GUESS INC ET AL/CA/
S-1, 1996-05-24
WOMEN'S, MISSES', CHILDREN'S & INFANTS' UNDERGARMENTS
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<PAGE>
      AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 24, 1996
 
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
                                    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>
            Rebecca L. Prentice, Esq.                             Jerome L. Coben, Esq.
               Shearman & Sterling                                Jeffrey H. Cohen, Esq.
            777 South Figueroa Street                      Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
                    34th Floor                              300 South Grand Avenue, Suite 3400
          Los Angeles, California 90017                       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. / /
                           --------------------------
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PROPOSED MAXIMUM
                                           NUMBER OF      PROPOSED MAXIMUM     AGGREGATE
        TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF            SHARES TO BE     OFFERING PRICE       OFFERING         AMOUNT OF
     SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED         REGISTERED (1)    PER SHARE (2)       PRICE (2)      REGISTRATION FEE
<S>                                     <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share     10,580,000           $23           $243,340,000        $83,911
</TABLE>
 
(1)  Includes 1,380,000 shares subject to options granted to the Underwriters to
    cover over-allotments, if any.
 
(2) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee.
                           --------------------------
 
    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; Selected Financial
                                                                Data
    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;  The  Company;  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  Shareholders;  Description
                                                                of Certain Indebtedness; 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."
 
    If  required pursuant  to Rule 424(b)  of the General  Rules and Regulations
under the Securities Act of 1933, ten copies of each of the prospectuses in  the
forms  in which they are used after the Registration Statement becomes effective
will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
<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 MAY 24, 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  Company intends to make application to list the Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange.
 
    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 the  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 $         .
 
(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]
 
    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.
 
                                       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       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.,  GUESS ITALIA,  S.R.L. AND  RANCHE LIMITED ("GUESS
ASIA"), EACH OF WHICH IS  OR WILL BECOME A  CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY OF GUESS  ?,
INC. PRIOR TO THE CONSUMMATION OF THE OFFERINGS.
 
                                  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.  GUESS  brand products  are  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 are  retail
stores  and 47 are factory  outlet stores) and 198  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  1,550   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.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
    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.
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. Guess also  grants licenses for the manufacture  and
sale  of GUESS branded products similar to  the Company's in markets outside the
Company's channels  of  distribution, such  as  Canada, Argentina,  Mexico,  the
Philippines, South Korea, Brazil and Japan.
 
    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  and requires  all  licensees  to  make
significant  investments  in advertising,  promotion and  marketing 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,  which has
garnered prestigious awards including the CLIO, BELDING and MOBIUS, directs  the
placement of all advertising worldwide, including placement by its licensees. 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. 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 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  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  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.
 
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.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
                                 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)................................................  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   $          million   and  $
                                                      million). Any remaining net  proceeds
                                                      will be used to repay outstanding ad-
                                                      vances  under the Company's revolving
                                                      credit facility.
Listing.............................................  The   Company    intends   to    make
                                                      application  to list the Common Stock
                                                      on  the  New   York  Stock   Exchange
                                                      ("NYSE").
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
(1)  Excludes  approximately        shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
     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 for        shares to be granted immediately prior to the
     Offerings. Of such options,       will have an exercise price equal to  the
     initial  public offering price  and         will have  an exercise price of
     $    . 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-TM-, GUESS
WATCHES-Registered Trademark-,  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>
                                                                                                                   FIRST
                                                                                                               QUARTER ENDED
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                 ----------------------
                                                    -----------------------------------------------------  APRIL 2,    MARCH 31,
                                                      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  $ 124,903   $ 134,898
Earnings from operations..........................    104,469    109,973    114,464    117,807     82,928     25,476      29,187
Earnings before income taxes......................    102,527    111,224    105,281    101,181     66,814     21,271      25,318
Net earnings......................................     99,832    108,368    103,471     97,641     63,919     20,712      24,047
SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA (2):
Earnings before income taxes......................    102,527    111,224    105,281    101,181     66,814     21,271      25,318
Income taxes......................................     41,011     44,490     42,112     40,472     26,726      8,508      10,127
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net earnings......................................  $  61,516  $  66,734  $  63,169  $  60,709  $  40,088  $  12,763   $  15,191
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                    ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Net earnings per share (3)........................                                              $                      $
Weighted average common shares outstanding (3)....
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA (4):
Earnings from operations..............................................................  $  87,985  $  28,224   $  31,026
Earnings before income taxes..........................................................     72,145     24,302      27,486
Income taxes..........................................................................     28,858      9,721      10,912
                                                                                        ---------  ---------  -----------
Net earnings..........................................................................  $  43,287  $  14,581   $  16,574
                                                                                        ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                        ---------  ---------  -----------
Net earnings per share (3)............................................................  $                      $
Weighted average common shares outstanding (3)........................................
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         AS OF MARCH 31, 1996
                                                                                        ----------------------
                                                                                                       AS
                                                                                                    ADJUSTED
                                                                                         ACTUAL        (5)
                                                                                        ---------  -----------
                                                                                            (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                     <C>        <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital.......................................................................  $  93,870   $  98,278
Total assets..........................................................................    239,267     246,604
Notes payable and long-term debt......................................................    152,508     140,808
Net stockholders' equity..............................................................     17,470      36,507
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1)  Includes net revenue from sales (i) 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 $2.5 million and $411,000 for the quarters ended
    April 2, 1995  and March 31,  1996, respectively, and  (ii) 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 $1.1 million and $339,000
    for the quarters ended April 2,  1995 and March 31, 1996, respectively.  See
    "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
    Operations -- General."
 
(2) Reflects adjustments for  Federal and state income  taxes as if the  Company
    had been taxed as a C corporation rather than an S corporation.
 
(3)  Reflects          shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the Offerings
    and the assumed issuance of 7,343,955  and 7,637,000 shares of Common  Stock
    as  of December  31, 1995  and March 31,  1996, respectively,  at an assumed
    initial public offering  price of  $22.00 per share  to generate  sufficient
    cash  to pay the S Corporation Distribution (as defined herein) in an amount
    equal to retained earnings.
 
(4) Pro  forma operating  results reflect  adjustments to  historical  operating
    results  for  (a)  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), (b) the decrease
    in depreciation and operating costs  of $2.6 million, $677,000 and  $623,000
    for  the year ended December  31, 1995 and the  quarters ended April 2, 1995
    and March 31, 1996, respectively, associated with two aircraft owned by  the
    Company, which aircraft will be distributed to the Principal Stockholders as
    part  of  the  S  Corporation  Distribution  prior  to  consummation  of the
    Offerings, (c)  the elimination  of the  minority interest  in Guess  Italia
    S.r.l.  aggregating  $274,000,  $283,000  and $329,000  for  the  year ended
    December 31, 1995 and the quarters ended  April 2, 1995 and March 31,  1996,
    respectively, associated with the Reorganization (as defined herein) 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. The Company  expects
    to  enter into  an operating lease  of one  of the aircraft  under which the
    Company  would  remain  responsible  for  the  expenses  of  operating   and
    maintaining  the aircraft and would make  nominal lease payments for the use
    thereof. 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  quarters
    ended  April 2,  1995 and March  31, 1996, see  "Management's Discussion and
    Analysis of  Financial Condition  and Results  of Operations  -- Results  of
    Operations."
 
(5)  Adjusted to give effect to the S Corporation Distribution as if it had been
    made as of March 31,  1996 and the Company's  S corporation status had  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 April
    1, 1996 through the  consummation of the Offerings,  which earnings will  be
    distributed as part of the S Corporation Distribution. 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.
 
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.  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  those  periods.  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
were  derived from its top four licensed  product lines, GUESS WATCHES (19.0% of
1995 net royalties),  BABY GUESS (12.0%),  GUESS KIDS (9.0%)  and GUESS  EYEWEAR
(8.0%).  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 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.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
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  and  upgrade its  shop-in-shop  program and  deepen  its
product  offerings. 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    % 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 21% 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 74%  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 5.1% of the Company's net revenue was from product sales  to
customers in international markets. 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
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
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  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 operating results. 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 results of operations.
 
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."
 
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,
respectively (the "Principal Stockholders"), will beneficially own approximately
   %,    % and     %, 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
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
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          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 $     per share, based  upon the mid-point of  the filing range set
forth on the cover page of this Prospectus. See "Dilution."
 
                                       10
<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
was organized 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 remain 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
the Company's two  aircraft (with a  value of approximately  $10.0 million)  and
promissory  notes bearing interest at 8% per annum (the "S Distribution Notes").
Guess estimates that such undistributed earnings will be between $180.0  million
and  $190.0 million  as of  the Closing  Date, including  a gain  expected to be
recognized upon  the disposition  of the  Company's two  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.
 
    Prior to  the consummation  of the  Offerings, (i)  Marciano  International,
Inc.,  a  Delaware corporation  owned by  the  Principal Stockholders  and which
currently  holds  an   interest  in   the  subsidiaries   of  Guess   ("Marciano
International"),  will be merged  with and into  Guess, (ii) all  of the capital
stock of Ranche, Ltd., a Hong  Kong company owned by the Principal  Stockholders
will  be contributed to Guess Europe, (iii) the Company  will effect a     for 1
split of the Common Stock  and (iv) as part  of the S Corporation  Distribution,
the  Company will distribute to the Principal Stockholders two aircraft owned by
the Company. 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.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
                                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  use such  net proceeds  to repay  the S  Distribution Notes
(estimated to have an aggregate principal amount between $    million and $
million).  Any remaining net proceeds 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. As of March
31, 1996,  there  was  $40.8  million outstanding  under  the  revolving  credit
facility, which bears interest at 6.9%. 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  quarter  ended  March 31,  1996,  see  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of  Operations --
Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
    The following table sets forth the short-term debt and capitalization of the
Company as of March 31,  1996 and as adjusted for  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 MARCH 31, 1996
                                                                                          ------------------------
                                                                                            ACTUAL     AS ADJUSTED
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
Short-term debt:
  Current installments of long-term debt................................................  $       978   $     978
  Short-term notes payable..............................................................        4,778       4,778
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    Total short-term debt...............................................................  $     5,756   $   5,756
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
Long-term debt:
  Long-term debt, net of current installments...........................................  $    41,752   $  30,052
  9 1/2% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2003.............................................      105,000     105,000
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    Total long-term debt................................................................  $   146,752   $ 135,052
Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, par value $        per share;         shares authorized;
   no shares issued and outstanding.....................................................      --           --
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share;         shares authorized,         shares
   issued and outstanding,         shares issued and outstanding as adjusted (1)........           35         127
  Paid-in capital.......................................................................          181     179,803(2)
  Retained earnings (3).................................................................      168,014       7,337(4)
  Foreign currency translation adjustment...............................................           16          16
  Treasury stock,          shares repurchased (5).......................................     (150,776)   (150,776)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    Net stockholders' equity............................................................       17,470      36,507
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    Total capitalization................................................................  $   164,222   $ 171,559
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1)  Excludes approximately         shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
    under the 1996 Equity Plan, and  the Directors' Plan, including options  for
          shares  to  be granted  immediately prior  to  the Offerings.  Of such
    options,         will  have an exercise  price equal to  the initial  public
    offering  price and          will have an  exercise price  of $        . See
    "Management -- Employment Agreements," "Management -- 1996 Equity  Incentive
    Plan" and "-- 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan."
 
(2)  Reflects a reduction of $8.3 million of paid-in capital for that portion of
    the S Corporation Distribution which is in excess of retained earnings.
 
(3) No adjustment  has been  made to  give effect  to the  Company's earned  and
    undistributed  taxable S corporation  earnings for the  period from April 1,
    1996 through  the consummation  of  the Offerings,  which earnings  will  be
    distributed  as  part  of  the  S  Corporation  Distribution.  See  "Use  of
    Proceeds."
 
(4) Reflects  the establishment  of  net deferred  tax  assets of  $7.3  million
    resulting  from the termination  of the Company's  S corporation status. See
    note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
 
(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.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
                                    DILUTION
 
    After  giving effect to  the Reorganization, the net  tangible book value of
the Company as of March 31, 1996 would have been approximately $16.1 million, or
$      per share  of Common  Stock. After  giving effect  to the  S  Corporation
Distribution  as if it  had been made as  of March 31, 1996  and the Company's S
corporation status  had terminated  at such  date, 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 of March 31, 1996 would  have been approximately $35.1 million,  or $     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 $    per share to the Principal Stockholders and an immediate net
tangible book value dilution of $    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)..........             $
 
    Net tangible book value as of March 31, 1996.............  $
 
    Increase attributable to the establishment of deferred
     tax assets..............................................
 
    Decrease attributable to S Corporation Distribution......
                                                               ---------
 
    Net tangible book value per share before the Offerings...
 
    Increase attributable to new investors in the
     Offerings...............................................
                                                               ---------
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after the
 Offerings (2)...............................................
                                                                          ---------
Dilution per share to new investors..........................             $
                                                                          ---------
                                                                          ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------------
 
(1) Before  deducting  estimated  underwriting  discounts  and  commissions  and
    estimated expenses of the Offerings payable by the Company.
 
(2)  Excludes approximately         shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance
    under the 1996 Equity  Plan and the Directors'  Plan, including options  for
            shares  to be  granted immediately prior  to the  Offerings. Of such
    options,         will  have an exercise  price equal to  the initial  public
    offering  price and          will have an  exercise price  of $        . See
    "Management -- Employment Agreements," "--  1996 Equity Incentive Plan"  and
    "-- 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan."
 
                                       14
<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 March 31, 1996, and for the quarters ended April 2, 1995, and March 31, 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 quarter ended March
31,  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>
                                                                                                                 FIRST
                                                                                                                QUARTER
                                                                                                                 ENDED
                                                                    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    ----------
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------   APRIL 2,
                                                      1991        1992        1993        1994        1995        1995
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                <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  $  113,646
  Net royalties..................................      14,133      20,788      28,780      40,350      46,374      11,257
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
    Total net revenue............................     450,531     512,766     520,224     547,812     486,733     124,903
Cost of sales....................................     226,238     274,920     260,409     291,989     262,142      65,267
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Gross profit.....................................     224,293     237,846     259,815     255,823     224,591      59,636
Selling, general and administrative expenses.....     119,824     127,873     145,351     138,016     141,663      34,160
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Earnings from operations.......................     104,469     109,973     114,464     117,807      82,928      25,476
Interest, net....................................       2,108       1,162      11,735      16,948      15,957       4,041
Non-operating (income) expense...................        (166)     (2,413)     (2,552)       (322)        157         164
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Earnings before income taxes...................     102,527     111,224     105,281     101,181      66,814      21,271
Income taxes.....................................       2,695       2,856       1,810       3,540       2,895         559
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Net earnings...................................  $   99,832  $  108,368  $  103,471  $   97,641  $   63,919  $   20,712
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA (2):
Earnings before income taxes.....................  $  102,527  $  111,224  $  105,281  $  101,181  $   66,814  $   21,271
Income taxes.....................................      41,011      44,490      42,112      40,472      26,726       8,508
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net earnings.....................................  $   61,516  $   66,734  $   63,169  $   60,709  $   40,088  $   12,763
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Net earnings per share (3).......................                                                  $
Weighted average common shares outstanding (3)...
 
<CAPTION>
                                                    MARCH 31,
                                                      1996
                                                   -----------
<S>                                                <C>
STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA:
Net revenue:
  Product sales (1)..............................   $ 123,275
  Net royalties..................................      11,623
                                                   -----------
    Total net revenue............................     134,898
Cost of sales....................................      70,479
                                                   -----------
Gross profit.....................................      64,419
Selling, general and administrative expenses.....      35,232
                                                   -----------
  Earnings from operations.......................      29,187
Interest, net....................................       3,549
Non-operating (income) expense...................         320
                                                   -----------
  Earnings before income taxes...................      25,318
Income taxes.....................................       1,271
                                                   -----------
  Net earnings...................................   $  24,047
                                                   -----------
                                                   -----------
SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA (2):
Earnings before income taxes.....................   $  25,318
Income taxes.....................................      10,127
                                                   -----------
Net earnings.....................................   $  15,191
                                                   -----------
                                                   -----------
Net earnings per share (3).......................   $
Weighted average common shares outstanding (3)...
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                 AS OF
                                                                                                               MARCH 31,
                                                                                                                  1996
                                                                       AS OF DECEMBER 31,                      ----------
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                      1991        1992        1993        1994        1995       ACTUAL
                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital..................................  $   91,635  $  114,732  $   74,094  $   83,127  $   57,572  $   93,870
Total assets.....................................     214,346     226,824     181,017     207,696     202,635     239,267
Notes payable and long-term debt.................      21,461       8,548     189,414     156,495     123,335     152,508
Net stockholders' equity (deficiency)............     149,022     167,390     (50,284)        373      10,997      17,470
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                       AS
                                                   ADJUSTED (4)
                                                   -----------
 
<S>                                                <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital..................................   $  98,278
Total assets.....................................     246,604
Notes payable and long-term debt.................     140,808
Net stockholders' equity (deficiency)............      36,507
</TABLE>
 
                                               (FOOTNOTES ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE)
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
(CONTINUED FROM PRIOR PAGE)
 
(1) Includes net revenue from sales (i) 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 $2.5 million and $411,000 for the quarters ended
    April  2, 1995  and March 31,  1996, respectively, and  (ii) 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 $1.1 million and  $339,000
    for  the quarters ended April 2, 1995  and March 31, 1996, respectively. See
    "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results  of
    Operations -- General."
 
(2)  Reflects adjustments for Federal  and state income taxes  as if the Company
    had been taxed as a C corporation rather than an S corporation.
 
(3) Reflects          shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to the  Offerings
    and  the assumed issuance of 7,343,955  and 7,637,000 shares of Common Stock
    as of December  31, 1995  and March 31,  1996, respectively,  at an  assumed
    initial  public offering  price of $22.00  per share  to generate sufficient
    cash to pay the  S Corporation Distribution in  an amount equal to  retained
    earnings.
 
(4)  Adjusted to give effect to the S Corporation Distribution as if it had been
    made as of March 31,  1996 and the Company's  S corporation status had  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 April
    1, 1996 through the  consummation of the Offerings,  which earnings will  be
    distributed as part of the S Corporation Distribution. See "Use of Proceeds"
    and "Company History, the Reorganization and Prior S Corporation Status."
 
                                       16
<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, $677,000 and $623,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995 and
the quarters ended April  2, 1995 and March  31, 1996, respectively,  associated
with  two aircraft owned by the Company,  which two aircraft will be distributed
to the Principal Stockholders as part of the S Corporation Distribution prior to
consummation of the Offerings, (c) the  elimination of the minority interest  in
Guess  Italia, S.r.l. aggregating  $274,000, $283,000 and  $329,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1995 and the quarters ended April 2, 1995 and March 31, 1996,
respectively, associated with the Reorganization 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. The Company  expects to enter  into an operating
lease of one of  the aircraft under which  the Company would remain  responsible
for  the  expenses of  operating  and maintaining  the  aircraft and  would make
nominal  lease  payments  for  the  use  thereof.  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  quarters ended  April 2,  1995 and  March 31,  1996, see
"Management's Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results  of
Operations -- Results of Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     FIRST QUARTER ENDED
                                                                                                 ----------------------------
                                                                                 YEAR ENDED        APRIL 2,
                                                                              DECEMBER 31, 1995      1995      MARCH 31, 1996
                                                                              -----------------  ------------  --------------
                                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                                                           <C>                <C>           <C>
PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF EARNINGS DATA:
Net revenue:
  Product sales.............................................................     $   440,359      $  113,646     $  123,275
  Net royalties.............................................................          46,374          11,257         11,623
                                                                                    --------     ------------  --------------
    Total net revenue.......................................................         486,733         124,903        134,898
Cost of sales...............................................................         262,142          65,267         70,479
                                                                                    --------     ------------  --------------
Gross profit................................................................         224,591          59,636         64,419
Selling, general and administrative expenses................................         136,606          31,412         33,393
                                                                                    --------     ------------  --------------
  Earnings from operations..................................................          87,985          28,224         31,026
Interest, net...............................................................          15,957           4,041          3,549
Non-operating income........................................................             117             119              9
                                                                                    --------     ------------  --------------
  Earnings before income taxes..............................................          72,145          24,302         27,486
Income taxes................................................................          28,858           9,721         10,912
                                                                                    --------     ------------  --------------
  Net earnings..............................................................     $    43,287      $   14,581     $   16,574
                                                                                    --------     ------------  --------------
                                                                                    --------     ------------  --------------
Net earnings per share (1)..................................................     $                               $
Weighted average common shares outstanding (1)..............................
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
(1)  Amounts reflect            shares of Common Stock  outstanding prior to the
    Offerings and  the assumed  issuance of  7,343,955 and  7,637,000 shares  of
    Common Stock as of December 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996, respectively, at an
    assumed  initial  public  offering price  of  $22.00 per  share  to generate
    sufficient cash to pay the S Corporation Distribution in an amount equal  to
    retained earnings.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
 
    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, 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,
                                                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                      FIRST QUARTER ENDED,
                           -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             -------------------------------
                                                                                                                   MARCH 31,
                                   1993                  1994                  1995             APRIL 2, 1995        1996
                           --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  ---------
                                                                    (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                        <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%  $  85,344      68.3%  $  83,113
  Retail operations......    142,565      27.4     149,337      27.2     169,428      34.8      28,302      22.7      40,162
                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net revenue from
     product sales.......    491,444      94.5     507,462      92.6     440,359      90.5     113,646      91.0     123,275
  Net royalties..........     28,780       5.5      40,350       7.4      46,374       9.5      11,257       9.0      11,623
                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total net revenue....  $ 520,224     100.0%  $ 547,812     100.0%  $ 486,733     100.0%  $ 124,903     100.0%  $ 134,898
                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
 
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                        <C>
Net revenue:
  Wholesale operations...      61.6%
  Retail operations......      29.8
                           ---------
    Net revenue from
     product sales.......      91.4
  Net royalties..........       8.6
                           ---------
    Total net revenue....     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. Guess  Asia, which will become a wholly  owned
subsidiary  of the Company  as part of  the Reorganization, 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, Guess Europe 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 its 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 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.
 
    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
 
                                       18
<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. The
domestic retail network includes  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 up to five  additional retail stores and  close one retail store  during
the remainder of 1996 and to open up to 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.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    The  following chart sets  forth the store openings  and closing since 1993,
total 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        52       52        62
    Opening during Period...............        1        18        15        1         2
    Closed during Period................       (4)       (2)       (5)      (2 )    --
                                          -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
    End of Period.......................       36        52        62       51        64
 
Factory stores
    Beginning of Period.................       22        43        47       47        47
    Open 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)%    (5.4)%    (7.4)%   (0.1 )%   16.7 %
 
Total Gross Square Footage (in
 thousands).............................      397       510       636      523       607
 
Net revenue per gross square foot.......  $ 359.1   $ 292.8   $ 266.4   $ 55.8    $ 67.7
</TABLE>
 
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. The Company also  grants
licenses for the manufacture and sale of GUESS products similar to the Company's
in  markets currently outside the  Company's channels of distribution. Licensing
both broadens  the  spectrum  of  products  that  can  be  offered  and  expands
distribution  into new territories. Licensed  products include watches, clothing
for infants and children, eyewear, footwear, activewear, home products and other
fashion accessories.  In addition  to licensing  products which  complement  the
Company's  apparel products, Guess also grants  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  outside  the  Company's  channels of
distribution, such as Canada, Argentina,  Mexico, the Philippines, South  Korea,
Brazil  and Japan.  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 licensees accounted  for
approximately  48.1% and 46.4%  of the Company's  net royalties in  1995 and the
first quarter 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 to  it  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 and  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.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
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), (ii)  the  decrease in  depreciation  and
operating  costs  of $2.6  million,  $677,000 and  $623,000  for the  year ended
December 31, 1995  and the  quarters ended  April 2,  1995 and  March 31,  1996,
respectively,  associated with two aircraft owned by the Company, which aircraft
are expected to be distributed  to the Principal Stockholders  as part of the  S
Corporation  Distribution  prior to  consummation  of the  Offerings,  (iii) the
elimination of the minority interest in Guess Italia S.r.l. aggregating $24,000,
$280,000, $274,000, $283,000 and $329,000 for the years ended December 31, 1993,
1994 and  1995  and  the quarters  ended  April  2, 1995  and  March  31,  1996,
respectively,  associated  with  the  Reorganization  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. The  Company expects to enter into an
operating lease of  one of  the aircraft under  which the  Company would  remain
responsible for the expenses of operating and maintaining the aircraft and would
make  nominal  lease payments  for the  use thereof.  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 quarters  ended April  2, 1995  and March  31, 1996,  see
"Management's  Discussion  and Analysis  of Financial  Condition and  Results of
Operations -- Results of Operations."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            FIRST QUARTER ENDED,
                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,        ----------------------
                                                       ----------------------------------   APRIL 2,   MARCH 31,
                                                          1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Net revenue:
  Product sales......................................  $  491,444  $  507,462  $  440,359  $  113,646  $  123,275
  Net royalties......................................      28,780      40,350      46,374      11,257      11,623
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
      Total net revenue..............................     520,224     547,812     486,733     124,903     134,898
Cost of sales........................................     260,409     291,989     262,142      65,267      70,479
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
Gross profit.........................................     259,815     255,823     224,591      59,636      64,419
Selling, general and administrative expenses.........     127,971     131,711     136,606      31,412      33,393
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Earnings from operations...........................     131,844     124,112      87,985      28,224      31,026
Interest expense, net................................      11,735      16,948      15,957       4,041       3,549
Non-operating income, net............................      (2,528)        (42)       (117)       (119)         (9)
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Earnings before income taxes.......................     122,637     107,206      72,145      24,302      27,486
Pro forma income taxes...............................      49,055      42,882      28,858       9,721      10,912
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
  Pro forma net earnings.............................  $   73,582  $   64,324  $   43,287  $   14,581  $   16,574
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                                       ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    The following table sets forth pro  forma operating results as a  percentage
of net revenue for the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               FIRST QUARTER ENDED
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,      ------------------------
                                                            -------------------------------   APRIL 2,     MARCH 31,
                                                              1993       1994       1995        1995         1996
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Net revenue:
  Product sales...........................................       94.5%      92.6%      90.5%       91.0%        91.4%
  Net royalties...........................................        5.5        7.4        9.5         9.0          8.6
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
      Total net revenue...................................      100.0      100.0      100.0       100.0        100.0
Cost of sales.............................................       50.1       53.3       53.9        52.3         52.2
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
Gross profit..............................................       49.9       46.7       46.1        47.7         47.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses..............       24.6       24.0       28.0        25.1         24.8
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
  Earnings from operations................................       25.3       22.7       18.1        22.6         23.0
Interest expense, net.....................................        2.3        3.1        3.3         3.2          2.6
Non-operating income, net.................................       (0.5)      (0.0)      (0.0)       (0.1)        (0.0)
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
  Earnings before income taxes............................       23.5       19.6       14.8        19.5         20.4
Pro forma income taxes....................................        9.4        7.9        5.9         7.8          8.1
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
  Pro forma net earnings..................................       14.1%      11.7%       8.9%       11.7%        12.3%
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
                                                            ---------  ---------  ---------       -----        -----
</TABLE>
 
    FIRST QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 COMPARED TO FIRST QUARTER ENDED APRIL 2,
1995
 
    NET  REVENUE.  Net revenue increased $10.0 million or 8.0% to $134.9 million
in the quarter ended  March 31, 1996  from $124.9 million  in the quarter  ended
April  2, 1995. Net revenue from  wholesale operations decreased $2.2 million to
$83.1 million from $85.3 million, due principally to a $10.2 million decline  in
domestic  wholesale  sales (including  a decline  of  $2.1 million  in off-price
revenue), partially offset by increased sales outside the United States of  $8.0
million.  Net revenue  from retail operations  increased $11.9  million to $40.2
million from $28.3 million,  primarily attributable to an  increase of 16.7%  in
comparable  store  net  revenue  and  from volume  generated  by  two  new store
openings.  The  increase   in  comparable  store   net  revenue  was   primarily
attributable  to  a more  favorable merchandise  mix  and the  implementation of
sophisticated information systems  to improve inventory  control. Net  royalties
increased  3.3% in the quarter ended March  31, 1996 to $11.6 million from $11.3
million in the quarter ended April 2, 1995.
 
    GROSS PROFIT.  Gross profit increased  8.0% to $64.4 million in the  quarter
ended  March 31, 1996 from $59.6 million in the quarter ended April 2, 1995. The
increase in gross profit resulted from increased net royalties and increased net
revenue from product sales.  Gross profit from product  sales increased 9.1%  to
$52.8  million in  the quarter ended  March 31,  1996 from $48.4  million in the
quarter ended  April  2, 1995.  Gross  profit as  a  percentage of  net  revenue
improved  slightly to 47.8% in  the quarter ended March  31, 1996 as compared to
47.8% in the quarter ended April 2, 1995. Excluding royalties, gross profit from
product sales as a percentage  of net revenue increased  to 42.8% from 42.6%  in
the  comparable 1995 period primarily due to  an improvement in the gross profit
margins in both the retail and wholesale operations, partially offset by  growth
in the retail contribution (which generally has a lower gross margin).
 
    SG&A  EXPENSES.    Selling,  general  and  administrative  ("SG&A") expenses
increased 3.1% in the quarter ended March 31, 1996 to $35.2 million, or 26.1% of
net revenue, from $34.2 million, or 27.4%  of net revenue, in the quarter  ended
April  2, 1995. On a pro forma basis, SG&A expenses would have increased 6.3% in
the quarter ended March 31, 1996 to $33.4 million, or 24.8% of net revenue, from
$31.4 million, or 25.2% of net revenue, in the quarter ended April 2, 1995.  The
increase  in SG&A expense  was primarily the result  of increased store expenses
related  to  the  expansion  of  the  retail  operation,  partially  offset   by
administrative  cost containment  efforts. The  decrease in  SG&A expenses  as a
percentage of net revenue was the  result of cost containment efforts and  fixed
expenses being spread over a larger revenue base in the 1996 period.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    EARNINGS FROM OPERATIONS.  Earnings from operations increased 14.6% to $29.2
million, or 21.6% of net revenue in the quarter ended March 31, 1996, from $25.5
million,  or 20.4% of net revenue, in the  quarter ended April 2, 1995. On a pro
forma basis, earnings from operations would  have increased 9.9% in the  quarter
ended  March 31,  1996 to  $31.0 million,  or 23.0%  of net  revenue, from $28.2
million, or 22.6%  of net  revenue, in  the quarter  ended April  2, 1995.  This
increase  resulted primarily from the increase  in revenue and slightly improved
gross profit margins.
 
    INTEREST EXPENSE, NET.  Net interest expense decreased 12.2% to $3.5 million
in the quarter ended March 31, 1996 from $4.0 million in the quarter ended April
2, 1995. This decrease resulted from  lower outstanding debt and lower  interest
rates.
 
    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 $1.3  million
and  $0.6  million in  the  quarters ended  March 31,  1996  and April  2, 1995,
respectively. The  Company's  S  corporation  status  will  terminate  upon  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 $10.9 million and $9.7  million in the quarters ended March 31,
1996 and April 2, 1995.
 
    NET EARNINGS.  Net  earnings increased 16.1% to  $24.0 million, or 17.8%  of
net  revenue, in the quarter ended March  31, 1996, from $20.7 million, or 16.6%
of net revenue, in the  quarter ended April 2, 1995.  On a pro forma basis,  net
earnings  would have increased 13.7% to $16.6  million, or 12.3% of net revenue,
in the  quarter ended  March  31, 1996,  from $14.6  million,  or 11.7%  of  net
revenue, in the quarter ended April 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 $271.0 million from $358.1 million, including a $22.4
million decline due to closing certain accounts, and a $2.8 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  $61.9
million.  The principal reasons for the decrease were a $56.3 million decline in
domestic sales of men's and women's apparel and a $15.5 million decrease in off-
price revenue, partially offset by increased sales outside the United States  to
international  distributors of  $9.8 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 37.0% increase in retail net revenue resulting from new retail 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.
 
    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  this provision, gross margin  would
have been 46.9% in 1995 as compared with 46.7% in 1994.
 
    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
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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  $28.9
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  $6.8
million to $149.3 million from $142.6 million. This increase was attributable to
new  store openings,  somewhat offset by  a decline  of $5.7 million  or 5.4% 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  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.
 
    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.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    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.
 
    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, expansion,  and to make
periodic distributions to its  stockholders. As of March  31, 1996, the  Company
had  working capital of $93.9 million, compared to $57.6 million at December 31,
1995. The $36.3 million  increase in working capital  primarily resulted from  a
$17.6   million  increase  in  inventories  and  a  $18.8  million  increase  in
receivables. The  increase  in inventory  and  receivables relates  to  seasonal
requirements and the buildup of initial inventories of the Company's BARE BASICS
line.
 
    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 quarter ended March 31, 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 March 31, 1996,  the Company had $40.8  million in outstanding borrowings
under the revolving credit  facility and outstanding letters  of credit of  $9.0
million.  As of  March 31,  1996, the  Company had  $50.2 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 December  31, 1995, the Company
had $11.1 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  $17.6 million  in
1993, 1994, 1995 and the first quarter ended March 31, 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."
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
    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 for  the foreseeable  future,  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
                       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.       QTR.
                     ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                  <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
Gross profit.......     59,784     53,611     79,232     63,196     59,638     49,207     59,148     56,598     64,419
</TABLE>
 
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  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. Since the Company's  current
policy is consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 121, it does not anticipate
that the new pronouncement will impact its financial statements.
 
                                       26
<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 51% and  49%,
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  48%  and   52%,
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.  GUESS  brand products  are  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 are retail
stores and 47 are  factory outlet stores) and  198 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  1,550  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.
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. Guess also grants  licenses for the manufacture and
sale of GUESS branded products similar  to the Company's in markets outside  the
Company's  channels  of distribution,  such  as Canada,  Argentina,  Mexico, the
Philippines, South Korea, Brazil and Japan.
 
    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
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
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 and requires all licensees
to make significant investments in advertising, promotion and marketing 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,  which has
garnered prestigious awards including the CLIO, BELDING and MOBIUS, directs  the
media  placement  of  all  advertising  worldwide,  including  placement  by its
licensees. 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. 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. To provide  greater management depth, the
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 intends to capitalize  on
    the  worldwide  recognition  of its  brand  name  and the  breadth  of Guess
    lifestyle products by continuing to expand its distribution internationally.
    Over the  past  three  years,  the  Company  has  built  the  infrastructure
    necessary  to support distribution and  licensing of its products worldwide.
    To further this strategy, 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. As a result, the Company believes it is well-positioned
    to capitalize on the  recognition of its brand  name by increasing sales  to
    existing  and new distributors outside the United States and from increasing
    royalties resulting  from  the  growth  of  its  licensees'  businesses  and
    increases  in the number  of retail stores operated  by its distributors and
    licensees. The  Company also  intends to  expand, through  Guess Europe  and
    Guess  Asia, its direct  sales penetration in certain  markets in Europe and
    the Pacific Rim not covered by licensees or distributors.
 
        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. 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.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
        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, 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
    plans  to open six new retail stores (net  of store closings) in 1996 and up
    to an additional 15 stores in 1997.
 
        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.
 
GENERAL
 
    The Company derives its net revenue from the sale of Guess men's and women's
apparel to wholesale customers and the sale of its 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,                          FIRST QUARTER
                                  ----------------------------------------------------------------         ENDED
                                          1993                  1994                  1995             MARCH 31, 1996
                                  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                               <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net Revenue:
  Wholesale operations..........  $ 348,879       67.1% $ 358,125       65.4% $ 270,931       55.7% $  83,113       61.6%
  Retail operations.............    142,565       27.4    149,337       27.2    169,428       34.8     40,162       29.8
  Net royalties.................     28,780        5.5     40,350        7.4     46,374        9.5     11,623        8.6
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
    Total net revenue...........  $ 520,224      100.0% $ 547,812      100.0% $ 486,733      100.0% $ 134,898      100.0%
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    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 products.......................      11,854        2.4        21,274        4.2        31,881        7.2
Discontinued apparel (1)................      40,418        8.2        10,233        2.0         2,588        0.6
                                          ----------      -----    ----------      -----    ----------      -----
  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.
 
(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.
 
    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    -         56
Tops...............................      38    -         76      Woven Tops..........................      40    -         78
Dresses............................      72    -         82      Jackets.............................      88    -        162
Pants..............................      60    -         68      T-Shirts............................      22    -         88
Jackets............................      78    -         80
Guess Collection...................      66    -        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,
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
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 through Guess stores. Based on 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 (19% of  1995 net royalties), BABY  GUESS
(12%), GUESS KIDS (9%) and GUESS EYEWEAR (8%).
 
    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.
 
    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
1994 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.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
    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 locations ("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 80 by the end  of 1996 and by 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.
 
    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, the Company has opened
a  total of 25 retail and 25 factory  outlet stores and has closed 11 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
factory outlet and retail  store net revenue  of 16.7% in  the first quarter  of
1996.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
    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.
 
    As  of March 31, 1996, the Company had opened two retail stores in 1996. The
Company intends to open up to five additional retail stores and close one retail
store during the remainder of 1996 and to open up to 15 additional retail stores
during 1997. The Company  intends to continue to  locate its stores in  regional
malls with a smaller number of flagship stores in major cities.
 
    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 1996 or 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 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
four 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, (iii) royalties  from
licensees  who have been granted licenses to own and operate Guess retail stores
outside the United States and (iv) sales of GUESS brand apparel by Guess  Europe
directly to upscale European retail stores.
 
    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 in Italy and Spain.
Since the beginning of 1996, Guess has executed distribution agreements for  the
United  Kingdom, Austria, Belgium, Greece, Hungary, Israel and Turkey, and is in
the process of negotiating additional arrangements in Europe.
 
    As of March 31, 1996, 175 Guess retail stores were operated  internationally
by  eight distributors and 13 licensees.  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 that  its distributors and
licensees  plan   to   establish   50   new   international   distributor-   and
licensee-operated  stores by  the end  of 1997. Guess  also owns  and operates a
flagship Guess retail store
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
located  in  Florence,  Italy.  As  of   December  31,  1995,  there  were   390
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  also  grants
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  outside
the  Company's channels of distribution, 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  (in some cases for up  to 20 years) 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."
 
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
the CLIO, BELDING and MOBIUS. Guess has maintained a high degree of  consistency
in  its advertisements, using similar themes and images. 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 12 employees as of March 31, 1996.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    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  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 74% of its raw
materials, labor and  finished goods  in the United  States, 21%  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
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 50% of the Company's products are sewn  in
basic  denim.  See  "Risk Factors  --  Foreign Operations  and  Sourcing; Import
Restrictions."
 
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
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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,   provides   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
 
    As of March 31, 1996, the Company had more than 1,500 U.S. and international
trademarks, including GUESS?,  GUESS, GUESS?  AND TRIANGLE  DESIGN, BABY  GUESS,
GUESS  KIDS,  GUESS  U.S.A.  and  GUESS  COLLECTION,  registered  or  which have
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.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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,  provides  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
March   31,  1996,  the   Company  had  unfilled   wholesale  orders  (excluding
intracompany orders), consisting  primarily of  orders for  fashion apparel,  of
approximately  $65.7 million,  compared to  $69.5 million  of such  orders as of
March 31, 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.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
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,  manufacturing and  retail  headquarters  and its
production, warehousing and distribution facilities are located in Los  Angeles,
California  and  consist  of  seven  adjacent  buildings  totaling 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.
 
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.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
    The  following  table  sets forth  certain  information  as of  May  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, Chief Executive Officer and Director
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                   40   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 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  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 will join the Company as President of Worldwide Sales -- Corporate
in June 1996. From  July 1990 to  May 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
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
Financial Officer of The Donna Karan Company. From July 1990 to October 1992, he
was  Executive  Vice  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  February 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  April 1990  to  July  1992, she  was  Director  of Retail
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
Equity Plan.
 
    The Delaware General Corporation Law  provides that a company may  indemnify
its  directors and officers as to certain liabilities. The Company's Certificate
of Incorporation and 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.
 
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 a  retainer fee of $         per year  for
their services. 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                shares  of Common  Stock  and  will receive
non-qualified options to purchase an additional          shares of Common  Stock
on  the first  day of each  fiscal year  thereafter. The exercise  price of such
options will be equal to the fair market
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
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          254,902               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          231,291               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          170,926               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)  $100,000  and  $100,000 for  life  insurance  for 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.
 
(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)  Michael 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 term of  the Executive  Employment
Agreements   begins   on   the   date  of   this   Prospectus   (the  "Effective
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
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  effective 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  a bonus plan to be approved by  the
Compensation  Committee, 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 for cause (as defined in the 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,  the  amount  of  which  will be  determined  at  the  time  the
consulting  agreements are entered into. In addition, each Executive is entitled
to certain fringe benefits, including access to vehicles and 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 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,  unless  the Executive  is  entitled  to
substantially  equivalent benefits  from a  subsequent employer.  Each Executive
Employment Agreement further provides  that upon the death  or disability of  an
Executive,  such Executive (or his beneficiary)  will receive a pro rata portion
of his annual bonus for  the year in which  the Executive's death or  disability
occurs. The Executive Employment Agreements also include certain noncompetition,
nonsolicitation and confidentiality provisions.
 
    The  Company entered into an employment agreement,  dated as of May 14, 1996
(the  "Duane   Agreement"),   with  Ken   Duane   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       shares of  Common
Stock,  consisting of options  to purchase       shares at an  exercise price of
$    per share and options to purchase     shares at an exercise price equalling
the greater of $    per share or 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     shares at an  exercise price of $  per share. Mr. Duane
may elect to receive a cash payment  of $1.0 million prior to the Offerings.  If
Mr.  Duane elects to receive such cash  payment, the exercise price of
options described above will be  $    per  share. If the Company terminates  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  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),  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 fully  exercisable after March 1, 1999  to
purchase          shares  of Common Stock at  an exercise price of  $        per
share. Portions of Mr. Williams's stock options will vest each February 28  from
1997 through 1999. Certain termination 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
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
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 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
by  all  medical,  health  and  accident insurance  or  other  such  health care
arrangement 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,  dated January 22,  1996,
with Andrea Weiss, pursuant to which Ms. Weiss will serve as President of Retail
Operations  of the  Company for a  term of  two years. Under  the agreement, Ms.
Weiss is entitled  to (i)  a base salary  (currently $375,000);  (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. Guess has an option to extend the term of  employment
for  an additional two years. Upon consummation of the Offerings, Ms. Weiss will
be entitled to participate in the 1996 Equity Plan. If Ms. Weiss's employment is
terminated by Guess 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, which will be comprised  exclusively of non-employee Directors,  each
of  whom  will be  a "disinterested"  person  within the  meaning of  Rule 16b-3
promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act") and, to the  extent applicable, an "outside  director" for the purpose  of
Section  162(m) of the Code.  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  or  other   key  employees,  or
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 Compensation 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 will receive a grant of stock options or stock appreciation
rights  with respect to more  than           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          individuals will initially participate in the 1996 Equity
Plan.
 
    The total number of  shares of Common  Stock that may  be subject to  Awards
under  the 1996  Equity Plan is  10% of the  outstanding Common Stock  as of the
first business day following the Closing Date, or approximately          shares,
including  Awards granted concurrently with the Offerings, 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. To the fullest  extent permitted under  Rule
16b-3 under the Exchange Act and Sections 162(m) and 422 of the Code, 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  Company intends to grant  Awards of options under  the 1996 Equity Plan
with respect to an aggregate of        shares of Common Stock to certain current
employees who have been employed by the  Company or any of its subsidiaries  for
more  than  five years.  The  date of  grant  of such  Awards  will be  the date
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
of the Offerings and  the exercise price  per share will  be the initial  public
offering  price of the  Common Stock in  the Offerings. Each  such Award will be
immediately exercisable and will expire five years after the date of grant.
 
    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 Compensation 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  will generally be based  on (i) length of
service  or  (ii)  the  attainment  of  performance  goals  established  by  the
Compensation  Committee,  PROVIDED that  no Option  granted 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.  The  Compensation  Committee  may also
accelerate the  period  for the  exercise  of any  or  all Options  held  by  an
optionee.  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
Compensation Committee. As determined by the Compensation 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 a "cashless exercise" procedure to be approved by the Compensation
Committee or by  withholding shares of  Common Stock that  would otherwise  have
been received by the optionee.
 
    STOCK  APPRECIATION RIGHTS.  A stock  appreciation right ("SAR") is an Award
entitling the recipient  to receive an  amount equal to  (or subject to  certain
limitations,  less than, if the Compensation 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
was 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 Compensation Committee may determine, but such duration will not
be  greater than ten years. The Compensation Committee may accelerate the period
for the exercise of an SAR unrelated  to an Option. Payment upon exercise of  an
SAR  will be made,  at the election  of the Compensation  Committee, in cash, in
shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof.
 
    The Compensation 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 Compensation
Committee deems appropriate,  including forfeiture  conditions and  restrictions
against   transfer  for  a  period  specified  by  the  Compensation  Committee.
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  Compensation Committee. The Compensation 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
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
Compensation 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 Compensation 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  subject  to  certain  limitations,  less  than,  if  the
Compensation 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 Performance Unit, multiplied by  the
number  of Units, upon  satisfaction of certain  specified performance criteria,
subject to such other terms and  conditions as the Compensation 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  Compensation Committee
deems appropriate. Prior to  the end of a  Performance Period, the  Compensation
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 Compensation  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  Compensation 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 Compensation Committee) to reflect such change will be made to
prevent  dilution or  enlargement of  the 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 Compensation Committee
(as  constituted  prior  to  such  change  in  control)  may  expressly  provide
otherwise:  (i) all  Stock 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 not the surviving corporation (the "Surviving Entity"),
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, which Substitute Option will have the same
terms and conditions as the Predecessor Option, with
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
appropriate adjustments as to the number and kind of shares and exercise prices.
The  above notwithstanding,  any Award  granted to  a person  who is  subject to
Section 16 of the Exchange Act within six (6) 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,  a "change in control" shall have occurred when (A) any person (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),  alone or  together  with its  affiliates  and associates
(collectively, an "Acquiring Person")), shall become the beneficial owner of 20%
or more of the then  outstanding shares of Common  Stock or 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 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)  at least  80% of  the  combined voting  power of  the  voting
securities of the Company or such Surviving Entity 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  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 satisfied by
the issuance of  shares of  Common Stock  or the  payment of  cash or  otherwise
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 or  amend
the 1996 Equity Plan; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that no such amendment, modification 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, 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.  No  Federal income  tax deduction  will  be
allowable  to the employee's  employer upon the  grant or exercise  of such ISO.
However, upon the exercise of an ISO, any excess in the fair market price of the
Common Stock over the Option Price
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
constitutes a  tax  preference  item  which may  have  alternative  minimum  tax
consequences for the employee. When 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 normally  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. 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.
 
    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 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 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
recognized  taxable  income in  respect  of such  shares.  Gain or  loss  upon a
subsequent sale of any Common Stock received upon the exercise of a nonqualified
stock 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 an 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 a
Federal income tax  deduction in  respect of  a NSO in  an amount  equal to  the
ordinary compensation income recognized by the employee.
 
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 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 to purchase         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 during the previous twelve
months will receive a non-qualified option to purchase         additional shares
of Common Stock.
 
    The aggregate  number  of shares  of  Common Stock  that  may be  issued  or
transferred  under the Directors'  Plan is           ,  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. To  the fullest extent permitted  under Rule 16b-3 under
the Exchange Act, any shares of Common  Stock subject to an award which  lapses,
expires  or  is otherwise  terminated without  the issuance  of such  shares may
become available for new Awards.
 
    All options 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 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 option.  However, in the
event of a change in control of the Company (as defined below), (i) all  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 not  the Surviving Entity each  Predecessor Option will be
converted into a  Substitute Option  to acquire  common stock  of the  Surviving
Entity,  which Substitute Option will have the  same terms and conditions as the
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
Predecessor Option, with appropriate  adjustments as to the  number and kind  of
shares  and exercise prices. For  purposes of the Directors'  Plan, a "change in
control" will be deemed to have occurred when (A) any person (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),  alone or  together  with its  affiliates  and associates
(collectively, an "Acquiring Person")), shall become the beneficial owner of 20%
or more of the then outstanding shares  of Common Stock, or 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 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)  at least  80% of  the  combined voting  power of  the  voting
securities of the Company or such Surviving Entity 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  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 price of the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of an option
will be the fair market value of the  Common Stock 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.  As
determined  by the Board  of Directors, 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 exercise  price (or such  portion thereof),  by a "cashless
exercise" procedure to be approved by  the Board of Directors or by  withholding
shares of Common Stock that would otherwise have been received by the optionee.
 
    ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION.    Options  granted  or  to  be  granted  under the
Directors' Plan are nontransferable. Each  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  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 option, whichever period is shorter; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
if such participant dies within  such six-month period, any unexercised  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 option, whichever period is  shorter.
If  any participant  ceases to  be an  eligible director  by reason  of death or
disability, any 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  option,  whichever  period  is  shorter;  PROVIDED,  that  if  a
participant who is disabled  dies within such  one-year period, any  unexercised
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 option,  whichever
period is shorter.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
    Unless  it is terminated at  an earlier date by  the Board of Directors, the
Directors' Plan  shall terminate  ten years  after the  date options  are  first
granted under the 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  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  options previously granted  under the Directors'  Plan
and  any amendment, suspension, modification or  termination will not affect any
participant's right to the shares of stock already purchased.
 
    CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME  TAX CONSEQUENCES  OF OPTIONS.   Although no  Federal
income  tax liability accrues to a participant at the time a non-qualified stock
option is granted, the participant must recognize ordinary income in the year in
which the 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 recognized  taxable income in  respect of such  shares. Gain or
loss upon a subsequent sale of any Common Stock received upon the exercise of  a
nonqualified  stock  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  an 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  income the  participant recognizes  in connection  with the
exercise of  any option.  The deduction  will, in  general, be  allowed for  the
taxable  year of the  Company in which the  participant recognizes such ordinary
income.
 
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 first  quarters ended April 2,  1995 and March 31,  1996
aggregated $73,000 and $78,000, 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.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Company is engaged in various transactions with entities affiliated with
the  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.
 
DISTRIBUTION OF AIRCRAFT
 
    As  a  part  of  the  S Corporation  Distribution,  the  Company  intends to
distribute two aircraft to the Principal Stockholders and lease back one of  the
aircraft  from a company controlled by them ("Lessor"). Such lease is for a term
of   years, renewable at the option  of the Company and the Lessor. The  Company
will bear all costs and expenses of operating and maintaining the aircraft while
under lease. The base rent during the initial lease term will be nominal.
 
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
Principal Stockholders 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 quarter ended March 31, 1996, was $1.7 million,
$1.8  million, $2.1 million  and $416,000, respectively.  In the same respective
periods, the Company purchased $3.7 million, $4.8 million, $6.4 million and $1.2
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 Principal
Stockholders 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 quarter ended March 31,  1996, was $0, $342,000 and
$103,000, respectively. In  the same respective  periods, the Company  purchased
$0,  $254,000 and $68,000 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 Principal Stockholders 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 quarter ended  March 31, 1996  was $480,000 and $292,000,
respectively. During 1993, 1994 and 1995  and the quarter ended March 31,  1996,
the  Company  purchased $0,  $0, $511,000  and $204,000  of products  from Guess
Italia for resale in  the retail division's stores,  and sold $0, $1.1  million,
$399,000 and $72,000 of products, respectively.
 
    During  1993 and 1994, the  Company made advances to  Guess Italia S.r.l. of
$193,199 and $988,517, 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 Principal Stockholders  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 quarter ended March 31, 1996, was
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
$417,000,  $214,000, $264,000 and $80,000,  respectively. In the same respective
periods, the  Company  purchased $23,000,  $201,000,  $505,000 and  $241,000  of
products from Nantucket Industries for resale in the Company's retail stores.
 
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  Principal   Stockholders,  through  their   ownership  of   Marciano
International, and the Company hold indirect ownership interests of 25% and 25%,
respectively.  The  Principal Executive  Officers together  own 100%  of Ranche.
Prior to  consummation  of  the  Offerings, the  ownership  of  Ranche  will  be
transferred  from the Principal Executive Officers to the Company as part of the
Reorganization. In the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1995, and in the  quarter
ended  March 31, 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 quarter  ended
March 31, 1996, was $240,000 and $84,000, 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  May 4,  1996, the  Company  had paid  Newtimes aggregate  commissions of
$110,921. In  connection with  the Reorganization,  the Principal  Stockholders'
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  manufacturing, warehouse  and administrative facilities
and one retail  administrative facility  from partnerships  affiliated with  the
Principal  Stockholders. 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 quarter ended  March 31, 1996  were $2.1 million, $2.6
million, $2.8 million and $625,000, 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 in five annual installments commencing September 1, 1996.
 
    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
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
record  production development. The Company acquired  its 51% interest in equity
of G&C 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.
 
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 Principal Stockholders 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 Principal Stockholders  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 Principal  Stockholders 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.
 
                                       52
<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)..................................................                44.8%                      %
Paul Marciano (3).....................................................                35.5
Armand Marciano (4)...................................................                19.7
All directors and executive officers as a group
 (7 persons)..........................................................               100.0%                      %
</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                , 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)  All of the shares  beneficially owned by Maurice  Marciano are held through
    the Maurice Marciano Trust (1995 Restatement).
 
(3) All of the shares beneficially owned  by Paul Marciano are held through  the
    Paul Marciano Trust under Trust dated February 20, 1986.
 
(4) All of the shares beneficially owned by Armand Marciano are held through the
    Armand Marciano Trust under Trust dated February 20, 1986.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
    Upon  the consummation of the Offerings, the Company will have        shares
of Common Stock outstanding. Of these shares, the        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           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 immediately exercisable options covering  approximately         shares  of
its  Common Stock to certain of its  employees pursuant to the 1996 Equity Plan.
Options covering  approximately       shares  will  be  exercisable  immediately
following  consummation  of the  Offerings. After  such  grant, an  aggregate of
approximately         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.
 
    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."
 
                                       54
<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,  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          shares of
Common Stock, par value $.01 per  share, and         shares of Preferred  Stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock") par value.
 
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.  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. The Restated Certificate does not provide for cumulative
voting in  the  election  of  directors. 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
Company has applied to have the Common Stock listed on the NYSE.
 
    The    transfer   agent   and   registrar    for   the   Common   Stock   is
                        .
 
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
 
    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 at a duly called annual or special
meeting  of  stockholders  or  by written  consent.  Additionally,  the Restated
Certificate and Bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders of  the
Company  may  be called  only by  a majority  of  the Board  of Directors  or an
authorized committee thereof.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
    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 (i) with respect to an annual meeting, 120 calendar
days in advance of the date that  the Company's proxy statement was released  to
stockholders  in connection with the previous year's annual meeting, except that
if no annual meeting was held in the previous year or if the date of the  annual
meeting  has  been  changed  by  more  than  30  calendar  days  from  the  date
contemplated at the  time of the  previous year's proxy  statement, such  notice
must  be received by  the Company a  reasonable time before  the Company's proxy
statement is  to be  released and  (ii) with  respect to  a special  meeting  of
stockholders,  a reasonable time  before the Company's proxy  statement is to be
released. 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  General  Corporation  Law of
Delaware (the "Delaware Corporation Law")  provides that a Delaware  corporation
may  include provisions in  its articles 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.
 
    The Company's  Restated  Certificate and  Bylaws  provide that  the  Company
shall,  to  the fullest  extent permitted  by the  Delaware Corporation  Law, as
amended from  time  to time,  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.
 
                                       56
<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, 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  own 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. A Non-United States Holder
will, if  certain proposed  regulations  become final,  be required  to  satisfy
certain  certification  requirements  in  order  to  claim  treaty  benefits  or
otherwise claim a reduction of or exemption from withholding under the foregoing
rules.
 
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) and the Non-United  States
Holder  holds  or has  held,  directly or  indirectly,  at any  time  during the
five-year period ending on the date of  disposition, more than 5 percent of  the
Common  Stock. 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.
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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.
 
    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 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.
 
                                       58
<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        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 (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
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
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.
 
    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 Underwriters have reserved up to  460,000
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 the  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.
 
                                       60
<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 Guess 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,  information statements and  other
information   with  the  Securities  and   Exchange  Commission.  Such  reports,
information statements  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:  Northwestern Atrium  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, proxy and information statements
and other information can also be inspected at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
    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.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                               <C>
Independent Auditors' Report....................................................     F-2
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1994, 1995 (audited) and March 31,
 1996 and pro forma March 31, 1996 (unaudited)..................................     F-3
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994,
 1995 (audited) and the first quarters ended April 2, 1995 and March 31, 1996
 (unaudited)....................................................................     F-4
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31,
 1993, 1994, 1995 (audited) and first quarters ended April 2, 1995 and March 31,
 1996 (unaudited)...............................................................     F-5
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1993,
 1994, 1995 (audited) and first quarters ended April 2, 1995 and March 31, 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, MARCH 31, 1996 AND PRO FORMA MARCH 31, 1996
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        PRO FORMA
                                                                                                        MARCH 31,
                                                                                           MARCH 31,    1996 (NOTE
                                                                      1994        1995        1996          1)
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Current assets:
  Cash...........................................................  $    5,994  $    6,417  $    8,583   $    8,583
  Receivables:
    Trade receivables, net of reserves aggregating, $10,391,
     $10,849 and $7,563 at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and March
     31, 1996, respectively......................................      23,505      22,886      43,005       43,005
    Royalties....................................................       9,728       9,975       9,540        9,540
    Other........................................................       5,267       4,040       3,163        3,163
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                       38,500      36,901      55,708       55,708
  Inventories (note 3)...........................................      83,772      72,889      90,472       90,472
  Prepaid expenses...............................................       4,837       5,557       5,508        5,508
  Deferred tax assets............................................      --          --          --            4,408
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total current assets.......................................     133,103     121,764     160,271      164,679
 
Property and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation
 and amortization (note 4).......................................      59,725      68,199      66,528       66,528
Long-term investments (note 2)...................................       3,136       3,394       3,404        3,404
Deferred tax assets..............................................      --          --          --            2,929
Other assets, at cost, net of accumulated amortization of $1,800
 and $2,279, $2,361 at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and March 31,
 1996, respectively (note 7).....................................      11,732       9,278       9,064        9,064
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                   $  207,696  $  202,635  $  239,267   $  246,604
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current installments of notes payable and long-term debt (notes
   5 and 7)......................................................  $    4,696  $    4,123  $    5,756   $    5,756
  Accounts payable...............................................      29,840      40,701      43,739       43,739
  Accrued expenses...............................................      14,431      18,332      14,978       14,978
  Income taxes payable (note 6)..................................       1,009       1,036       1,928        1,928
  S corporation distribution notes...............................      --          --          --          168,014
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
      Total current liabilities..................................      49,976      64,192      66,401      234,415
 
Notes payable and long-term debt, net of current installments
 (notes 5 and 7).................................................     151,799     119,212     146,752      146,752
Minority interest................................................          53          75         417          417
Other liabilities................................................       5,495       8,159       8,227        8,227
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                      207,323     191,638     221,797      389,811
Stockholders' equity (notes 7 and 13):
  Common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 2,000,000 shares;
   issued 1,613,650, outstanding 1,000,525, 613,225 shares held
   in Treasury...................................................          35          35          35           35
  Paid-in capital................................................         181         181         181          181
  Retained earnings..............................................     150,948     161,567     168,014        7,337
  Foreign currency translation adjustment........................         (15)        (10)         16           16
  Treasury stock, 613,225 shares repurchased.....................    (150,776)   (150,776)   (150,776)    (150,776)
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
    Net stockholders' equity (deficiency)........................         373      10,997      17,470     (143,207)
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
Commitments, contingencies and subsequent events (notes 5, 9 and
 13).............................................................
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                   $  207,696  $  202,635  $  239,267   $  246,604
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
                                                                   ----------  ----------  ----------  ------------
</TABLE>
 
           See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statement
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
           AND FIRST QUARTERS ENDED APRIL 2, 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            APRIL 2,    MARCH 31,
                                                             1993       1994       1995       1995        1996
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Net revenue:
  Product sales..........................................  $ 491,444  $ 507,462  $ 440,359  $ 113,646   $ 123,275
  Net royalties..........................................     28,780     40,350     46,374     11,257      11,623
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                             520,224    547,812    486,733    124,903     134,898
Cost of sales (note 8)...................................    260,409    291,989    262,142     65,267      70,479
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Gross profit.............................................    259,815    255,823    224,591     59,636      64,419
Selling, general and administrative expenses (note 8)....    145,351    138,016    141,663     34,160      35,232
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Earnings from operations...............................    114,464    117,807     82,928     25,476      29,187
 
Non-operating income (expense):
  Interest, net..........................................    (11,735)   (16,948)   (15,957)    (4,041)     (3,549)
  Other, net.............................................      2,552        322       (157)      (164)       (320)
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                              (9,183)   (16,626)   (16,114)    (4,205)     (3,869)
 
  Earnings before income taxes...........................    105,281    101,181     66,814     21,271      25,318
 
Income taxes (note 6)....................................      1,810      3,540      2,895        559       1,271
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
  Net earnings...........................................  $ 103,471  $  97,641  $  63,919  $  20,712   $  24,047
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
 
Supplemental pro forma financial information (note 1):
Earnings before income taxes, as presented...............  $ 105,281  $ 101,181  $  66,814  $  21,271   $  25,318
Pro forma provision for income taxes (unaudited).........     42,112     40,472     26,726      8,508      10,127
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Pro forma net earnings (unaudited).......................  $  63,169  $  60,709  $  40,088  $  12,763   $  15,191
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                           ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
</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 FIRST QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 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)..................       --            --           24,047       --            --          24,047
  Stockholder distributions
   (unaudited)..............................       --            --          (17,600)      --            --         (17,600)
  Foreign currency translation adj.
   (unaudited)..............................       --            --           --               26        --              26
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
Balance at March 31, 1996
 (unaudited)................................    $      35     $     181   $  168,014    $      16    $ (150,776) $   17,470
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
                                                      ---         -----   ----------          ---    ----------  ----------
</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 FIRST QUARTERS ENDED
                APRIL 2, 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996 (IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                               APRIL 2,    MARCH 31,
                                                                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  $  20,712   $  24,047
  Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided
   by (used in) operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization of property and
     equipment..............................................     10,322     12,070     14,277      3,326       4,282
    Amortization of deferred charges........................        251        515      1,373        496         247
    (Gain) loss on disposition of property and equipment....       (223)       726        814        247          16
    Foreign currency translation adjustment.................        (31)        (5)       (14)        28          15
    Contributions from minority interest....................         29         24         22         31         342
    Undistributed equity method earnings....................     --            (72)      (117)       (46)         (9)
    (Increase) decrease in:
      Receivables...........................................     46,708    (14,628)     1,599    (12,748)    (18,807)
      Inventories...........................................    (20,357)    (3,353)    10,884     10,795     (17,583)
      Prepaid expenses......................................       (245)    (1,516)      (720)        74          49
      Other assets..........................................     (1,620)       180      1,858        112          85
    Increase (decrease) in:
      Accounts payable......................................     (9,259)     8,043     10,861     (6,536)      3,038
      Accrued expenses......................................      1,303     (1,337)     3,658     (3,084)     (3,416)
      Income taxes payable..................................     (2,380)       795         22        475         892
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
        Net cash provided by (used in) operating
         activities.........................................    127,969     99,083    108,436     13,882      (6,802)
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
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)    (5,479)     (2,629)
  Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment...      2,425        172        192         11           2
  Lease incentives granted..................................      1,573      1,503      2,015        305          11
  Purchase of long-term investments.........................     --         (3,136)       (23)      (122)     --
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
        Net cash provided by (used in) investing
         activities.........................................     11,815    (16,240)   (21,573)    (5,285)     (2,616)
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from notes payable and long-term debt............    280,520    222,040    131,193     36,743      55,857
  Proceeds from Bridge Loan.................................     80,000     --         --         --          --
  Repayment of notes payable and long-term debt.............    (99,655)  (254,959)  (164,353)   (30,169)    (26,684)
  Repayments of Bridge Loan.................................    (80,000)    --         --         --          --
  Distributions to stockholders.............................   (117,656)   (47,000)   (53,300)   (17,000)    (17,600)
  Repurchase of treasury stock..............................   (203,458)    --         --         --          --
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
        Net cash provided by (used in) financing
         activities.........................................   (140,249)   (79,919)   (86,460)   (10,426)     11,573
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Effect of exchange rates on cash............................     --             20         20        (28)         11
        Net increase (decrease) in cash.....................       (465)     2,944        423     (1,857)      2,166
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  $   4,137   $   8,583
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
Supplemental disclosures:
  Cash paid during the period for:
    Interest................................................  $   7,189  $  16,380  $  15,396  $   6,665   $   5,619
    Income taxes............................................      4,259      2,879      1,925        244         357
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                              ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------
</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 MARCH 31, 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, BV.  The
Company  has a 79% and  50% interest in Guess,  Italia, S.r.l. and Guess Europe,
BV, respectively. The  remaining 21% of  Guess Italia,  Srl and 50%  of Guess  ?
Europe,  BV 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  March 31, 1996  and for the
quarters ended April 2, 1995 and  March 31, 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  March  31, 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 26 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, $477,000
and $522,000 for 1993, 1994, 1995 and the quarters ended April 2, 1995 and March
31, 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.
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                 DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
    SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
 
    Individual customers aggregating  in excess of  10% of net  revenue for  the
years  ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the first quarters ended April
2, 1995 and March 31, 1996 are summarized as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   FIRST QUARTER ENDED,
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                --------------------------
                                                               -------------------------------   APRIL 2,      MARCH 31,
                                                                 1993       1994       1995        1995          1996
                                                               ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Customer A...................................................       11.5%      10.3%      11.0%       12.2%          9.0%
</TABLE>
 
    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 just prior to
the consummation of the Offerings, it will record an earnings benefit  resulting
from the establishment of net deferred tax assets. The
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                 DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996
 
1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
amount  of the  benefit to be  recorded (approximately $7,337,000)  at March 31,
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 BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 
    Pro  forma balance sheet information as of March 31, 1996 has been presented
to reflect i) the S  corporation distribution to be made  in an amount equal  to
the  previously earned and undistributed  taxable S corporation earnings through
the date  of  termination of  the  Company's S  corporation  status as  if  such
distribution  had been made  at March 31,  1996 and the  Company's S corporation
status had been terminated at such date  and ii) an estimated $7,337,000 of  net
deferred  tax  assets  that  would  have  been  recorded  had  the  Company's  S
corporation status been terminated on March 31, 1996.
 
    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 March 31, 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.
 
    RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
    Certain  reclassifications  have  been  made  to  the  1993,  1994  and 1995
financial statements to conform to the March 31, 1996 presentation.
 
2.  INVESTMENTS
    Long-term investments consist of  equity securities aggregating  $3,136,000,
$3,394,000  and $3,404,000  at December  31, 1994 and  1995 and  March 31, 1996,
respectively.
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                 DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996
 
3.  INVENTORIES
    Inventories at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and March 31, 1996 are  summarized
as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1994       1995
                                                                       ---------  ---------   MARCH 31,
                                                                                                1996
                                                                                             -----------
                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Raw materials........................................................  $  17,047  $   9,788   $  12,695
Work in process......................................................     14,032     11,264      12,687
Finished goods.......................................................     52,693     51,837      65,090
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                       $  83,772  $  72,889   $  90,472
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
4.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
    Property  and equipment at December 31, 1994  and 1995 and March 31, 1996 is
summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1994       1995
                                                                       ---------  ---------   MARCH 31,
                                                                                                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      37,007
Machinery and equipment..............................................     40,389     48,279      49,446
Corporate aircraft...................................................     18,324     19,138      20,306
Construction in progress.............................................        363      2,269       1,450
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                          98,706    119,920     122,384
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.......................     38,981     51,721      55,856
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                       $  59,725  $  68,199   $  66,528
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
                                                                       ---------  ---------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
    Construction in progress at  December 31, 1994 and  1995 and March 31,  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 MARCH 31, 1996
 
5.  NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
    Notes payable and long-term debt at December 31, 1994 and 1995 and March 31,
1996 are summarized as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 1994        1995
                                                                              ----------  ----------   MARCH 31,
                                                                                                         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, 6.86% in the quarter ended March
 31, 1996 and payable monthly...............................................      35,000      13,000      40,800
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       1,615
Other, including capitalized leases.........................................       2,101       3,536       5,093
                                                                              ----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                                 156,495     123,335     152,508
Less current installments...................................................       4,696       4,123       5,756
                                                                              ----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                              $  151,799  $  119,212   $ 146,752
                                                                              ----------  ----------  -----------
                                                                              ----------  ----------  -----------
</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 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  $11.1
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 MARCH 31, 1996
 
6.  INCOME TAXES
    The provision for state income taxes for the years ended December 31,  1993,
1994 and 1995 consists of the following (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        APRIL 2,     MARCH 31,
                                                        1993       1994       1995        1995         1996
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>
Current income tax..................................  $   3,014  $   3,540  $   2,895   $     559    $   1,271
Deferred tax benefit................................     (1,204)    --         --          --           --
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------       -----   -----------
                                                      $   1,810  $   3,540  $   2,895   $     559    $   1,271
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------       -----   -----------
                                                      ---------  ---------  ---------       -----   -----------
</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  613,225 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  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 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
the Principal  Executive  Officers.  The  Company  believes  that  each  of  the
companies,  in which the  Existing Stockholders 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.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                 DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996
 
8.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
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
Principal Stockholders 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  quarter ended March 31, 1996, was $1,707,000,
$1,893,000, $2,117,000  and  $416,000,  respectively.  In  the  same  respective
periods, the Company purchased $3,715,000, $4,814,000, $6,375,000 and $1,192,000
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 Principal
Stockholders 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 quarter ended March 31,  1996, was $0, $342,000 and
$103,000, respectively. In  the same respective  periods, the Company  purchased
$0,  $254,000 and $68,000 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 Principal Stockholders, 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 quarter ended March  31, 1996, was $480,000  and
$292,000,  respectively. During 1993, 1994 and  1995 and the quarter ended March
31, 1996, the Company purchased $0,  $0, $511,000 and $204,000 of products  from
Guess  Italia  for  resale  in  the  retail  division's  stores,  and  sold  $0,
$1,100,000, $399,000 and $72,000 of products, respectively.
 
    On May  3, 1994,  the Company  entered into  an agreement  with Ranche  Ltd.
("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. The Principal
Stockholders together own  100% of  Ranche. At the  time of  the Offerings,  the
ownership  of Ranche will be transferred  from the Principal Stockholders to the
Company. In the fiscal year  ended December 31, 1995,  and in the quarter  ended
March  31, 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 quarter
ended March 31, 1996, was $240,000 and $84,000, respectively.
 
    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 Principal Stockholders 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 quarter ended March 31, 1996, was
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                 DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996
 
8.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
$417,000, $214,000, $264,000 and $80,000,  respectively. In the same  respective
periods,  the  Company purchased  $23,000,  $201,000, $505,000  and  $241,000 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
principal stockholders. 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  quarters  ended  April 2,  1995  and  March  31,  1996  were
$2,065,000, $2,610,000, $2,803,000, $625,000 and $625,000, 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 first  quarters ended April  2, 1995  and
March 31, 1996 aggregated $4,822,000 and $6,186,000, 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
position or the results of its operations.
 
10. SAVINGS PLAN
    On January 1, 1992,  the Company established the  Guess ? Inc. Savings  Plan
(the  "Plan") under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the Plan,
associates may contribute up  to 15% of their  compensation per year subject  to
the   elective  limits  as  defined  by  IRS  guidelines  and  the  Company  may
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                 DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996
 
10. SAVINGS PLAN (CONTINUED)
make matching contributions  in amounts not  to exceed 1.5%  of the  associates'
annual  compensation. The Company's  contributions to the  Plan during the years
ended December  31,  1993,  1994  and 1995  aggregated  $221,000,  $213,000  and
$261,000,  respectively.  Contributions to  the Plan  during the  first quarters
ended April  2,  1995  and  March  31,  1996  aggregated  $73,000  and  $78,000,
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...........................................      59,638      49,207      59,148      56,598
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      17,323      15,222
Net earnings...........................................      12,763       7,799      10,394       9,132
</TABLE>
 
12. INTERNATIONAL REVENUE
    Net revenue is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31,  1993,
1994 and 1995 and the first quarters ended April 2, 1995 and March 31, 1996:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  FIRST QUARTER ENDED
                                                                                 ----------------------
                                                                                  APRIL 2,   MARCH 31,
                                                1993        1994        1995        1995        1996
                                             ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
Domestic...................................  $  506,301  $  527,296  $  452,944  $  115,831  $  116,226
International..............................      13,923      20,516      33,789       9,072      18,672
                                             ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                             $  520,224  $  547,812  $  486,733  $  124,903  $  134,898
                                             ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
                                             ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------  ----------
</TABLE>
 
    International  revenue  includes  domestic sales  to  international markets,
sales of product from international subsidiaries and net royalties from  foreign
licenses.
 
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,
Inc.,  a  Delaware corporation  owned by  the  Principal Stockholders  and which
currently  holds  an   interest  in   the  subsidiaries   of  Guess   ("Marciano
International"),  will be merged  with and into  Guess, (ii) all  of the capital
stock of Ranche, Ltd.,
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
                         GUESS ?, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                 DECEMBER 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND MARCH 31, 1996
 
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (CONTINUED)
a Hong Kong company owned by the Principal Stockholders, will be contributed  to
Guess  Europe, (iii) the Company  will effect a stock  split of the Common Stock
and (iv) as  part of  the S Corporation  Distribution (as  defined herein),  the
Company  will distribute to the Principal Stockholders two aircraft owned by the
Company. All of such transactions are referred to as the "Reorganization".
 
    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 date of termination of  the
Company's  S  corporation  status  (the  "S  Corporation  Distribution").  The S
Corporation Distribution will occur prior to the S Termination Date and will  be
comprised  of  the Company's  two aircraft  (with a  value of  approximately $10
million) and  promissory  notes  bearing  interest  at  8%  per  annum  (the  "S
Distribution  Notes"). Guess estimates that  such undistributed earnings will be
between $180.0 million and  $190.0 million as of  the Closing Date, including  a
gain  expected  to  be recognized  upon  the  disposition of  the  Company's two
aircraft. On and after the S  Termination Date of such termination, the  Company
will  no longer be treated  as an S corporation  and, accordingly, will be fully
subject to Federal and state income taxes.
 
                                      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............................          11
Use of Proceeds................................          12
Dividend Policy................................          12
Capitalization.................................          13
Dilution.......................................          14
Selected Financial Data........................          15
Selected Pro Forma Financial Data..............          17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations....................................          18
Business.......................................          27
Management.....................................          39
Certain Transactions...........................          50
Principal Stockholders.........................          53
Shares Eligible for Future Sale................          54
Description of Capital Stock...................          55
Certain United States Federal Tax Consequences
 to Non-United States Holders..................          57
Underwriting...................................          59
Legal Matters..................................          61
Experts........................................          61
Additional Information.........................          61
Index to Financial Statements..................         F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                 --------------
 
    UNTIL               , 1996 (25 DAYS AFTER  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISTRIBUTION,  MAY BE REQUIRED  TO DELIVER A  PROSPECTUS. THIS  DELIVERY
REQUIREMENT  IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS
WHEN ACTING  AS UNDERWRITERS  AND WITH  RESPECT TO  THEIR UNSOLD  ALLOTMENTS  OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                                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 MAY 24, 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  Company intends to make application to list the Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange.
 
    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 the  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 $         .
 
(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           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
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
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 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 will not for a period of six months following consummation of the  Offerings
offer  or sell, in  the United Kingdom by  means of any  document, any shares of
Common Stock offered  hereby, other  than to persons  whose ordinary  activities
involve  them in  acquiring, holding, managing  or disposing  of investments (as
principal or  agent)  for  the  purpose of  their  businesses  or  otherwise  in
circumstances  that do not constitute an offer  to the public 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 of
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 to any person in the  United
Kingdom  any document received by it in  connection with the issue of the shares
of Common Stock if that person is of a kind described in Article [9(3)/11(3)] of
the Financial Services Act  1986 (Investment Advertisements) (Exemptions)  Order
1995,  as amended, or is a person to whom the 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 Underwriters have reserved up to  460,000
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            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
        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
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
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 the  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.
 
                                       61
<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.
 
                                 --------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PAGE
                                                    -----
<S>                                              <C>
Prospectus Summary.............................           3
Risk Factors...................................           7
The Reorganization and Prior S Corporation
 Status........................................          11
Use of Proceeds................................          12
Dividend Policy................................          12
Capitalization.................................          13
Dilution.......................................          14
Selected Financial Data........................          15
Selected Pro Forma Financial Data..............          17
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
 Financial Condition and Results of
 Operations....................................          18
Business.......................................          27
Management.....................................          39
Certain Transactions...........................          50
Principal Stockholders.........................          53
Shares Eligible for Future Sale................          54
Description of Capital Stock...................          55
Certain United States Federal Tax Consequences
 to Non-United States Holders..................          57
Underwriting...................................          59
Legal Matters..................................          61
Experts........................................          61
Additional Information.........................          61
Index to Financial Statements..................         F-1
</TABLE>
 
                                 --------------
 
    UNTIL               , 1996 (25 DAYS AFTER  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS), ALL
DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THIS DISTRIBUTION,  MAY BE REQUIRED  TO DELIVER A  PROSPECTUS. THIS  DELIVERY
REQUIREMENT  IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS
WHEN ACTING  AS UNDERWRITERS  AND WITH  RESPECT TO  THEIR UNSOLD  ALLOTMENTS  OR
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
 
                                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..................................................          *
Blue sky fees.....................................................          *
Printing and engraving expenses...................................          *
Accountants' fees and expenses....................................          *
Attorneys' fees and expenses......................................          *
Transfer agent fees...............................................          *
Miscellaneous.....................................................          *
                                                                    ---------
  Total...........................................................  $       *
                                                                    ---------
                                                                    ---------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*To be provided by amendment.
 
ITEM 14.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
    Pursuant  to Section  145 of  the General  Corporation Law  of Delaware (the
"Delaware  Corporation  Law"),  Article  VI  of  the  Restated  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 the defense  or settlement of  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 a director or officer  of the Registrant 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  the defense  or settlement of  such legal  proceeding if he
acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believes 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, however, 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 VI  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, agent,  or employee, at  another corporation, partnership  or
other enterprise at the request of the Registrant.
 
    Pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware Corporation Law, Article Fifth
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 this 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. The aforesaid provision
also eliminates  the  liability  of  any  stockholder  for  managerial  acts  or
omissions,  pursuant to Section 350 of the Delaware Corporation Law of any other
provision of Delaware law, to the same extent that such liability is limited for
a director.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>
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 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  "Old
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
"Act"), in  reliance  on  Section  4(2)  of the  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 Old Notes, Merrill Lynch agreed to
offer and  sell the  Old  Notes only  to  "qualified institutional  buyers"  (as
defined  in  Rule  144A  under  the  Act),  a  limited  number  of institutional
"accredited investors" (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under  the
Act)  and pursuant  to offers  and sales  that occur  outside the  United States
within the meaning of  Regulation S under the  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.  Restated 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, dated
                       , 1996.
    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)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT
 NUMBER                                 DESCRIPTION
- ---------  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>        <S>
    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)
    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 between
            the Registrant and The First National Bank of Boston, dated December
            22, 1995. (5)
   *10.21. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan.
   *10.22. 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.
   *10.23. Aircraft lease 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 (contained on page II-5).
</TABLE>
 
    (b) Financial Statement Schedule:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DESCRIPTION
                                   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                                <S>
                    * Schedule II                        Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*   To be provided by amendment.
 
(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.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
(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 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 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>
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY
 
    Each  person whose signature appears  below constitutes and appoints Maurice
Marciano, Paul  Marciano  and Roger  A.  Williams his  or  her true  and  lawful
attorneys-in-fact   and  agents,  each   acting  alone,  with   full  powers  of
substitution and resubstitution, for him  or her and in  his or her name,  place
and  stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective  amendments)  to  this  Registration  Statement  or  any  related
registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b), and to file the same, with
all  exhibits thereto,  and other  documents in  connection therewith,  with the
Securities and  Exchange Commission,  granting unto  said attorneys-in-fact  and
agents,  each acting alone, full power and  authority to do and perform each and
every act  and  thing requisite  and  necessary to  be  done in  and  about  the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in
person,  hereby  ratifying and  confirming all  that said  attorneys-in-fact and
agents, each acting alone, or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully
do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
 
                                   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 May 23, 1996.
 
                                          GUESS ?, INC.
 
                                          By:        /s/ MAURICE MARCIANO
 
                                             -----------------------------------
                                              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,
       /s/ MAURICE MARCIANO           Chief Executive Officer
- -----------------------------------   and Director (Principal     May 23, 1996
         Maurice Marciano             Executive Officer)
 
         /s/ PAUL MARCIANO           President, Chief
- -----------------------------------   Operating Officer and       May 23, 1996
           Paul Marciano              Director
 
        /s/ ARMAND MARCIANO          Senior Executive Vice
- -----------------------------------   President, Secretary and    May 23, 1996
          Armand Marciano             Director
 
       /s/ ROGER A. WILLIAMS         Chief Financial Officer
- -----------------------------------   (Principal Financial and    May 23, 1996
         Roger A. Williams            Accounting Officer)
 
                                      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.  Restated 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, dated            , 1996.
    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)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBIT                                                                                          SEQUENTIALLY
 NUMBER                                         DESCRIPTION                                        NUMBER PAGE
- ---------  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------
   10.14.  Amendment No. 3 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated July 18, 1994, among the
            parties thereto. (4)
<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 between the Registrant
            and The First National Bank of Boston, dated December 22, 1995. (5)
  *10.21.  1996 Equity Incentive Plan.
  *10.22.  1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan.
  *10.23.  Aircraft lease 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 (contained on page II-5).
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
*   To be provided by amendment.
 
(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 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 heading "Experts" in the prospectus.
 
                                          KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
 
Los Angeles, California
May 24, 1996


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