Unveiling Success: The Story of Paul Marciano and the Fashion Empire
Biography of Paul Marciano
Paul Marciano, born around 1952, is a prominent figure in
the fashion industry, known for his roles as a fashion designer, businessman,
investor, and philanthropist.
One of Marciano's most notable achievements is co-founding
Guess? Inc, a renowned fashion brand. The company gained recognition for its
distinctive black-and-white advertisements, which have garnered numerous
prestigious Clio awards. Initially, Guess? Inc was managed by all four Marciano
brothers: Paul, Armand, Maurice, and Georges. However, today, the company and
its associated lines, including Marciano and G by Guess, are overseen by Paul
and Maurice.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Paul Marciano is also
recognized for his philanthropic contributions. He is a significant benefactor
of Em Habanim, one of the larger Sephardic synagogues located in Los Angeles.
Through his philanthropy, Marciano supports various charitable causes and
initiatives within his community.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Paul Marciano, born around 1952 in Debdou, French Morocco,
hails from a Jewish family. He was raised in Marseille, France, alongside his
four siblings: Georges, Armand, Maurice, and Jacqueline. Marciano's family has
a strong religious background—his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather
all served as rabbis. The family resided in an apartment within a synagogue
complex.
Youth and Boyhood Activities
During his formative years, from ages 8 to 15, Paul,
together with his brothers, was actively involved in the Éclaireurs israelites
de France, a Jewish boy scout group based in the same complex where they lived.
However, at the age of 15, Marciano encountered a significant setback when he
and a friend were involved in a motorcycle accident, colliding with an oncoming
car. This accident left him with severe injuries, and doctors initially doubted
he would walk again. Subsequently, Marciano spent seven months confined to a
wheelchair. Despite the prognosis, he persevered and regained full mobility
after a year and a half. However, due to his extended absence from school, he
faced challenges in returning to his studies.
Life Altering Decision and Journey to Israel
Unable to resume his education, Marciano made the life-altering decision to travel to Israel. He settled in a kibbutz, seeking a new path and opportunities for personal growth and development.
MGA
Entrepreneurial Ventures: MGA
Paul Marciano contributed to his family's clothing business,
MGA, an acronym representing the names Maurice, Georges, and Armand. The
company operated multiple shops in the French Riviera, catering to a discerning
clientele.
Exploration of Opportunities in California
In 1977, Marciano, along with his brothers Paul, Georges,
Armand, and Maurice, embarked on a visit to Southern California. During their
extended stay, they developed a deep appreciation for the region and recognized
its potential for their business ventures.
Relocation to the United States
Following significant political changes in France,
particularly the ascent of socialist François Mitterrand to power in 1981, the
Marciano brothers made the pivotal decision to close MGA and relocate to the
United States. They also operated an MGA outlet on Little Santa Monica in
Beverly Hills during the early 1980s.
Unveiling Success: The Story of Paul Marciano and the Fashion Empire
Guess? Inc
The Birth of Guess
Shortly after their move to the United States, the Marciano
brothers capitalized on their entrepreneurial spirit and founded the iconic
clothing brand Guess. This venture marked the beginning of a global phenomenon,
establishing Guess as a renowned and beloved fashion label worldwide.
Founding of Guess Jeans
In 1981, the Marciano brothers embarked on a new venture and
established Guess Jeans, marking the inception of a renowned fashion brand.
Partnership and Legal Dispute
Two years later, in 1983, the Marcianos sold a 50% stake in
Guess Jeans to the Nakash Brothers of New York, consisting of Joseph
"Joe" Nakash, Abraham "Avi" Nakash, and Raphael
"Ralph" Nakash. However, the joint venture encountered difficulties,
leading to a legal dispute.
Legal Resolution
By 1989, a California superior court jury ruled that the
Nakash brothers had fraudulently enticed the Marcianos into the deal.
Consequently, the Nakash brothers settled for $66 million of the $106 million
escrowed profits. Additionally, they acquired the brand name
"Gasoline," while the Marciano brothers retained ownership of the
brand "Diesel."
Leadership Transition
Paul Marciano initially assumed responsibilities in
advertising and public relations for Guess. Subsequently, in 1993, he ascended
to the position of president and chief operating officer of the company,
playing a pivotal role in its operations and development.
Ownership and Allegations
By 2004, Paul and Maurice Marciano collectively owned close
to 70 percent of the company's shares. However, Paul Marciano's tenure as CEO
faced turbulence when he stepped down in June 2018 amidst allegations of sexual
assault by Kate Upton and four other women. These allegations were settled for
$500,000. Prior to this, Marciano had faced accusations of sexual harassment in
2008 and 2009.
Continued Involvement
Following his resignation as CEO, Paul Marciano assumed the
role of Executive Chairman at Guess, while retaining his position as the
company's chief creative officer, maintaining his involvement in the brand's
creative direction and initiatives.
Different Ventures
Venturing Beyond Fashion
In 2013, Paul Marciano, alongside his brother Maurice,
embarked on a new business endeavor by teaming up with Steve Tisch and World
Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to support Hero Ventures, an entertainment
start-up based in Los Angeles.
Collaborative Investment
The Marciano brothers, along with their partners, pooled
their resources and expertise to back Hero Ventures, demonstrating their
interest and involvement in ventures beyond the realm of fashion.
Diversification of Portfolio
Through their investment in Hero Ventures, Paul and Maurice
Marciano expanded their portfolio into the entertainment industry, diversifying
their business interests and exploring new avenues for growth and innovation.
Politics
Political Donations and Affiliation Shift
Before 2016, Paul Marciano predominantly supported
Democratic political candidates through his donations. However, a notable shift
occurred in his political affiliations thereafter.
Transition to Republican Support
Since 2016, Marciano ceased his support for Democratic
candidates and redirected his donations towards Republican candidates. This
change in political allegiance is evidenced by his contributions, totaling over
$20,000, to various Republican candidates.
Support for Donald Trump
Among his Republican donations, Marciano notably contributed
the maximum amount allowed by law, $2,700, to Donald Trump, the Republican
nominee for President in 2016. This financial support reflects Marciano's
alignment with the Republican Party and its key figures.
Personal Life
Marital History and Family Life
Paul Marciano has experienced two marriages throughout his
life, each contributing to his personal journey and family dynamics.
First Marriage to Kymberly Marciano
Initially, Paul was married to model and photographer
Kymberly Marciano. Together, they shared the joys of parenthood, raising two
children named Nicolai, born in 1996, and Ella, born in 1994. However, their
marital relationship eventually came to an end, leading to divorce.
Second Marriage to Mareva Georges
In 2016, Paul Marciano embarked on a new chapter in his
personal life by marrying Mareva Georges, a French model renowned for her
accolades as Miss Tahiti 1990 and Miss France 1991. Their wedding took place in
the picturesque setting of Bora Bora, marking the beginning of their journey
together as a couple.
Expanding the Family
With Mareva Georges, Paul Marciano welcomed two additional
children into their family. They are blessed with a son named Ryan, born in
2005, and a daughter named Gia, born in 2012. Together, they form a close-knit
family unit, sharing their lives and experiences in the vibrant city of Los
Angeles.
Mareva Georges' Advocacy Work
Beyond her role as a mother and wife, Mareva Georges is
actively involved in advocacy work, particularly in championing the protection
of children and women from abuse. Her commitment to this cause reflects the
couple's shared values and dedication to making a positive impact in their
community.
Philanthropy
Establishment of the Marciano Art Foundation
In 2013, the Maurice and Paul Marciano Art Foundation made a
significant investment of $8 million to acquire the former Scottish Rite
Masonic Temple located on Wilshire Boulevard. The brothers envisioned
transforming this space into a private museum, collaborating with architect
Kulapat Yantrasast to bring their vision to life.
Ambitious Museum Project
Spanning an impressive 90,000 square feet across four
floors, the museum rivaled the size of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los
Angeles. Its purpose was to serve as a repository for the Marcianos' extensive
collection, boasting over 1,000 art pieces.
Temporary Halt and Resolution
Due to potential conflicts of interest arising from Maurice
Marciano's co-chairmanship of MOCA, the project underwent a temporary
suspension. However, following careful deliberation, the museum eventually
opened its doors to the public in 2017, fulfilling the Marcianos' vision of
establishing a cultural institution to showcase their art collection.
Labor Dispute
Despite its cultural contributions, the Marciano Art
Foundation faced challenges in November 2019 when a petition was filed with the
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on behalf of approximately 70 employees,
including visitor services associates, seeking higher wages than the California
minimum wage. Subsequently, all visitor services associates were laid off,
prompting allegations of illegal discrimination against the foundation by labor
organizers.
Support for Israel Defense Forces
In 2014, Paul and Maurice Marciano demonstrated their
commitment to philanthropy by donating $5.2 million to the Friends of the
Israel Defense Forces, contributing to the organization's efforts in supporting
members of the Israeli military.
