
    CLASSIFIED  BOARD OF DIRECTORS.  The Company's Board of Directors is divided
into three classes of directors serving staggered terms. One class of  directors
will  be elected at each  annual meeting of stockholders  for a three-year term.
See "Management  --  Board  of  Directors." At  least  two  annual  meetings  of
stockholders,  instead of one, generally will be required to change the majority
of the Company's Board of Directors.
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
    SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS; STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT.  The
Restated Certificate provides that any action required or permitted to be  taken
by  the Company's stockholders may  be effected only at  a duly called annual or
special meeting  of stockholders.  Additionally,  the Restated  Certificate  and
Bylaws  provide that special meetings of the  stockholders of the Company may be
called only  by the  Chairman of  the Board  of Directors,  the Chief  Executive
Officer or the President of the Company.
 
    ADVANCE   NOTICE  REQUIREMENTS   FOR  STOCKHOLDER   PROPOSALS  AND  DIRECTOR
NOMINATIONS.  The Company's  Bylaws provide that  stockholders seeking to  bring
business  before or to  nominate directors at any  meeting of stockholders, must
provide timely notice thereof in writing.  To be timely, a stockholder's  notice
must be delivered to, or mailed and received at, the principal executive offices
of  the  Company not  less than  60  days nor  more than  90  days prior  to the
anniversary date of  the immediately preceding  annual meeting of  stockholders;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i) in the event that the annual meeting is called for a
date  that is not within 30 days before  or after such anniversary date, or (ii)
in the case of the  annual meeting of stockholders  held during the 1997  fiscal
year of the Corporation, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be
so  received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the
day on which  notice of  the date  of the annual  meeting was  mailed or  public
disclosure  of the date of the annual  meeting was made, whichever first occurs.
The Bylaws also specify certain requirements for a stockholder's notice to be in
proper written  form.  These  provisions may  preclude  some  stockholders  from
bringing  matters  before  the  stockholders  or  from  making  nominations  for
directors.
 
    DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION.  The Delaware Corporation Law provides
that a  Delaware  corporation  may  include provisions  in  its  certificate  of
incorporation  relieving each of its directors of monetary liability arising out
of his or  her conduct as  a director for  breach of his  or her fiduciary  duty
except  liability for (i) any  breach of such director's  duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its  stockholders, (ii) acts  or omissions that  are not in  good
faith  or involve  intentional misconduct or  a knowing violation  of law, (iii)
conduct violating Section  174 of  the Delaware Corporation  Law (which  section
relates to unlawful distributions) or (iv) any transaction from which a director
derived  an  improper  personal  benefit.  The  Company's  Restated  Certificate
includes such provisions.
 
    To the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware Corporation Law, as  amended
from  time to time,  the Company's Restated Certificate  and Bylaws provide that
the Company shall indemnify and advance expenses to each of its currently acting
and former directors and officers, and may so indemnify and advance expenses  to
each  of its current and  former employees and agents.  The Company believes the
foregoing provisions are necessary  to attract and  retain qualified persons  as
directors  and officers. Prior to the consummation of the Offerings, the Company
intends to  enter into  separate  indemnification agreements  with each  of  its
directors and executive officers in order to effectuate such provisions.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
                 CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES
                          TO NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
    The  following is a general discussion  of certain United States Federal tax
consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of Common Stock by  a
holder  that  is an  individual, corporation,  estate or  trust and,  for United
States Federal  income  tax  purposes,  is  not  a  "United  States  person"  (a
"Non-United  States Holder").  This discussion is  based upon  the United States
Federal  tax  law  now  in  effect,   which  is  subject  to  change,   possibly
retroactively. For purposes of this discussion, a "United States person" means a
citizen  or resident of the United States; a corporation, a partnership or other
entity created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United
States or of  any political  subdivision thereof; or  an estate  or trust  whose
income  is  includible in  gross  income for  United  States Federal  income tax
purposes regardless  of  its  source.  This discussion  does  not  consider  any
specific facts or circumstances that may apply to a particular Non-United States
Holder.  Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding
the United States Federal tax  consequences of acquiring, holding and  disposing
of  Common Stock, as well as any tax  consequences that may arise under the laws
of any foreign, state, local or other taxing jurisdiction.
 
DIVIDENDS
 
    Dividends paid to a  Non-United States Holder will  generally be subject  to
withholding  of United  States Federal income  tax at the  rate of 30%  (or at a
reduced tax treaty rate), unless the dividend is effectively connected with  the
conduct of a trade or business within the United States by the Non-United States
Holder,  in which case the dividend will be subject to the United States Federal
income tax on net income on the same basis that applies to United States persons
generally. In the  case of a  Non-United States Holder  which is a  corporation,
such effectively connected income also may be subject to the branch profits tax.
Non-United  States  Holders should  consult  their tax  advisors  concerning any
applicable income tax treaties that may provide for a lower rate of  withholding
or other rules different from those described above.
 
GAIN ON DISPOSITION
 
    A  Non-United States Holder  will generally not be  subject to United States
Federal income tax on gain recognized on  a sale or other disposition of  Common
Stock  unless (i) the gain is effectively  connected with the conduct of a trade
or business within the  United States by the  Non-United States Holder, (ii)  in
the case of a Non-United States Holder who is a nonresident alien individual and
holds  the Common Stock as a capital asset, such holder is present in the United
States for 183 or more days in  the taxable year of disposition and either  such
individual  has a "tax home" in the United States or the gain is attributable to
an office or other fixed place of business maintained by such individual in  the
United  States or (iii) the Company is or has been a "U.S. real property holding
corporation" for United States  Federal income tax  purposes (which the  Company
does  not believe that it  is or is likely to  become). Gain that is effectively
connected with the conduct of  a trade or business  within the United States  by
the Non-United States Holder will be subject to the United States Federal income
tax  on  net income  on the  same basis  that applies  to United  States persons
generally (and, with respect to corporate holders, under certain  circumstances,
the  branch  profits tax)  but will  not be  subject to  withholding. Non-United
States Holders should consult their  own tax advisors concerning any  applicable
treaties that may provide for different rules.
 
FEDERAL ESTATE TAXES
 
    Common Stock owned or treated as owned by an individual who is not a citizen
or  resident (for United States estate tax purposes) of the United States at the
date of death  will be included  in such individual's  estate for United  States
Federal  estate tax  purposes, unless an  applicable estate  tax treaty provides
otherwise.
 
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
    The Company generally must report  annually to the Internal Revenue  Service
and  to each Non-United States  Holder the amount of  dividends paid to, and the
tax withheld with  respect to, such  holder, regardless of  whether any tax  was
actually  withheld.  This information  may  also be  made  available to  the tax
authorities of a country in which the Non-United States Holder resides.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
    Under  temporary   United  States   Treasury  regulations,   United   States
information reporting requirements and backup withholding tax will generally not
apply  to dividends paid on the Common Stock to a Non-United States Holder at an
address outside  the United  States. Payments  by a  United States  office of  a
broker  of the proceeds of a sale of  the Common Stock is subject to both backup
withholding at  a  rate of  31%  and  information reporting  unless  the  holder
certifies  its Non-United  States Holder  status under  penalties of  perjury or
otherwise establishes an exemption. Information reporting requirements (but  not
backup  withholding) will also apply to payments of the proceeds of sales of the
Common Stock by  foreign offices of  United States brokers,  or foreign  brokers
with  certain types of relationships to the United States, unless the broker has
documentary evidence  in its  records that  the holder  is a  Non-United  States
Holder and certain other conditions are met, or the holder otherwise establishes
an exemption.
 
    Backup  withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the
backup withholding rules will, in certain circumstances, be refunded or credited
against  the  Non-United  States  Holder's  United  States  Federal  income  tax
liability,  provided that the required information  is furnished to the Internal
Revenue Service.
 
PROPOSED REGULATIONS
 
    Under current  United  States Treasury  regulations,  dividends paid  to  an
address  in a  foreign country  are presumed to  be paid  to a  resident of that
country (unless the  payor has knowledge  to the contrary)  for purposes of  the
withholding  discussed  above and,  under the  current interpretation  of United
States Treasury regulations, for purposes of determining the applicability of  a
tax treaty rate. Under recently proposed United States Treasury regulations that
are  proposed to  be effective  for payments made  after December  31, 1997 (the
"Proposed Regulations"), however, a Non-United States Holder of Common Stock who
wishes to claim the benefit  of an applicable treaty  rate would be required  to
satisfy  applicable certification requirements.  Under the Proposed Regulations,
dividend payments would also be made subject to information reporting and backup
withholding unless these applicable certification requirements are satisfied. In
addition, under the Proposed Regulations, in the case of Common Stock held by  a
foreign  partnership,  (x)  the  certification  requirement  would  generally be
applied to the  partners of  the partnership and  (y) the  partnership would  be
required  to  provide certain  information, including  a United  States taxpayer
identification number. The Proposed Regulations also provide look-through  rules
for tiered partnerships. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Regulations
will  be adopted  or as  to the provisions  that they  will include  if and when
adopted in temporary or final form.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject  to the terms and conditions set  forth in a purchase agreement (the
"U.S. Purchase Agreement") among the Company and each of the underwriters  named
below  (the "U.S.  Underwriters"), and concurrently  with the  sale of 1,840,000
shares of Common  Stock to the  International Managers (as  defined below),  the
Company  has agreed to  sell to each of  the U.S. Underwriters,  and each of the
U.S. Underwriters severally has agreed to purchase from the Company, the  number
of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite its name below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NUMBER
          U.S. UNDERWRITERS                                              OF SHARES
                                                                        -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
          Incorporated................................................
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated.....................................
                                                                        -----------
          Total.......................................................    7,360,000
                                                                        -----------
                                                                        -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Merrill  Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated are acting as representatives  (the "U.S. Representatives") of  the
U.S. Underwriters.
 
    The  Company has also entered into  a purchase agreement (the "International
Purchase  Agreement"  and,  together  with  the  U.S.  Purchase  Agreement,  the
"Purchase  Agreements") with certain underwriters  outside the United States and
Canada (collectively, the "International Managers,"  and together with the  U.S.
Underwriters,  the  "Underwriters"), for  whom  Merrill Lynch  International and
Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited are acting as representatives of  the
International  Managers (the "International  Representatives" and, together with
the U.S.  Representatives,  the "Representatives").  Subject  to the  terms  and
conditions  set forth in the  International Purchase Agreement, and concurrently
with the  sale of  7,360,000 shares  of Common  Stock to  the U.S.  Underwriters
pursuant  to the U.S. Purchase Agreement, the  Company has agreed to sell to the
International Managers and the International  Managers have severally agreed  to
purchase from the Company, an aggregate of 1,840,000 shares of Common Stock. The
initial  public offering  price per share  of Common Stock  and the underwriting
discount per  share  of Common  Stock  are  identical under  the  U.S.  Purchase
Agreement and the International Purchase Agreement.
 
    In the U.S. Purchase Agreement and the International Purchase Agreement, the
several  U.S. Underwriters and the several International Managers, respectively,
have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to  purchase
all  of the shares of Common Stock being sold pursuant to each such Agreement if
any of the  shares of Common  Stock being  sold pursuant to  such Agreement  are
purchased.  Under certain circumstances, the  commitments of non-defaulting U.S.
Underwriters or International Managers  (as the case may  be) may be  increased.
The  purchase of shares of Common Stock  by the U.S. Underwriters is conditioned
upon the purchase of shares of  Common Stock by the International Managers,  and
vice versa.
 
    The  U.S. Underwriters and  the International Managers  have entered into an
intersyndicate agreement  (the  "Intersyndicate Agreement")  providing  for  the
coordination of their activities. The Underwriter's are permitted to sell shares
of  Common Stock  to each  other for  purposes of  resale at  the initial public
offering price, less an  amount not greater than  the selling concession.  Under
the  terms of the Intersyndicate Agreement, the U.S. Underwriters and any dealer
to whom they sell shares of Common Stock  will not offer to sell or sell  shares
of  Common  Stock to  persons who  are  non-U.S. or  non-Canadian persons  or to
persons  they  believe  intend  to  resell  to  persons  who  are  non-U.S.   or
non-Canadian persons, and the International Managers and any dealer to whom they
sell  shares of  Common Stock will  not offer to  sell or sell  shares of Common
Stock to U.S. persons or to Canadian  persons or to persons they believe  intend
to  resell  to  U.S.  persons  or  Canadian  persons,  except  in  the  case  of
transactions pursuant to the Intersyndicate Agreement.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
    The U.S. Representatives have advised the Company that the U.S. Underwriters
propose initially to  offer the  shares of  Common Stock  to the  public at  the
initial  public offering price set  forth on the cover  page of this Prospectus,
and to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of $    per
share  of Common Stock on sales to  certain other dealers. The U.S. Underwriters
may allow, and such  dealers may reallow, a  discount not in excess  of $    per
share  of Common  Stock on  sales to  certain other  dealers. After  the initial
public offering,  the public  offering  price, concession  and discount  may  be
changed.
 
   
    At  the request of  the Company, the  U.S. Underwriters have  reserved up to
875,000 shares of Common Stock for sale at the initial public offering price  to
directors,  officers, employees, business associates  and related persons of the
Company. The number of shares of Common Stock available for sale to the  general
public will be reduced to the extent such persons purchase such reserved shares.
Any  reserved  shares  which  are  not  so  purchased  will  be  offered  by the
Underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered
hereby. Certain individuals purchasing reserved shares may be required to  agree
not  to sell,  offer or otherwise  dispose of any  shares of Common  Stock for a
period of three months after the date of this Prospectus.
    
 
    The Company,the Principal Stockholders  and certain executive officers  have
agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to, directly or indirectly, (i) sell,
grant  any option  to purchase  or otherwise transfer  or dispose  of any Common
Stock or securities convertible into  or exchangeable or exercisable for  Common
Stock  or file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to
the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement or transaction that
transfers, in whole  or in part,  the economic consequence  of ownership of  the
Common  Stock, without the prior written consent  of Merrill Lynch, for a period
of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus.
 
    The Company  has granted  an option  to the  U.S. Underwriters,  exercisable
within 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate
of  1,104,000 additional shares  of Common Stock at  the initial public offering
price set forth  on the  cover page of  this Prospectus,  less the  underwriting
discount.  The  U.S.  Underwriters  may  exercise  this  option  only  to  cover
over-allotments, if any, made on the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby. To
the  extent  that  the  U.S.  Underwriters  exercise  this  option,  each   U.S.
Underwriter  will be  obligated, subject  to certain  conditions, to  purchase a
number  of  additional  shares  of  Common  Stock  proportionate  to  such  U.S.
Underwriter's  initial amount reflected in the foregoing table. The Company also
has granted an option to the International Managers, exercisable within 30  days
after  the date of  this Prospectus, to  purchase up to  an aggregate of 276,000
additional shares of  Common Stock to  cover over-allotments, if  any, on  terms
similar to those granted to the U.S. Underwriters.
 
    Prior  to the Offerings, there  has been no public  market for the shares of
Common Stock  of  the  Company.  The initial  public  offering  price  has  been
determined  through negotiations  between the  Company and  the Representatives.
Among the factors considered in  determining the initial public offering  price,
in  addition  to  prevailing  market conditions,  are  price-earnings  ratios of
publicly traded companies that the  Representatives believe to be comparable  to
the  Company, certain financial information of  the Company, the history of, and
the prospects  for,  the Company  and  the industry  in  which it  competes,  an
assessment  of the  Company's management, its  past and  present operations, the
prospects for, and timing of, future revenues of the Company, the present  state
of the Company's development, and the above factors in relation to market values
and  valuation measures of other companies  engaged in activities similar to the
Company. There can be  no assurance that an  active trading market will  develop
for  the Common Stock or  that the Common Stock will  trade in the public market
subsequent to the Offerings at or above the initial public offering price.
 
    The Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of the Common Stock  offered
hereby to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
 
   
    The  Company and certain Principal Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
several Underwriters against  certain liabilities,  including liabilities  under
the  Securities  Act,  or to  contribute  to  payments the  Underwriters  may be
required to make in respect thereof.
    
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for  the
Company  by Shearman & Sterling, Los  Angeles, California. Certain legal matters
relating to the Offerings will be  passed upon for the Underwriters by  Skadden,
Arps,  Slate, Meagher &  Flom, Los Angeles, California.  Shearman & Sterling has
from time to  time represented certain  of the Underwriters  in connection  with
unrelated  legal matters. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher  & Flom has from time to
time represented the Company in connection with unrelated legal matters.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated  financial statements  and schedule  of the  Company as  of
December  31, 1994 and 1995, and for each  of the years in the three year period
ended December  31, 1995,  have been  included herein  and in  the  registration
statement  in reliance  upon the  report of  KPMG Peat  Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the  authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act
and,  in  accordance therewith,  files reports  and  other information  with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports and other information filed  by
the  Company  may be  inspected without  charge at  the Securities  and Exchange
Commission's principal office in Washington, D.C., and at the following regional
offices of the Commission: Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511 and  at Seven World Trade  Center, Suite 1300,  New
York, New York 10048. Copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the
Public  Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 upon payment  of the prescribed fees. Upon  listing
of  the Common Stock on the NYSE, such reports and other information can also be
inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
In addition, the Commission maintains a World  Wide Web site on the Internet  at
http://  www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and
other information  regarding  registrants  that  file  electronically  with  the
Commission.
 
    The  Company  has  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission a
Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to  the
Common  Stock  offered  hereby. This  Prospectus  does  not contain  all  of the
information set  forth  in  the  Registration Statement  and  the  exhibits  and
schedules  thereto. For further information with  respect to the Company or such
Common Stock, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the  schedules
and  exhibits filed as  a part thereof. Statements  contained in this Prospectus
regarding the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily
complete and, in each  instance, reference is  hereby made to  the copy of  such
contract  or other document filed as  an exhibit to such Registration Statement.
The Registration Statement, including exhibits thereto, may be inspected without
charge office of the  Securities and Exchange Commission.  Copies of all or  any
part thereof may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed fees.
 
    The  Company  intends  to  furnish  its  stockholders  with  annual  reports
containing  financial  statements  audited   by  independent  certified   public
accountants   and   with  quarterly   reports  containing   unaudited  financial
information for each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                               <C>
Independent Auditors' Report....................................................     F-2
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1994, 1995 (audited) and June 30,
 1996 and pro forma June 30, 1996 (unaudited)...................................     F-3
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994,
 1995 (audited) and the six months ended July 2, 1995 and June 30, 1996
 (unaudited)....................................................................     F-4
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31,
 1993, 1994, 1995 (audited) and six months ended July 2, 1995 and June 30, 1996
 (unaudited)....................................................................     F-5
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1993,
 1994, 1995 (audited) and six months ended July 2, 1995 and June 30, 1996
 (unaudited)....................................................................     F-6
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements......................................     F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Guess ?, Inc.:
 
    We  have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Guess
?, Inc. and Subsidiaries as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated
financial statements are  the responsibility  of the  Company's management.  Our
responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  consolidated  financial
statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted  our  audits in  accordance  with generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence  supporting
the  amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles used  and  significant estimates  made  by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our  opinion, the  consolidated financial  statements referred  to  above
present  fairly, in  all material respects,  the financial position  of Guess ?,
Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the results of  their
operations  and their cash flows for each  of the years in the three-year period
ended December  31,  1995  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles.
 
                                          KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
March 1, 1996
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995, JUNE 30, 1996 AND PRO FORMA JUNE 30, 1996
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PRO FORMA
                                                                                                         JUNE 30,
                                                                                            JUNE 30,    1996 (NOTE
                                                                      1994        1995        1996          1)
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Current assets:
  Cash...........................................................  $    5,994  $    6,417  $    5,442   $    5,442
  Receivables:
    Trade receivables, net of reserves aggregating, $10,391,
     $10,849 and $8,222 at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and June
     30, 1996, respectively......................................      23,505      22,886      31,403       31,403
    Royalties....................................................       9,728       9,975      10,875       10,875
    Other........................................................       5,267       4,040       3,427        3,427
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                       38,500      36,901      45,705       45,705
  Inventories (note 3)...........................................      83,772      72,889      92,340       92,340
  Prepaid expenses...............................................       4,837       5,557       6,845        6,845
  Deferred tax assets (note 1)...................................      --          --          --            3,663
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total current assets.......................................     133,103     121,764     150,332      153,995
 
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation
 and amortization (note 4).......................................      59,725      68,199      67,346       67,346
Long-term investments (note 2)...................................       3,136       3,394       3,408        3,408
Deferred tax assets (note 1).....................................      --          --          --            3,781
Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization of $1,800,
 $2,279 and $2,680 at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and June 30,
 1996, respectively (note 7).....................................      11,732       9,278       8,649        8,649
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                   $  207,696  $  202,635  $  229,735   $  237,179
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current installments of notes payable and long-term debt (notes
   5 and 7)......................................................  $    4,696  $    4,123  $    4,056   $    4,056
  Accounts payable...............................................      29,840      40,701      37,221       37,221
  Accrued expenses...............................................      14,431      18,332      23,865       24,165
  Income taxes payable (note 6)..................................       1,009       1,036         775          775
  S corporation distribution notes (note 1)......................      --          --          --          176,900
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total current liabilities..................................      49,976      64,192      65,917      243,117
 
Notes payable and long-term debt, net of current installments
 (notes 5 and 7).................................................     151,799     119,212     148,712      148,712
Minority interest................................................          53          75         247          247
Other liabilities................................................       5,495       8,159       8,535        8,535
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                      207,323     191,638     223,411      400,611
Stockholders' equity (notes 1, 7 and 13):
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 10,000,000 shares;
   no shares issued and outstanding..............................      --          --          --           --
  Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 150,000,000 shares;
   issued 52,713,000 shares, outstanding 32,682,000 shares,
   20,031,000 shares held in Treasury............................          35          35          35           35
  Paid-in capital................................................         181         181         181      (20,183)
  Retained earnings..............................................     150,948     161,567     156,836        7,444
  Foreign currency translation adjustment........................         (15)        (10)         48           48
  Treasury stock, 20,031,000 shares repurchased..................    (150,776)   (150,776)   (150,776)    (150,776)
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
    Net stockholders' equity (deficiency)........................         373      10,997       6,324     (163,432)
Commitments, contingencies and subsequent events (notes 5, 9, 13
 and 14).........................................................
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                   $  207,696  $  202,635  $  229,735   $  237,179
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
              AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 2, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           JULY 2,     JUNE 30,
                                                        1993       1994         1995        1995         1996
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
                                                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>        <C>
Net revenue:
  Product sales.....................................  $ 491,444  $ 507,462  $    440,359  $ 206,579  $    232,111
  Net royalties.....................................     28,780     40,350        46,374     23,073        25,295
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
                                                        520,224    547,812       486,733    229,652       257,406
Cost of sales (note 8)..............................    260,409    291,989       262,142    120,809       137,113
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
Gross profit........................................    259,815    255,823       224,591    108,843       120,293
Selling, general and administrative expenses (note
 8).................................................    145,351    138,016       141,663     66,468        72,829
Reorganization charge (note 14).....................     --         --           --          --             3,559
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
  Earnings from operations..........................    114,464    117,807        82,928     42,375        43,905
 
Non-operating income (expense):
  Interest, net.....................................    (11,735)   (16,948)      (15,957)    (7,926)       (7,291)
  Other, net........................................      2,552        322          (157)      (180)         (147)
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
                                                         (9,183)   (16,626)      (16,114)    (8,106)       (7,438)
 
  Earnings before income taxes......................    105,281    101,181        66,814     34,269        36,467
 
Income taxes (note 6)...............................      1,810      3,540         2,895      1,275         1,598
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
  Net earnings......................................  $ 103,471  $  97,641  $     63,919  $  32,994  $     34,869
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
 
Supplemental pro forma financial information (note
 1):
Earnings before income taxes, as presented..........  $ 105,281  $ 101,181  $     66,814  $  34,269  $     36,467
Pro forma provision for income taxes (unaudited)....     42,112     40,472        26,726     13,708        14,477
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
Pro forma net earnings (unaudited)..................  $  63,169  $  60,709  $     40,088  $  20,561  $     21,990
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
                                                      ---------  ---------  ------------  ---------  ------------
Pro forma net earnings per share....................                        $       1.00             $        .55
Weighted average common shares outstanding..........                          40,040,000               39,825,000
                                                                            ------------             ------------
                                                                            ------------             ------------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
                     AND THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         FOREIGN
                                                                                        CURRENCY
                                                 COMMON        PAID-IN     RETAINED    TRANSLATION    TREASURY
                                                  STOCK        CAPITAL     EARNINGS    ADJUSTMENT      STOCK       TOTAL
                                              -------------  -----------  ----------  -------------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                           <C>            <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>
Balance at December 31, 1992................    $      35     $     181   $  167,174    $  --        $   --      $  167,390
  Net earnings..............................       --            --          103,471       --            --         103,471
  Stockholder distributions.................       --            --         (117,656)      --            --        (117,656)
  Foreign currency translation adj..........       --            --           --              (31)       --             (31)
  Repurchase of treasury stock..............       --            --          (52,682)      --          (150,776)   (203,458)
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
Balance at December 31, 1993................           35           181      100,307          (31)     (150,776)    (50,284)
  Net earnings..............................       --            --           97,641       --            --          97,641
  Stockholder distributions.................       --            --          (47,000)      --            --         (47,000)
  Foreign currency translation adj..........       --            --           --               16        --              16
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
Balance at December 31, 1994................           35           181      150,948          (15)     (150,776)        373
  Net earnings..............................       --            --           63,919       --            --          63,919
  Stockholder distributions.................       --            --          (53,300)      --            --         (53,300)
  Foreign currency translation adj..........       --            --           --                5        --               5
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
Balance at December 31, 1995................           35           181      161,567          (10)     (150,776)     10,997
  Net earnings (unaudited)..................       --            --           34,869       --            --          34,869
  Stockholder distributions
   (unaudited)..............................       --            --          (39,600)      --            --         (39,600)
  Foreign currency translation adj.
   (unaudited)..............................       --            --           --               58        --              58
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
Balance at June 30, 1996
 (unaudited)................................    $      35     $     181   $  156,836    $      48    $ (150,776) $    6,324
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statement
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995 AND SIX MONTHS ENDED
                 JULY 2, 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  JULY 2,    JUNE 30,
                                                                  1993       1994       1995       1995        1996
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net earnings................................................  $ 103,471  $  97,641  $  63,919  $  32,994   $  34,869
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided
   by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment...     10,322     12,070     14,277      6,822       8,379
    Amortization of deferred charges..........................        251        515      1,373        801         669
    (Gain) loss on disposition of property and equipment......       (223)       726        814        259         100
    Foreign currency translation adjustment...................        (31)        (5)       (14)        17          33
    Contributions from minority interest......................         29         24         22        (51)        172
    Undistributed equity method earnings......................     --            (72)      (117)       (21)         (9)
    (Increase) decrease in:
      Receivables.............................................     46,708    (14,628)     1,599    (12,119)     (8,803)
      Inventories.............................................    (20,357)    (3,353)    10,884      6,097     (19,451)
      Prepaid expenses........................................       (245)    (1,516)      (720)      (309)     (1,288)
      Other assets............................................     (1,620)       180      1,858        428         234
    Increase (decrease) in:
      Accounts payable........................................     (9,259)     8,043     10,861      2,294      (3,479)
      Accrued expenses........................................      1,303     (1,337)     3,658      1,728       5,367
      Income taxes payable....................................     (2,380)       795         22       (191)       (261)
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
        Net cash provided by operating activities.............    127,969     99,083    108,436     38,749      16,532
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Net decrease in short-term investments......................     22,782      5,000     --         --          --
  Purchases of property and equipment.........................    (14,965)   (19,779)   (23,757)   (12,527)     (7,986)
  Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment.....      2,425        172        192        127         360
  Lease incentives granted....................................      1,573      1,503      2,015      1,248         261
  Purchase of long-term investments...........................     --         (3,136)       (23)      (122)     --
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
        Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities...     11,815    (16,240)   (21,573)   (11,274)     (7,365)
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from notes payable and long-term debt..............    280,520    222,040    131,193     75,254     105,943
  Proceeds from Bridge Loan...................................     80,000     --         --         --          --
  Repayment of notes payable and long-term debt...............    (99,655)  (254,959)  (164,353)   (63,861)    (76,510)
  Repayments of Bridge Loan...................................    (80,000)    --         --         --          --
  Distributions to stockholders...............................   (117,656)   (47,000)   (53,300)   (41,800)    (39,600)
  Repurchase of treasury stock................................   (203,458)    --         --         --          --
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
        Net cash used in financing activities.................   (140,249)   (79,919)   (86,460)   (30,407)    (10,167)
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Effect of exchange rates on cash..............................     --             20         20        (10)         25
        Net increase (decrease) in cash.......................       (465)     2,944        423     (2,942)       (975)
Cash at beginning of period...................................      3,515      3,050      5,994      5,994       6,417
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Cash at end of period.........................................  $   3,050  $   5,994  $   6,417  $   3,052   $   5,442
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Supplemental disclosures:
  Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest..................................................  $   7,189  $  16,380  $  15,396  $   7,627   $   6,926
    Income taxes..............................................      4,259      2,879      1,925      1,467       1,856
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    Guess  ?,  Inc.  (the  "Company")  designs,  develops  and  markets  quality
contemporary jeans  and  other  casual  wear for  men  and  women.  The  Company
distributes  it products  through major department  stores, specialty retailers,
foreign distributors and its network  of Company-owned and -operated retail  and
factory outlet stores.
 
    BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The  consolidated financial statements  include the accounts  of the Company
and its foreign subsidiaries, Guess Italia, S.r.l. and Guess? Europe, B.V.   The
Company  has a 79%  and 50% interest  in Guess Italia  S.r.l. and Guess? Europe,
B.V., respectively. The remaining 21% of  Guess Italia S.r.l. and 50% of  Guess?
Europe,   B.V.   is   owned   by   Marciano   International,   Inc.   ("Marciano
International"), a related party, which  is wholly-owned by the stockholders  of
the  Company. Accordingly, all references herein  to "Guess ?, Inc." include the
consolidated results  of  the Company  and  its subsidiaries.  All  intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
    INTERIM FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The  interim consolidated financial data as of June 30, 1996 and for the six
months ended  July 2,  1995 and  June 30,  1996 is  unaudited. This  information
reflects  all adjustments, consisting  of normal recurring  adjustments, that in
the opinion  of  management,  are  necessary to  present  fairly  the  financial
position  and results  of operations of  the Company for  the periods indicated.
Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative  of
the results of operations for the full year.
 
    INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.
 
    TRADE AND ROYALTY RECEIVABLES
 
    The  Company extends trade credit to its customers in the ordinary course of
business. None of the  receivables due from customers  at December 31, 1994  and
1995  and  June  30,  1996 involved  factored  accounts  or  other contingencies
relating to third-party risk, except to  the extent that the Company has  chosen
to insure certain accounts from risk of loss under a catastrophic loss policy.
 
    The Company has licensing arrangements with 27 licensees for use of its name
and  trademark.  Royalty payments  received by  the Company  are generally  on a
percentage of the licensees' net sales and require that minimum royalty payments
be made if specified  minimum sales levels are  not obtained. Royalty income  is
net   of  direct   expenses  aggregating   $2,387,000,  $2,813,000,  $2,331,000,
$1,114,000 and $1,006,000 for 1993, 1994, 1995 and the six months ended July  2,
1995 and June 30, 1996, respectively. The licensing agreements expire on various
dates through December 2003.
 
    REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
    The  Company recognizes revenue from the  sale of merchandise upon shipment.
The Company accrues for estimated sales returns and allowances in the period  in
which the related revenue is recognized. Royalty income is based upon licensees'
net sales.
 
    SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
 
    Individual customers aggregating in excess of 10% of net sales for the years
ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the six months ended July 2, 1995 and
June 30, 1996 are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      SIX MONTHS ENDED,
                                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                  --------------------------
                                                                 -------------------------------    JULY 2,      JUNE 30,
                                                                   1993       1994       1995        1995          1996
                                                                 ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                              <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Customer A.....................................................       11.5%      10.3%      11.0%       11.7%          8.2%
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
 
    Depreciation  and amortization of property  and equipment are provided using
the straight-line method over the following useful lives:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                    <C>
                                                                            18 to 31
Building and building improvements...................................          years
Land improvements....................................................        5 years
Machinery and equipment..............................................   3 to 5 years
Corporate aircraft...................................................  5 to 10 years
Corporate vehicles...................................................        3 years
</TABLE>
 
    Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful
life of the  asset or the  term of the  lease. Construction in  progress is  not
depreciated until the related asset is completed.
 
    FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION
 
    In  accordance with the  Financial Accounting Standards  Board Statement No.
52, balance sheet accounts  of the Company's  foreign operations are  translated
from  foreign currencies into  U.S. dollars at  year end rates  while income and
expenses are translated at the weighted average exchange rates for the year. The
related translation adjustments are reflected as a foreign currency  translation
adjustment in the consolidated balance sheet.
 
    INCOME TAXES
 
    The  Company has elected to be treated  for Federal and certain state income
tax purposes as an S corporation under Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code
and comparable state laws. As  a result, the earnings  of the Company have  been
included  in the  taxable income of  the Company's stockholders  for Federal and
certain state  income tax  purposes,  and the  Company  has generally  not  been
subject  to income tax on  such earnings, other than  California and other state
franchise taxes.
 
    In February 1992, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued  Statement
No.  109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." One  of the provisions of Statement No.
109 enables companies to record deferred tax assets for the future benefit to be
derived from certain deductible temporary  differences. The Company has  adopted
the  provisions  of Statement  No. 109  effective January  1, 1993;  however, as
differences giving rise to deferred tax  assets are immaterial, the Company  has
not recorded any deferred tax assets at December 31, 1994 and 1995.
 
    PRO FORMA NET EARNINGS
 
    Pro  forma net  earnings represents  the results  of operations  adjusted to
reflect a provision for income taxes on historical earnings before income taxes,
which gives effect  to the  change in  the Company's income  tax status  to a  C
corporation as a result of the public sale of its common stock. When the Company
terminates  its S  corporation status,  which is  expected to  occur immediately
prior to the consummation of the  Offerings, it will record an earnings  benefit
resulting  from the establishment of net deferred  tax assets. The amount of the
benefit to be  recorded (approximately $7.4  million) at June  30, 1996 will  be
dependent  upon temporary differences existing at the date of termination of the
Company's S corporation status. The  principal difference between the pro  forma
income  tax rate and  Federal statutory rate  of 35% relates  primarily to state
income taxes.
 
    Pro forma net earnings per share has been computed by dividing pro forma net
earnings by the weighted  average number of shares  of common stock  outstanding
during  the period.  The pro forma  net earnings  per share gives  effect to the
issuance of shares of common  stock to generate sufficient  cash to pay (i)  the
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
S  Corporation Distribution is an amount equal to retained earnings and (ii) the
$300,000 to be paid by the Company to the Marciano Trusts in connection with the
merger of Marciano International with and into the Company.
 
    PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 
    Pro forma balance sheet information as  of June 30, 1996 has been  presented
to  reflect i) the S corporation distribution (the "S Corporation Distribution")
to be made in an amount equal to the previously earned and undistributed taxable
S corporation earnings aggregating approximately $176.9 million through the date
of termination of the Company's S corporation status as if such distribution had
been made at  June 30,  1996 and  the Company's  S corporation  status had  been
terminated  at such  date, ii)  an estimated  $7.4 million  of net  deferred tax
assets that would have been recorded had the Company's S corporation status been
terminated on June  30, 1996  and iii)  the amount to  be paid  to the  Marciano
Trusts  of $300,000 in connection with the merger of Marciano International with
and into the  Company. The  pro forma paid-in  capital reflects  a reduction  of
$20.1  million for that  portion of the  S Corporation Distribution  which is in
excess of financial statement retained earnings.
 
    No adjustment  has been  made to  give effect  to the  Company's earned  and
undistributed  taxable S corporation  earnings for the period  from July 1, 1996
through the S  Termination Date,  which will  be distributed  as part  of the  S
Corporation Distribution.
 
    CREDIT RISK
 
    The  Company sells its  merchandise principally to  customers throughout the
United States and Europe. Management performs regular evaluations concerning the
ability of its customers  to satisfy their obligations  and records a  provision
for  doubtful accounts based upon these evaluations. The Company's credit losses
for the periods presented are  insignificant and have not exceeded  management's
estimates.
 
    FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
    The   carrying  amount   of  the  Company's   financial  instruments,  which
principally include cash,  short and long-term  investments, trade  receivables,
accounts  payable  and  accrued expenses,  approximates  fair value  due  to the
relatively short maturity of such instruments.
 
    The fair value of the Company's debt instruments are based on the amount  of
future cash flows associated with each instrument discounted using the Company's
borrowing  rate. At December 31,  1994 and 1995 and  June 30, 1996, the carrying
value of all financial instruments was not materially different from fair value.
 
    USE OF ESTIMATES
 
    Management of the  Company has made  a number of  estimates and  assumptions
relating  to  the reporting  of  assets and  liabilities  and the  disclosure of
contingent assets  and  liabilities  to  prepare  these  consolidated  financial
statements  in conformity with generally  accepted accounting principles. Actual
results could differ from these estimates.
 
    IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
   
    The Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued  Statement  of  Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 121 (SFAS No.  121), "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-lived Assets and for  Long-lived Assets to be  Disposed of," in March  1995
which  is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. SFAS No.
121 establishes accounting  standards for the  impairment of long-lived  assets,
certain  identifiable  intangibles  and  goodwill related  to  these  assets and
certain identifiable  intangibles to  be disposed  of. The  Company adopted  the
provisions  of SFAS No. 121 effective April 1, 1996 and has accordingly recorded
a write down aggregating $2.4 million in  the second quarter of 1996 related  to
certain operating assets to be disposed of
    
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
   
and  is included as a component of the $3.6 million Reorganization Charge in the
accompanying statement  of earnings.  See also  Note 14.  The Company  does  not
anticipate  that  SFAS No.  121 will  have  a material  impact on  its financial
statements.
    
 
    RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain reclassifications  have  been  made  to  the  1993,  1994  and  1995
financial statements to conform to the June 30, 1996 presentation.
 
2.  INVESTMENTS
    Long-term  investments consist of  equity securities aggregating $3,136,000,
$3,394,000 and  $3,408,000 at  December 31,  1994 and  1995 and  June 30,  1996,
respectively.  The  investments are  generally  accounted for  under  the equity
method of accounting.  Supplemental information  on investee  companies has  not
been provided as it is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.
 
3.  INVENTORIES
    Inventories  at December 31, 1994 and 1995  and June 30, 1996 are summarized
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1994       1995
                                                                       ---------  ---------   JUNE 30,
                                                                                                1996
                                                                                             -----------
                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Raw materials........................................................  $  17,047  $   9,788   $  13,125
Work in process......................................................     14,032     11,264      10,517
Finished goods.......................................................     52,693     51,837      68,698
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                       $  83,772  $  72,889   $  92,340
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
4.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
    Property and equipment at December  31, 1994 and 1995  and June 30, 1996  is
summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1994       1995
                                                                       ---------  ---------   JUNE 30,
                                                                                                1996
                                                                                             -----------
                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Land and land improvements...........................................  $   5,725  $   5,729   $   5,729
Building and building improvements...................................      8,435      8,446       8,446
Leasehold improvements...............................................     25,470     36,059      37,844
Machinery and equipment..............................................     40,389     48,279      50,565
Corporate aircraft...................................................     18,324     19,138      21,206
Construction in progress.............................................        363      2,269       3,021
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                          98,706    119,920     126,811
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.......................     38,981     51,721      59,465
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                       $  59,725  $  68,199   $  67,346
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Construction  in progress at  December 31, 1994  and 1995 and  June 30, 1996
represents  the  costs  associated  with  the  construction  of  buildings   and
improvements  used in the Company's  operations and other capitalizable expenses
for projects in progress.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
5.  NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
    Notes payable and long-term debt at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and June  30,
1996 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1994        1995
                                                                              ----------  ----------   JUNE 30,
                                                                                                         1996
                                                                                                      -----------
                                                                                                      (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 (see note 7)......................  $  115,000  $  105,000   $ 105,000
Advances under secured $100,000,000 long-term line of credit with a
 syndicate of banks, interest is variable, with an average annual effective
 rate of 6.42% in 1994 and 7.94% in 1995, 7.01% in the six months ended June
 30, 1996 and payable monthly...............................................      35,000      13,000      43,000
Note payable, secured by corporate aircraft, bearing interest at 10.59% per
 year, due in quarterly installments of $665,385 through December 1995......       1,895      --          --
Note payable, secured by corporate aircraft, bearing interest at 8.23% per
 year, payable in quarterly installments of $221,003 through March 1998.....       2,499       1,799       1,427
Other, including capitalized leases.........................................       2,101       3,536       3,341
                                                                              ----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                                 156,495     123,335     152,768
Less current installments...................................................       4,696       4,123       4,056
                                                                              ----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                              $  151,799  $  119,212   $ 148,712
                                                                              ----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                              ----------  ----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Aggregate  maturities of  notes payable and  long-term debt  at December 31,
1995 are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
December 31, (in thousands):
  1996....................................................................  $   4,123
  1997....................................................................     13,995
  1998....................................................................        217
  1999....................................................................     --
  2000....................................................................     --
  Thereafter..............................................................    105,000
                                                                            ---------
                                                                            $ 123,335
                                                                            ---------
                                                                            ---------
</TABLE>
 
    The Company had outstanding  standby letters of  credit aggregating $9.0  at
December 31, 1995 under its $100 million long term line of credit. Additionally,
the  Company has a $25 million letter  of credit facility pursuant to which $1.1
million in letters of credit were outstanding at December 31, 1995.
 
    During 1994  and  1995, the  Company  repurchased $15.0  million  and  $10.0
million  of  the  Senior  Subordinated  Notes,  respectively.  Additionally, the
related deferred financing costs  of $468,000 and $281,000  were written off  to
interest expense during 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
6.  INCOME TAXES
    The  provision for state income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1993,
1994 and 1995 and the six months ended  July 2, 1995 and June 30, 1996  consists
of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          JULY 2,    JUNE 30,
                                                          1993       1994       1995       1995        1996
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Current income tax....................................  $   3,014  $   3,540  $   2,895  $   1,275   $   1,598
Deferred tax benefit..................................     (1,204)    --         --         --          --
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                        $   1,810  $   3,540  $   2,895  $   1,275   $   1,598
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Deferred income tax benefits in 1993 resulted from timing differences in the
recognition  of revenue and expense for  financial reporting purposes and income
tax purposes. These  differences related  principally to  a lawsuit  settlement,
depreciation expense and officers' compensation.
 
7.  STOCK REPURCHASE
    On  August 23, 1993,  the Company and certain  of its stockholders completed
the purchase of  all of the  common stock  owned by a  selling stockholder.  The
Company  purchased 20,031,000 shares,  representing 38% of  the then outstanding
shares, from the selling stockholder (the "Company Purchased Shares"). The total
purchase price for the  Company Purchased Shares  aggregated $203.5 million.  To
consummate  the acquisition  of the Company  Purchased Shares,  the Company used
proceeds from the sale of 9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003 (the "Senior
Subordinated Notes") aggregating  $130.0 million principal  amount and a  Bridge
Loan of $80.0 million.
 
    The  Senior Subordinated Notes have  a maturity date of  August 15, 2003 and
accrue interest, payable semiannually, at an  original rate of interest of  10%.
On  February 7, 1994, the Company  exchanged these Notes for publicly registered
notes which reduced this interest rate to 9 1/2%, until maturity. The notes  are
redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on or after August
15,  1998, at various redemption prices. Additionally, the Company may redeem up
to 35% of  the original aggregate  principal amount of  the Senior  Subordinated
Notes at any time on or prior to August 15, 1996 in the event of a Public Equity
Offering  in which the Company receives proceeds of not less than $30.0 million,
at a redemption price of 109% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed.
 
    In connection with the purchase of the Company Purchased Shares, the Company
charged retained earnings $52.7 million, representing the selling  stockholder's
allocable portion of retained earnings as of August 23, 1993, the purchase date.
The  remaining  cost of  the acquired  shares,  or $150.8  million, representing
purchase price  in  excess  of  the  selling  stockholder's  allocated  retained
earnings,  was  recorded  as  treasury stock  in  the  accompanying consolidated
financial statements.
 
    Deferred financing costs totaling $3.3  million were incurred in  connection
with  the sale of the Senior Subordinated  Notes, and $2.4 million were incurred
in connection with the Bridge Loan. Such deferred financing costs, plus expenses
of the offering  of the  Senior Subordinated Notes  and Bridge  Loan, have  been
capitalized  as  deferred  financing  costs  and  will  be  amortized  over  the
respective terms of the  related indebtedness. The costs  related to the  Bridge
Loan  were fully amortized upon the repayment of the Bridge Loan and recorded as
interest expense in  the accompanying  Consolidated Statement  of Earnings.  See
also note 5.
 
8.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
    The Company is engaged in various transactions with entities affiliated with
trusts  for the  respective benefit  of Maurice,  Paul and  Armand Marciano (the
"Marciano Trusts"). The Company believes that each
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
8.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
of the companies, in which the  Marciano Trusts have an investment, and  related
party  transactions discussed below were entered into on terms no less favorable
to the Company than could have been obtained from an unaffiliated third party.
 
LICENSE ARRANGEMENTS AND LICENSEE TRANSACTIONS
 
    On January 1,  1995, the  Company entered  into a  licensing agreement  with
Charles  David of California ("Charles David").  This new agreement superseded a
prior license agreement dated  September 28, 1990 and  amended in May 1993.  The
Marciano  Trusts and Nathalie Marciano (the spouse of Maurice Marciano) together
own 50% of Charles David, and the remaining 50% is owned by the father-in-law of
Maurice Marciano.  The license  agreement  grants Charles  David the  rights  to
manufacture worldwide and distribute worldwide (except Japan) men's, women's and
some  children's leather and rubber footwear, excluding athletic footwear, which
bear the GUESS logo and trademark.  The license also includes related shoe  care
products  and  accessories. Gross  royalties earned  by  the Company  under such
license agreement for the fiscal years  ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and  1995,
and  for  the  six  months  ended June  30,  1996,  was  $1,707,000, $1,893,000,
$2,117,000 and  $858,000,  respectively. In  the  same respective  periods,  the
Company  purchased $3,715,000, $4,814,000, $6,357,000 and $2,725,000 of products
from Charles David for resale in the retail division's stores.
 
    On September 1, 1994,  the Company entered into  a licensing agreement  with
California  Sunshine Active Wear, Inc.  ("California Sunshine"), granting it the
rights to manufacture and distribute certain men's and women's activewear, which
bear the GUESS  logo and trademark,  in the United  States. The Marciano  Trusts
together  own 51% of California Sunshine.  Gross royalties earned by the Company
under such license agreement  for the fiscal years  ended December 31, 1994  and
1995, and for the six months ended June 30, 1996, was $0, $342,000 and $350,000,
respectively.  In  the  same periods,  the  Company purchased  $0,  $254,000 and
$332,000  of  products  from  California  Sunshine  for  resale  in  the  retail
division's stores.
 
    Effective  January 1, 1995,  the Company entered  into a licensing agreement
with Guess Italia, S.r.l. ("Guess Italia"),  granting it the exclusive right  in
Italy  and  non-exclusive right  in  other parts  of  Europe to  manufacture and
distribute men's and women's  apparel and accessories that  bear the GUESS  logo
and  trademark. Guess  Italia is owned  79% by  the Company and  21% by Marciano
International, Inc., a company  wholly owned by the  Marciano Trusts, and  being
merged  into the Company as a part of the Reorganization. Gross royalties earned
by the Company under such license  agreement for the fiscal year ended  December
31, 1995, and for the six months ended June 30, 1996, was $505,000 and $266,000,
respectively. During 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996,
the  Company  purchased $0,  $0, $511,000  and $251,000  of products  from Guess
Italia for  resale  in  the  retail division's  stores.  The  Company  sold  $0,
$1,100,000,  $411,000 and $94,000 of products to Guess Italia during 1993, 1994,
1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996, respectively. The Company will  pay
the  Marciano Trusts an aggregate  of $300,000 in connection  with the merger of
Marciano International,  Inc. into  the Company.  Such $300,000  payment is  not
included in the aggregate principal amount of the S Distribution Notes.
 
    On  May 3, 1994, the  Company entered into an  agreement with Ranche Limited
("Ranche") to serve  as a  non-exclusive buying agent  for the  Company in  Hong
Kong,  which agreement was  terminated in the  first quarter of  1996. Ranche is
currently a wholly  owned subsidiary of  Guess Europe, B.V.  In the fiscal  year
ended  December 31,  1995, and  in the  six months  ended June  30, 1996, Ranche
earned  commission  income  from  the   Company  of  $1,334,000  and   $192,000,
respectively, in connection with supplying product. In addition, Ranche operates
under  a licensing arrangement to distribute product to authorized distributors.
Aggregate royalty income earned by the Company under such license for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1995,  and for the six months  ended June 30, 1996,  was
$240,000 and $133,000, respectively.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
8.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
    On  December 1,  1992, the Company  entered into a  licensing agreement with
Nantucket Industries, Inc.  ("Nantucket Industries")  granting it  the right  to
distribute  and manufacture  men's and women's  innerwear, which  bear the GUESS
logo and trademark, in the United States. The Marciano Trusts together own  8.9%
of  Nantucket  Industries.  Gross royalties  earned  by the  Company  under such
license agreement for the fiscal years  ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and  1995,
and  for the six months ended June 30, 1996, was $47,000, $214,000, $264,000 and
$157,000, respectively. In  the same respective  periods, the Company  purchased
$23,000,  $201,000, $505,000 and $313,000  of products from Nantucket Industries
for resale in the retail division's stores.
 
    LEASES
 
    The Company leases  manufacturing, warehouse  and administrative  facilities
and  one retail  administrative facility  from partnerships  affiliated with the
Marciano Trusts. The leases will expire  in July 2008. Aggregate lease  payments
under  such leases for the  fiscal years ended December  31, 1993, 1994 and 1995
and the  six months  ended  July 2,  1995 and  June  30, 1996  were  $2,065,000,
$2,610,000, $2,803,000, $1,250,000 and $1,286,000, respectively.
 
9.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
    LEASES
 
    The  Company leases its showrooms and retail store locations under operating
lease agreements expiring  on various  dates through  July 2008.  Some of  these
leases  require the  Company to  make periodic  payments for  property taxes and
common area  operating  expenses. Certain  leases  include rent  abatements  and
scheduled  rent  escalations,  for which  the  effects are  being  amortized and
recorded over the  lease term.  The Company also  leases some  of its  equipment
under operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through May, 1999.
 
    Future  minimum  rental  payments under  noncancelable  operating  leases at
December 31, 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                         <C>
Year ending December 31, (in thousands):
  1996....................................................................  $  19,784
  1997....................................................................     20,525
  1998....................................................................     19,205
  1999....................................................................     17,481
  2000....................................................................     16,509
  Thereafter..............................................................     74,964
                                                                            ---------
                                                                            $ 168,468
                                                                            ---------
                                                                            ---------
</TABLE>
 
    Rental expense for all operating leases during the years ended December  31,
1993,  1994,  and  1995  aggregated  $13,276,000,  $16,295,000,  and $21,940,000
respectively. Rental expenses for the six months ended July 2, 1995 and June 30,
1996 aggregated $10,087,000 and $12,640,000, respectively.
 
    INCENTIVE BONUSES
 
    Certain officers of the Company are  entitled to incentive bonuses based  on
the Company's profits.
 
    LITIGATION
 
    The  Company  is a  party  to various  claims,  complaints, and  other legal
actions that have arisen in the ordinary  course of business from time to  time.
The  Company believes that the outcome of  all pending legal proceedings, in the
aggregate, will not have  a material adverse effect  on the Company's  financial
condition or the results of its operations.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
10. 401(K) SAVINGS PLAN
    On  January 1, 1992, the  Company established the Guess  ? Inc. Savings Plan
(the "Savings Plan") under  Section 401(k) of the  Internal Revenue Code.  Under
the  Savings Plan, associates may contribute up to 15% of their compensation per
year subject  to the  elective limits  as defined  by Internal  Revenue  Service
guidelines  and the  Company may make  matching contributions in  amounts not to
exceed 1.5% of the associates' annual compensation. The Company's  contributions
to  the Savings  Plan during the  years ended  December 31, 1993,  1994 and 1995
aggregated $221,000, $213,000 and  $261,000, respectively. Contributions to  the
Savings  Plan  during  the six  months  ended July  2,  1995 and  June  30, 1996
aggregated $132,000 and $134,000, respectively.
 
11. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
    The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly financial  information
for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FIRST       SECOND      THIRD       FOURTH
                                                          QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER     QUARTER
                                                         ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
1994
Net revenue............................................  $  122,729  $  119,383  $  160,783  $  144,917
Gross profit...........................................      59,784      53,611      79,232      63,196
Earnings before income taxes...........................      24,186      16,627      36,591      23,777
Net earnings...........................................      23,479      16,064      35,333      22,765
SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA EARNINGS:
Earnings before income taxes...........................      24,186      16,627      36,591      23,777
Net earnings...........................................      14,512       9,976      21,955      14,266
1995
Net revenue............................................     124,903     104,749     133,129     123,952
Gross profit...........................................      59,636      49,207      59,148      56,600
Earnings before income taxes...........................      21,271      12,998      17,322      15,223
Net earnings...........................................      20,712      12,282      16,484      14,441
SUPPLEMENTAL PRO FORMA EARNINGS:
Earnings before income taxes...........................      21,271      12,998      17,322      15,223
Net earnings...........................................      12,763       7,798      10,395       9,132
</TABLE>
 
12. INTERNATIONAL REVENUE
    Net  revenue is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 1993,
1994 and 1995 and the six months ended July 2, 1995 and June 30, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                 ----------------------
                                                                                  JULY 2,     JUNE 30,
                                                1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                             ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Domestic...................................  $  506,301  $  527,296  $  453,344  $  214,028  $  228,235
International..............................      13,923      20,516      33,389      15,624      29,171
                                             ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                             $  520,224  $  547,812  $  486,733  $  229,652  $  257,406
                                             ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                             ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    International revenue  includes  domestic sales  to  international  markets,
sales  of product from international subsidiaries and net royalties from foreign
licenses.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                  DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND JUNE 30, 1996
 
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
    In May 1996, the Board of Directors authorized the filing of a  registration
statement for an initial public offering of the Company's common stock.
 
    Prior  to  the consummation  of the  Offerings, (i)  Marciano International,
which is owned by  the Marciano Trusts  and currently holds  an interest in  the
subsidiaries  of Guess,  will be  merged with  and into  Guess, (ii)  all of the
capital stock of Guess Italia will be contributed to Guess? Europe, B.V.,  (iii)
the  Company will effect a 32.66 to 1 split of the Common Stock and (iv) as part
of  the  S  Corporation  Distribution,  the  Company  will  distribute  to   its
stockholders  promissory  notes  bearing  interest  at  8%  per  annum  (the  "S
Distribution Notes"). The Company will pay  the Marciano Trusts an aggregate  of
$300,000  in connection with the merger of Marciano International, Inc. into the
Company. Such $300,000 payment is not included in the aggregate principal amount
of the S Distribution  Notes. All of  such transactions are  referred to as  the
"Reorganization."
 
    Concurrently  with  the  consummation  of the  transactions  related  to the
Offerings (the  "Closing Date"),  the  Company's S  corporation status  will  be
terminated  (the "S  Termination Date").  Prior to  the S  Termination Date, the
Company will declare a distribution to its stockholders that will include all of
its previously earned and undistributed S corporation earnings through the  date
of  termination  of  the  Company's  S  corporation  status.  The  S Corporation
Distribution will occur prior to the S Termination Date and will be comprised of
the S Distribution Notes. Between July 1,  1996 and the S Termination Date,  the
Company  anticipates the increase in the S Distribution Notes to be between $3.1
million and $13.1 million, including a  gain for income tax purposes  recognized
as  a result of the  sale of one of  the Company's aircraft. On  and after the S
Termination Date, the Company will no longer be treated as an S corporation and,
accordingly, will be fully subject to Federal and state income taxes.
 
    Immediately prior  to  the Offerings,  the  Company will  grant  options  to
purchase  1,207,405 shares pursuant to the Company's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan.
Of such options,  1,137,598 will  have an exercise  price equal  to the  initial
public offering price for shares of common stock to be sold in the Offerings and
69,807  will have an  exercise price of  $21.49 per share.  The Company does not
anticipate recording  any compensation  expense  as a  result of  granting  such
options.
 
14. REORGANIZATION CHARGE
   
    In  the second  quarter of  1996, the Company  recorded a  provision of $3.6
million for  certain non-recurring  charges  relating to  the writedown  to  net
realizable  value of  operating assets associated  with the (i)  disposal of two
currently active remote warehouse and production facilities, in contemplation of
the Offerings, which  are not expected  to be used  in the Company's  operations
after  the Offerings,  and (ii)  the net  book loss  incurred by  the Company in
connection with  the  sale  of one  of  its  aircraft in  contemplation  of  the
Offerings;  such aircraft sale was  recorded in June 1996  and completed in July
1996.
    
 
   
    The writedown  to  net realizable  value  related  to the  disposal  of  the
warehouse  and production  facilities of  $2.4 million  is based  upon the asset
carrying value of  $5.7 million  less its appraisal  value of  $3.9 million  and
includes  a  provision  of  $600,000  for  estimated  disposal  costs, comprised
primarily of commissions,  title fees  and other customary  real estate  closing
costs.  The writedown  related to the  sale of  the aircraft of  $1.2 million is
based upon the asset carrying value of $7.2 million less the sale price of  $6.0
million.  The estimated costs  of disposal of the  aircraft were immaterial. The
above assets are included  in property and  equipment at June  30, 1996 and  the
Company  has not recorded any depreciation expense on these assets from the date
the dispositions were contemplated.
    
 
   
    The Company  has  not recorded  the  charge  related to  the  warehouse  and
production  facilities  to  be  disposed  of as  a  cumulative  effect  from the
implementation of SFAS No. 121 recorded net  of tax, because the effect of  such
implementation is immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.
    
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
 
    NO  DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL  HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR  MAKE ANY  REPRESENTATIONS NOT  CONTAINED IN  THIS PROSPECTUS  IN
CONNECTION  WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL,  OR  A SOLICITATION  OF  AN  OFFER TO  BUY,  THE COMMON  STOCK  IN  ANY
JURISDICTION  WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION.  NEITHER THE  DELIVERY OF  THIS PROSPECTUS  NOR ANY  SALE  MADE
HEREUNDER  SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE  AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                                 --------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PAGE
                                                    -----
<S>                                              <C>
Prospectus Summary.............................           3
Risk Factors...................................           7
Company History, the Reorganization and Prior S
 Corporation Status............................          12
Use of Proceeds................................          13
Dividend Policy................................          13
Capitalization.................................          14
Dilution.......................................          15
Selected Financial Data........................          16
Selected Pro Forma Financial Data..............          18
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations....................................          19
Business.......................................          29
Management.....................................          42
Certain Transactions...........................          54
Principal Stockholders.........................          57
Shares Eligible for Future Sale................          58
Description of Capital Stock...................          59
Certain United States Federal Tax Consequences
 to Non-United States Holders..................          61
Underwriting...................................          63
Legal Matters..................................          65
Experts........................................          65
Additional Information.........................          65
Index to Financial Statements..................         F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                9,200,000 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                              -------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                              -------------------
 
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                              MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
       INCORPORATED
 
                                           , 1996
 
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
                                     -------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Information   contained  herein  is  subject   to  completion  or  amendment.  A
registration statement  relating to  these securities  has been  filed with  the
Securities  and Exchange  Commission. These securities  may not be  sold nor may
offers to buy be accepted prior  to the time the registration statement  becomes
effective.  This  prospectus  shall  not  constitute an  offer  to  sell  or the
solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these  securities
in  any state in which such offer,  solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior
to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
<PAGE>
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
   
                             SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
                  PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 1, 1996
    
PROSPECTUS
                                9,200,000 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                               ------------------
 
    Of the 9,200,000  shares of Common  Stock of Guess  ?, Inc. offered  hereby,
1,840,000  shares  are initially  being offered  outside  the United  States and
Canada by the International  Managers and 7,360,000  shares are initially  being
offered  in the United States  and Canada by the  U.S. Underwriters. The initial
public offering  price and  the aggregate  underwriting discount  per share  are
identical for each of the Offerings. See "Underwriting."
 
    Prior  to the  Offerings, there  has been  no public  market for  the Common
Stock. It is  currently estimated  that the  initial public  offering price  per
share  of Common  Stock will be  between $21  and $23. See  "Underwriting" for a
discussion of the  factors to be  considered in determining  the initial  public
offering price of the Common Stock.
 
    The  Common  Stock has  been  approved for  listing  on the  New  York Stock
Exchange under the symbol "GES," subject to official notice of issuance.
 
   
    SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE  7 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN  FACTORS
THAT  SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OFFERED
HEREBY.
    
                            ------------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES  HAVE  NOT  BEEN  APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY  THE  SECURITIES
 AND   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR  ANY   STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION,  NOR  HAS
  THE  SECURITIES   AND   EXCHANGE   COMMISSION  OR   ANY   STATE   SECURITIES
    COMMISSION    PASSED   UPON   THE   ACCURACY   OR   ADEQUACY   OF   THIS
      PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          PRICE TO         UNDERWRITING        PROCEEDS TO
                                           PUBLIC          DISCOUNT (1)        COMPANY (2)
<S>                                   <C>                <C>                <C>
Per Share...........................          $                  $                  $
Total (3)...........................          $                  $                  $
</TABLE>
 
   
(1) The Company and certain Principal Stockholders have agreed to indemnify  the
    several   Underwriters  against   certain  liabilities,   including  certain
    liabilities  under   the   Securities  Act   of   1933,  as   amended.   See
    "Underwriting."
    
 
   
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated to be $1,750,000.
    
 
(3) The  Company  has  granted  to  the  International  Managers  and  the  U.S.
    Underwriters options,  exercisable within  30 days  after the  date of  this
    Prospectus,  to purchase up to an additional 276,000 and 1,104,000 shares of
    Common Stock, respectively, to  cover over-allotments, if  any. If all  such
    additional  shares are  purchased, the  total Price  to Public, Underwriting
    Discount and Proceeds  to Company will  be $              , $            and
    $         , respectively. See "Underwriting."
 
                           --------------------------
    The  shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters, subject
to prior sale, when, as  and if issued to and  accepted by them, and subject  to
the  approval  of certain  legal  matters by  counsel  for the  Underwriters and
certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel
or modify such offer and  to reject orders in whole  or in part. It is  expected
that  delivery of the shares of Common Stock  will be made in New York, New York
on or about             , 1996.
 
                           --------------------------
MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL  MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
                                    INTERNATIONAL
                    ----------------------------------------
 
               The date of this Prospectus is             , 1996.
<PAGE>
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
    Subject  to the terms and conditions  set forth in an international purchase
agreement (the "International Purchase Agreement") among the Company and each of
the underwriters named  below (the "International  Managers"), and  concurrently
with  the sale of 7,360,000 shares of  Common Stock to the U.S. Underwriters (as
defined below), the  Company has  agreed to sell  to each  of the  International
Managers,  and  each  of  the International  Managers  severally  has  agreed to
purchase from  the Company,  the number  of  shares of  Common Stock  set  forth
opposite its name below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NUMBER
          INTERNATIONAL MANAGERS                                         OF SHARES
                                                                        -----------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Merrill Lynch International...........................................
Morgan Stanley & Co. International Limited............................
                                                                        -----------
          Total.......................................................    1,840,000
                                                                        -----------
                                                                        -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Merrill  Lynch International and Morgan  Stanley & Co. International Limited
are acting  as  representatives  (the "International  Representatives")  of  the
International Managers.
 
    The  Company has also entered into  a purchase agreement (the "U.S. Purchase
Agreement"  and,  together  with  the  International  Purchase  Agreement,   the
"Purchase Agreements") with certain underwriters in the United States and Canada
(collectively,  the  "U.S. Underwriters,"  and  together with  the International
Managers, the "Underwriters"), for  whom Merrill Lynch,  Pierce, Fenner &  Smith
Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated are acting as representatives
(the    "U.S.   Representatives"   and,    together   with   the   International
Representatives, the "Representatives"). Subject to the terms and conditions set
forth in  the  U.S.  Purchase  Agreement, and  concurrently  with  the  sale  of
1,840,000  shares of Common Stock to  the International Managers pursuant to the
International Purchase Agreement,  the Company has  agreed to sell  to the  U.S.
Underwriters,  and the U.S. Underwriters have  severally agreed to purchase from
the Company,  an aggregate  of 7,360,000  shares of  Common Stock.  The  initial
public  offering price per  share of Common Stock  and the underwriting discount
per share  of  Common  Stock  are identical  under  the  International  Purchase
Agreement and the U.S. Purchase Agreement.
 
    In the International Purchase Agreement and the U.S. Purchase Agreement, the
several  International Managers and the several U.S. Underwriters, respectively,
have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, to  purchase
all  of the shares of Common Stock being sold pursuant to each such Agreement if
any of the  shares of Common  Stock being  sold pursuant to  such Agreement  are
purchased.  Under  certain  circumstances,  the  commitments  of  non-defaulting
International Managers  or  U.S.  Underwriters  (as the  case  may  be)  may  be
increased.  The purchase of shares of Common Stock by the International Managers
is conditioned  upon  the  purchase  of  shares of  Common  Stock  by  the  U.S.
Underwriters and vice versa.
 
    The  International Managers and  the U.S. Underwriters  have entered into an
intersyndicate agreement  (the  "Intersyndicate Agreement")  providing  for  the
coordination  of their activities. The Underwriters are permitted to sell shares
of Common Stock  to each  other for  purposes of  resale at  the initial  public
offering  price, less an  amount not greater than  the selling concession. Under
the terms of the  Intersyndicate Agreement, the  International Managers and  any
dealer  to whom they sell shares of Common  Stock will not offer to sell or sell
shares of Common Stock to persons who are U.S. or Canadian persons or to persons
they believe intend to resell to persons  who are U.S. or Canadian persons,  and
the  U.S. Underwriters and any  dealer to whom they  sell shares of Common Stock
will not offer to sell or sell shares of Common Stock to non-U.S. persons or  to
non-Canadian  persons or  to persons they  believe intend to  resell to non-U.S.
persons or non-Canadian persons, except in the case of transactions pursuant  to
the Intersyndicate Agreement. The International Representatives have advised the
Company that the International Managers propose initially to offer the shares of
Common Stock to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the
cover
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
page  of this Prospectus, and  to certain selected dealers  at such price less a
concession not in excess of $
per share  of Common  Stock.  The International  Managers  may allow,  and  such
dealers  may reallow, a discount not in excess of $    per share of Common Stock
on sales to certain other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public
offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
 
    Each International Manager has agreed that  (i) it has not offered or  sold,
and,  for a period of  six months following consummation  of the Offerings, will
not offer or sell, to persons in the United Kingdom, other than to persons whose
ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing of
investments (as principal  or agent)  for the  purposes of  their businesses  or
otherwise  in circumstances which  have not resulted  and will not  result in an
offer to the  public in  the United  Kingdom within  the meaning  of the  Public
Offers of Securities Regulations 1995; (ii) it has complied with and will comply
with  all applicable provisions of the  Financial Services Act 1986 with respect
to anything done by  it in relation to  the shares of Common  Stock in, from  or
otherwise involving the United Kingdom and (iii) it has only issued or passed on
and will only issue or pass on in the United Kingdom any document received by it
in connection with the issue of the shares of Common Stock to a person who is of
a kind described in Article 11(3) of the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment
Advertisements)  (Exemptions) Order 1995,  or is a person  to whom such document
may otherwise lawfully be issued or passed on.
 
    Purchasers of the shares hereby may be required to pay stamp taxes and other
charges in accordance with the laws and practices of the country of purchase, in
addition to the offering price set forth on the cover page hereby.
 
   
    At the request  of the Company,  the U.S. Underwriters  have reserved up  to
875,000  shares of Common Stock for sale at the initial public offering price to
directors, officers, employees, business associates  and related persons of  the
Company.  The number of shares of Common Stock available for sale to the general
public will be reduced to the extent such persons purchase such reserved shares.
Any reserved  shares  which  are  not  so  purchased  will  be  offered  by  the
Underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares offered
hereby.  Certain individuals purchasing reserved shares may be required to agree
not to sell,  offer or otherwise  dispose of any  shares of Common  Stock for  a
period of three months after the date of this Prospectus.
    
 
    The  Company, the Principal Stockholders and certain executive officers have
agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to, directly or indirectly, (i) sell,
grant any option  to purchase  or otherwise transfer  or dispose  of any  Common
Stock  or securities convertible into or  exchangeable or exercisable for Common
Stock or file a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect  to
the foregoing or (ii) enter into any swap or other agreement or transaction that
transfers,  in whole or  in part, the  economic consequence of  ownership of the
Common Stock, without the prior written  consent of Merrill Lynch, for a  period
of 180 days after the date of this Prospectus.
 
    The Company has granted an option to the International Managers, exercisable
within 30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an aggregate
of  276,000 additional  shares of  Common Stock  at the  initial public offering
price set forth  on the  cover page of  this Prospectus,  less the  underwriting
discount.  The International  Managers may  exercise this  option only  to cover
over-allotments, if any, made on the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby. To
the  extent  that  the  International   Managers  exercise  this  option,   each
International  Manager  will be  obligated,  subject to  certain  conditions, to
purchase a number  of additional shares  of Common Stock  proportionate to  such
International  Manager's initial  amount reflected  in the  foregoing table. The
Company also has granted an option to the U.S. Underwriters, exercisable  within
30  days after the  date of this Prospectus,  to purchase up  to an aggregate of
1,104,000 additional shares of Common Stock to cover over-allotments, if any, on
terms similar to those granted to the International Managers.
 
    Prior to the Offerings, there  has been no public  market for the shares  of
Common  Stock  of  the  Company.  The initial  public  offering  price  has been
determined through  negotiations between  the Company  and the  Representatives.
Among  the factors considered in determining  the initial public offering price,
in addition  to  prevailing  market conditions,  are  price-earnings  ratios  of
publicly  traded companies that the Representatives  believe to be comparable to
the Company, certain financial information of the Company,
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
the history of, and the prospects for, the Company and the industry in which  it
competes,  an  assessment  of the  Company's  management, its  past  and present
operations, the prospects for,  and timing of, future  revenues of the  Company,
the  present  state  of the  Company's  development,  and the  above  factors in
relation to market values and valuation  measures of other companies engaged  in
activities  similar to  the Company.  There can be  no assurance  that an active
trading market will develop for the Common  Stock or that the Common Stock  will
trade  in the public market subsequent to  the Offerings at or above the initial
public offering price.
 
    The Underwriters do not intend to confirm sales of the Common Stock  offered
hereby to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.
 
   
    The  Company and certain Principal Stockholders have agreed to indemnify the
several Underwriters against  certain liabilities,  including liabilities  under
the  Securities  Act,  or to  contribute  to  payments the  Underwriters  may be
required to make in respect thereof.
    
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The  validity of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Shearman & Sterling,  Los Angeles, California. Certain legal  matters
relating  to the Offerings will be passed  upon for the Underwriters by Skadden,
Arps, Slate, Meagher &  Flom, Los Angeles, California.  Shearman & Sterling  has
from  time to  time represented certain  of the Underwriters  in connection with
unrelated legal matters. Skadden, Arps, Slate,  Meagher & Flom has from time  to
time represented the Company in connection with unrelated legal matters.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
   
    The  consolidated financial  statements and  schedule of  the Company  as of
December 31, 1994 and 1995, and for each  of the years in the three year  period
ended  December  31, 1995,  have been  included herein  and in  the registration
statement in reliance  upon the  report of  KPMG Peat  Marwick LLP,  independent
certified  public accountants appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
    
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
    The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act
and, in  accordance therewith,  files  reports and  other information  with  the
Securities  and Exchange Commission. Such reports and other information filed by
the Company  may be  inspected without  charge at  the Securities  and  Exchange
Commission's principal office in Washington, D.C., and at the following regional
offices of the Commission: Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400,
Chicago,  Illinois 60661-2511 and  at Seven World Trade  Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048. Copies of all or any part thereof may be obtained from the
Public Reference Section, Securities and Exchange Commission, 450 Fifth  Street,
N.W.,  Washington, D.C. 20549 upon payment  of the prescribed fees. Upon listing
of the Common Stock on the NYSE, such reports and other information can also  be
inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
In  addition, the Commission maintains a World  Wide Web site on the Internet at
http:// www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements  and
other  information  regarding  registrants  that  file  electronically  with the
Commission.
 
    The Company  has  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  a
Registration  Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the
Common Stock  offered  hereby. This  Prospectus  does  not contain  all  of  the
information  set  forth  in  the Registration  Statement  and  the  exhibits and
schedules thereto. For further information with  respect to the Company or  such
Common  Stock, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the schedules
and exhibits filed as  a part thereof. Statements  contained in this  Prospectus
regarding the contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily
complete  and, in each  instance, reference is  hereby made to  the copy of such
contract or other document filed as  an exhibit to such Registration  Statement.
The Registration Statement, including exhibits thereto, may be inspected without
charge  office of the Securities  and Exchange Commission. Copies  of all or any
part thereof may be obtained upon payment of the prescribed fees.
 
    The  Company  intends  to  furnish  its  stockholders  with  annual  reports
containing   financial  statements  audited   by  independent  certified  public
accountants  and   with  quarterly   reports  containing   unaudited   financial
information for each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year.
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
                 [ALTERNATE PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL PROSPECTUS]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    NO  DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL  HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR  MAKE ANY  REPRESENTATIONS NOT  CONTAINED IN  THIS PROSPECTUS  IN
CONNECTION  WITH THE OFFERING COVERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL,  OR  A SOLICITATION  OF  AN  OFFER TO  BUY,  THE COMMON  STOCK  IN  ANY
JURISDICTION  WHERE, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION.  NEITHER THE  DELIVERY OF  THIS PROSPECTUS  NOR ANY  SALE  MADE
HEREUNDER  SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS
NOT BEEN ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR IN THE  AFFAIRS
OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
    THIS  DOCUMENT IS BEING DISTRIBUTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM ONLY TO PERSONS OF
A KIND DESCRIBED IN ARTICLE 11(3) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT 1988 (INVESTMENT
ADVERTISEMENTS) (EXEMPTIONS) ORDER 1995 OR TO WHOM IT WOULD OTHERWISE BE  LAWFUL
SO TO DO.
 
                                 --------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PAGE
                                                    -----
<S>                                              <C>
Prospectus Summary.............................           3
Risk Factors...................................           7
Company History, the Reorganization and Prior S
 Corporation Status............................          12
Use of Proceeds................................          13
Dividend Policy................................          13
Capitalization.................................          14
Dilution.......................................          15
Selected Financial Data........................          16
Selected Pro Forma Financial Data..............          18
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations....................................          19
Business.......................................          29
Management.....................................          42
Certain Transactions...........................          54
Principal Stockholders.........................          57
Shares Eligible for Future Sale................          58
Description of Capital Stock...................          59
Certain United States Federal Tax Consequences
 to Non-United States Holders..................          61
Underwriting...................................          63
Legal Matters..................................          66
Experts........................................          66
Additional Information.........................          66
Index to Financial Statements..................         F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                9,200,000 SHARES
 
                                     [LOGO]
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
                              -------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
                              -------------------
 
                          MERRILL LYNCH INTERNATIONAL
                              MORGAN STANLEY & CO.
       INTERNATIONAL
 
                                           , 1996
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 13.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
SEC registration fee............................................  $  83,911
NASD fee........................................................     24,834
NYSE listing fee................................................    235,100
Blue sky fees...................................................     25,000
Printing and engraving expenses.................................    221,000
Accountants' fees and expenses..................................    185,000
Attorneys' fees and expenses....................................    425,000
Transfer agent fees.............................................     10,000
Miscellaneous...................................................    540,155
                                                                  ---------
  Total.........................................................  $1,750,000
                                                                  ---------
                                                                  ---------
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
    Pursuant  to Section  145 of  the General  Corporation Law  of Delaware (the
"Delaware Corporation Law"), Article IX of the Bylaws of the Registrant, a  copy
of  which is filed as Exhibit 3.2  to this Registration Statement, provides that
the Registrant shall  indemnify any  person in connection  with any  threatened,
pending  or completed legal proceeding  (other than a legal  proceeding by or in
the right of the Registrant) by reason of the fact that he is or was a  director
or  officer  of the  Registrant  or is  or  was serving  at  the request  of the
Registrant as a  director, officer,  employee or agent  of another  corporation,
partnership  or other  enterprise against expenses  (including attorneys' fees),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
in connection with  such legal proceeding  if he acted  in good faith  and in  a
manner that he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests
of the Registrant, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, if he
had  no reasonable cause to believe that  his conduct was unlawful. If the legal
proceeding is by or in the right of the Registrant, the director or officer  may
be  indemnified by the  Registrant against expenses  (including attorneys' fees)
actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of
such legal proceeding if he  acted in good faith and  in a manner he  reasonably
believed  to be in  or not opposed to  the best interests  of the Registrant and
except that he may not be indemnified  in respect of any claim, issue or  matter
as  to which he shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Registrant unless a
court determines otherwise.
 
    Article IX  of the  Registrant's Bylaws  allows the  Registrant to  maintain
director and officer liability insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
director  or officer of  the Registrant or  such person who  serves or served as
director, officer,  employee or  agent of  another corporation,  partnership  or
other enterprise at the request of the Registrant.
 
    Pursuant  to Section 102(b)(7) of the  Delaware Corporation Law, Article VII
of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, a copy of  which
is  filed  as  Exhibit 3.1  to  this  Registration Statement,  provides  that no
director of the Registrant shall be  personally liable to the Registrant or  its
stockholders  for monetary  damages for  any breach of  his fiduciary  duty as a
director; provided, however, that such clause  shall not apply to any  liability
of a director (1) for any breach of his duty of loyalty to the Registrant or its
stockholders,  (2) for acts or  omissions that are not  in good faith or involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, (3) under Section  174
of  the Delaware  Corporation Law,  or (4)  for any  transaction from  which the
director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
ITEM 15.  RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
 
    In connection with the organization of the Registrant in August 1993, Armand
Marciano purchased 100 shares of common  stock of the Registrant. On August  23,
1993,  Armand  Marciano  sold  such  shares  to  Guess  ?,  Inc.,  a  California
corporation ("Guess California"), the  Registrant's predecessor. Thereafter,  in
connection  with the  merger of  Guess California  with and  into the Registrant
pursuant to an  Agreement and Plan  of Merger between  the Registrant and  Guess
California, all of the then outstanding shares of common
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
stock  of  the  Registrant were  cancelled  and  retired, and  all  of  the then
outstanding shares of the common stock  of Guess California were converted  into
and  became shares of common stock of the Registrant. In addition, on August 23,
1993, Guess California  sold $130.0 million  principal amount of  9 1/2%  Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2003 (the "Senior Subordinated Notes") to Merrill Lynch &
Co.,  Merrill Lynch, Pierce,  Fenner & Smith,  Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") at
100% of  the  principal  amount  thereof  (less  aggregate  discounts  of  $3.25
million).   Each  of  such   transactions  was  exempt   from  the  registration
requirements of the Securities Act of  1933, as amended (the "Securities  Act"),
in  reliance  on Section  4(2)  of the  Securities Act  on  the basis  that such
transaction did not involve a public offering. In accordance with the  agreement
pursuant to which Merrill Lynch purchased the Senior Subordinated Notes, Merrill
Lynch  agreed to offer and sell the Senior Subordinated Notes only to "qualified
institutional buyers" (as  defined in  Rule 144A  under the  Securities Act),  a
limited  number  of institutional  "accredited  investors" (as  defined  in Rule
501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act) and pursuant to offers  and
sales  that occur outside the  United States within the  meaning of Regulation S
under the Securities Act. Except for  the transactions referred to above,  there
have not been any recent sales of unregistered securities by the Registrant.
 
ITEM 16.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    (a) Exhibits
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- ---------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>
    +1.1.  Form of U.S. Purchase Agreement.
    +1.2.  Form of International Purchase Agreement.
    +3.1.  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.
    +3.2.  Bylaws of the Registrant.
     4.1.  Indenture, dated August 23, 1993, between the Registrant and First
            Trust National Association, as Trustee. (1)
     4.2.  First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 23, 1993, between the
            Registrant and First Trust National Association, as Trustee. (1)
    +4.3.  Specimen stock certificate.
    +5.1.  Opinion of Shearman & Sterling.
   +10.1.  Form of Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement.
    10.2.  Letter Agreement, dated July 9, 1993, among the Registrant, Georges
            Marciano, Maurice Marciano, Paul Marciano, Armand Marciano and trusts
            for their respective benefit. (1)
    10.3.  Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 1994, between the Registrant and
            Roger A. Williams. (3)
   +10.4.  Letter Agreement, dated January 22, 1996, between the Registrant and
            Andrea Weiss.
   +10.5.  Employment Agreement, dated as of May 14, 1996, between the Registrant
            and Francis K. Duane.
    10.6.  General Release and Indemnity Agreement, dated August 23, 1993, among
            Maurice, Paul and Armand Marciano, their respective trusts, the
            Registrant, Georges Marciano and his trust. (1)
    10.7.  General Release Agreement, dated August 23, 1993, among Maurice, Paul
            and Armand Marciano, their respective trusts, the Registrant, and
            Georges Marciano and his trust. (1)
    10.8.  Cancellation and Reassignment Agreement, dated August 23, 1993, among
            the Registrant, MSKMarciano, Inc., Georges Marciano, Inc. and Georges
            Marciano. (1)
    10.9.  Alameda Lease, dated July 29, 1992, among the Registrant and 1444
            Partners, Ltd. (1)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- ---------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>
    10.10. Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 20, 1993, between the
            Registrant and The First National Bank of Boston, as agent, and Sanwa
            Bank California, as co-agent, and the group of financial institution
            party thereto (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"). (3)
    10.11. Security Agreement, dated December 20, 1993, between the Registrant
            and the First National Bank of Boston, as agent for itself and for
            certain lenders. (3)
    10.12. Amendment No. 1 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated January 20,
            1994, among the parties thereto. (4)
    10.13. Amendment No. 2 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 1,
            1994, among the parties thereto. (4)
    10.14. Amendment No. 3 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated July 18,
            1994, among the parties thereto. (4)
    10.15. Amendment No. 4 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated October 24,
            1994, among the parties thereto. (4)
    10.16. Amendment No. 5 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 13,
            1995, among the parties thereto. (5)
    10.17. Amendment No. 6 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated September 14,
            1995, among the parties thereto. (5)
    10.18. Amendment No. 7 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated December 22,
            1995, among the parties thereto. (5)
   +10.19. Amendment No. 8 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 13,
            1996, among the parties thereto.
    10.20. Agreement as to Consignment of Documents and Related Matters, dated
            December 22, 1995, between the Registrant and The First National Bank
            of Boston. (5)
   +10.21. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan.
   +10.22. 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.
   +10.23. Annual Incentive Bonus Plan.
   +10.24. Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Maurice
            Marciano.
   +10.25. Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Paul Marciano.
   +10.26. Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Armand
            Marciano.
   +10.27. Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1996, among the
            Registrant and certain stockholders of the Registrant.
   +10.28. Form of Indemnification Agreement among the Registrant and certain
            stockholders of the Registrant.
   +10.29. Form of Indemnification Agreement.
   +21.1.  List of Subsidiaries.
    23.1.  Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
            accountants.
   +23.2.  Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in Exhibit 5.1).
   +24.1.  Power of Attorney.
   +27.1   Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
    (b) Financial Statement Schedule:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DESCRIPTION
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                                <S>
                      Schedule II                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
+   Previously filed.
 
(1)  Incorporated  by  reference from  the  Registration Statement  on  Form S-1
    (Registration No. 33-69236) originally filed by the Company on September 22,
    1993.
 
(2) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement
    on Form S-1 (File No. 33-69236) filed by the Company on November 24, 1993.
 
(3) Incorporated by reference from the  Company's Quarterly Report on Form  10-Q
    for the quarter ended March 27, 1994.
 
(4)  Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
    the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
(5) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K  for
    the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
    (a)  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted  to directors, officers and controlling persons  of
the   Registrant  pursuant  to  the  foregoing  provisions,  or  otherwise,  the
Registrant has been advised that in  the opinion of the Securities and  Exchange
Commission  such indemnification  is against public  policy as  expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim  for
indemnification  against  such  liabilities  (other  than  the  payment  by  the
Registrant of expenses incurred  or paid by a  director, officer or  controlling
person  of  the Registrant  in the  successful  defense of  any action,  suit or
proceeding) is  asserted by  such  director, officer  or controlling  person  in
connection  with the Common Stock being  registered, the Registrant will, unless
in the  opinion  of its  counsel  the matter  has  been settled  by  controlling
precedent,  submit to a  court of appropriate  jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification  by  it  is  against public  policy  as  expressed  in  the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
    (b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
        (1)  For purposes of determining any  liability under the Securities Act
    of 1933, the information omitted from  the form of prospectus filed as  part
    of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
    form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4)
    or  497(h)  under the  Securities Act  shall be  deemed to  be part  of this
    Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
        (2) For the purpose  of determining any  liability under the  Securities
    Act  of  1933,  each  post-effective  amendment  that  contains  a  form  of
    prospectus shall be deemed  to be a new  registration statement relating  to
    the  securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
    time shall be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
 
    (c)  The  undersigned  Registrant  hereby  undertakes  to  provide  to   the
Underwriters   at  the   closing  specified  in   the  underwriting  agreements,
certificates in such denominations and registered  in such names as required  by
the Underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
    Pursuant  to the requirements of the  Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration  Statement to be signed  on its behalf by  the
undersigned,  thereunto duly  authorized, in the  City of Los  Angeles, State of
California, on July 31, 1996.
    
 
                                          GUESS ?, INC.
 
                                          By:                  *
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                              Name:  Maurice Marciano
                                              Title:  CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
 
    Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of   the  Securities  Act  of  1933,   this
Registration  Statement  has  been  signed  by  the  following  persons  in  the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
   
             SIGNATURE                         TITLE                  DATE
- -----------------------------------  -------------------------  ----------------
 
                                     Chairman of the Board and
                 *                    Chief Executive Officer
- -----------------------------------   (Principal Executive       July 31, 1996
         Maurice Marciano             Officer)
 
                 *                   President, Chief
- -----------------------------------   Operating Officer and      July 31, 1996
           Paul Marciano              Director
 
                 *                   Senior Executive Vice
- -----------------------------------   President, Secretary and   July 31, 1996
          Armand Marciano             Director
 
       /s/ ROGER A. WILLIAMS         Chief Financial Officer
- -----------------------------------   (Principal Financial and   July 31, 1996
         Roger A. Williams            Accounting Officer)
 
       /s/ ROGER A. WILLIAMS         Attorney-in-fact for the
- -----------------------------------   persons marked above
         Roger A. Williams            with an *
 
    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
                                  SCHEDULE II
                          GUESS ?, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994, AND 1995
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    BALANCE AT    CHARGED TO    DEDUCTIONS    BALANCE
                                                                     BEGINNING     COSTS AND        AND       AT END
DESCRIPTION                                                          OF PERIOD     EXPENSES     WRITE-OFFS   OF PERIOD
- ------------------------------------------------------------------  -----------  -------------  -----------  ---------
<S>                                                                 <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>
As of December 31, 1993
  Allowance for obsolescence......................................   $   1,026        --         $     (26)  $   1,000
  Accounts receivable.............................................       9,235         7,505          (834)     15,906
 
As of December 31, 1994
  Allowance for obsolescence......................................       1,000         1,400        --           2,400
  Accounts receivable.............................................      15,906           758        (6,273)     10,391
 
As of December 31, 1995
  Allowance for obsolescence......................................       2,400         2,352          (392)      4,360
  Accounts receivable.............................................      10,391         5,147        (4,689)     10,849
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-1
<PAGE>
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                                                                                          SEQUENTIALLY
 NUMBER                                         DESCRIPTION                                        NUMBER PAGE
- ---------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<C>        <S>                                                                                    <C>
    +1.1.  Form of U.S. Purchase Agreement.
    +1.2.  Form of International Purchase Agreement.
    +3.1.  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.
    +3.2.  Bylaws of the Registrant.
     4.1.  Indenture, dated August 23, 1993, between the Registrant and First Trust National
            Association, as Trustee. (1)
     4.2.  First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 23, 1993, between the Registrant and First
            Trust National Association, as Trustee. (1)
    +4.3.  Specimen stock certificate.
    +5.1.  Opinion of Shearman & Sterling.
   +10.1.  Form of Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement.
    10.2.  Letter Agreement, dated July 9, 1993, among the Registrant, Georges Marciano, Maurice
            Marciano, Paul Marciano, Armand Marciano and trusts for their respective benefit.
            (1)
    10.3.  Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 1994, between the Registrant and Roger A.
            Williams. (3)
   +10.4.  Letter Agreement, dated January 22, 1996, between the Registrant and Andrea Weiss.
   +10.5.  Employment Agreement, dated as of May 14, 1996, between the Registrant and Francis K.
            Duane.
    10.6.  General Release and Indemnity Agreement, dated August 23, 1993, among Maurice, Paul
            and Armand Marciano, their respective trusts, the Registrant, Georges Marciano and
            his trust. (1)
    10.7.  General Release Agreement, dated August 23, 1993, among Maurice, Paul and Armand
            Marciano, their respective trusts, the Registrant, and Georges Marciano and his
            trust. (1)
    10.8.  Cancellation and Reassignment Agreement, dated August 23, 1993, among the Registrant,
            MSKMarciano, Inc., Georges Marciano, Inc. and Georges Marciano. (1)
    10.9.  Alameda Lease, dated July 29, 1992, among the Registrant and 1444 Partners, Ltd. (1)
   10.10.  Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 20, 1993, between the Registrant and
            The First National Bank of Boston, as agent, and Sanwa Bank California, as co-agent,
            and the group of financial institution party thereto (the "Revolving Credit
            Agreement"). (3)
   10.11.  Security Agreement, dated December 20, 1993, between the Registrant and the First
            National Bank of Boston, as agent for itself and for certain lenders. (3)
   10.12.  Amendment No. 1 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated January 20, 1994, among the
            parties thereto. (4)
   10.13.  Amendment No. 2 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 1, 1994, among the
            parties thereto. (4)
   10.14.  Amendment No. 3 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated July 18, 1994, among the
            parties thereto. (4)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                                                                                          SEQUENTIALLY
 NUMBER                                         DESCRIPTION                                        NUMBER PAGE
- ---------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
<C>        <S>                                                                                    <C>
   10.15.  Amendment No. 4 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated October 24, 1994, among the
            parties thereto. (4)
   10.16.  Amendment No. 5 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 13, 1995, among the
            parties thereto. (5)
   10.17.  Amendment No. 6 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated September 14, 1995, among
            the parties thereto. (5)
   10.18.  Amendment No. 7 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated December 22, 1995, among the
            parties thereto. (5)
  +10.19.  Amendment No. 8 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated February 13, 1996, among the
            parties thereto.
   10.20.  Agreement as to Consignment of Documents and Related Matters, dated December 22,
            1995, between the Registrant and The First National Bank of Boston. (5)
  +10.21.  1996 Equity Incentive Plan.
  +10.22.  1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.
  +10.23.  Annual Incentive Bonus Plan.
  +10.24.  Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Maurice Marciano.
  +10.25.  Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Paul Marciano.
  +10.26.  Form of Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Armand Marciano.
  +10.27.  Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1996, among the Registrant and
            certain stockholders of the Registrant.
  +10.28.  Indemnification Agreement, dated            , 1996, among the Registrant and certain
            stockholders of the Registrant.
  +10.29.  Form of Indemnification Agreement.
   +21.1.  List of Subsidiaries.
    23.1.  Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants.
   +23.2.  Consent of Shearman & Sterling (included in Exhibit 5.1).
   +24.1.  Power of Attorney.
   +27.1   Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------
+   Previously filed
 
(1)  Incorporated  by  reference from  the  Registration Statement  on  Form S-1
    (Registration No. 33-69236) originally filed by the Company on September 22,
    1993.
 
(2) Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement
    on Form S-1 (File No. 33-69236) filed by the Company on November 24, 1993.
 
(3) Incorporated by reference from the  Company's Quarterly Report on Form  10-Q
    for the quarter ended March 27, 1994.
 
(4)  Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
    the year ended December 31, 1994.
 
(5) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K  for
    the year ended December 31, 1995.

<PAGE>
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Guess ?, Inc.:
 
    The  audits  referred to  in our  report  dated March  1, 1996  included the
related financial statement  schedule as of  and for  each of the  years in  the
three-year  period  ended  December  31,  1995,  included  in  the  registration
statement. This  financial  statement  schedule is  the  responsibility  of  the
Company's  management.  Our  responsibility is  to  express an  opinion  on this
financial statement schedule based on our audits. In our opinion, such financial
statement schedule,  when  considered  in relation  to  the  basic  consolidated
financial  statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.
 
    We consent to the use of our reports included herein and to the reference to
our firm  under the  headings "Selected  Financial Data"  and "Experts"  in  the
prospectus.
 
                                          KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
   
Los Angeles, California
July 31, 1996
    


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