François Girbaud

Husband and wife team François and Marithé Girbaud founded their company in Paris in 1964.

After the rollout of several successful jeans collections featuring stonewashed treatments and other industrialized washes, the duo opened their first retail store in Paris in 1972. Five years later, the brand became internationally recognized for driving the baggy jean trend, and by the mid 1980's, Marithé + François Girbaud had successfully captured American consumers. Around the same time, the company celebrated the opening of its first flagship store in Paris.

Throughout the years, Mr. and Ms. Girbaud have made notable contributions to the industry by pioneering new washes, treatments and technologies -- like the Wattwash eco-friendly manufacturing process -- that have continually pushed the envelope.

The Girbauds have also taken an active role in the marketing of their products, creating unique ways to reach consumers through shock-and-awe campaigns and creative collaborations, including a partnership with Cirque du Soleil for a New York fashion show in 1997.

In 2010, the brand unveiled Montmarcel in Paris, a unique retail concept that features all of the Marithé + François Girbaud collections in one store.