The story of Guess
The Marciano brothers came from the south of France and started Guess in Los Angeles in 1981. Their stonewashed denim and black-and-white campaigns filled magazines through the 1980s. The fragrances have changed hands several times. Parlux held the licence first. Coty took over after a 2009 deal, and Seductive was the first launch of that era. In 2017 Coty dropped around ten licences, Guess among them. Inter Parfums then signed a fifteen-year worldwide contract that began on 1 April 2018. The new licensee put its weight behind Guess 1981, in women's and men's versions. In January 2026 the deal was extended to the end of 2048. Guess stays in the accessible bracket, sold in department stores and drugstores alike.
An olfactory signature
Guess is not chasing rarity. Its scents are easy to read from the first spray. The women's side tends to be fruity and vanilla. The men's side leans aromatic and woody. Seductive puts a sugared fruit on a creamy vanilla base. Guess Girl and Guess Dare play the same card more lightly. The 1981 line changes tone. The women's version rests on violet and soft woods, quieter than the rest of the range. Guess 1981 for Men follows with a clean aromatic wood. Bella Vita swings back to something sunnier.
Which Guess perfume to choose?
For a first buy, Seductive is the safe pick. It is sweet without overdoing it and wins people over fast. Guess Girl and Guess Girl Belle are younger and fruitier. Guess Dare goes the same way with more fizz. If the range feels too sugary, smell Guess 1981. It is the most restrained thing the brand makes. Bella Vita is warmer and better at night. For men, Seductive Homme works for going out and Guess 1981 for Men for the office. These eaux de toilette last moderately, so add a spray in summer.