There is an ease to Marianne McDonald’s presence—a rare beauty that naturally turns heads. She’s always impeccably dressed, yet it is her intelligence and humility that prove most striking. She embodies the essence of Citizens of Humanity, the fashion brand she represents, with its refined, timeless style that highlights rather than eclipses the individual.
“I was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Eugene, Oregon,” Marianne shares. “It was ultra casual, a little bit granola. But my mom loved fashion. She was probably the most stylish woman of her peers, and I loved that.”
Weekend mall trips with her mother sparked a fascination with clothing—one that stayed with her even as she pursued an English literature degree at the University of Oregon. After graduation, Marianne and her best friend pooled their graduation money, packed a U-Haul and headed for Los Angeles.
Their first apartment was a tiny one-bedroom above Erewhon on Beverly Boulevard. “We had like $20 in our checking account and would go to Chateau Marmont to split a cocktail,” she laughs.
Her first step into the fashion world was at Guess Jeans, working in licensing. “I saw the people working in design, and my jaw literally dropped,” she remembers. “I couldn’t believe they got paid to do that for a living. I was so jealous.”
“I think the lifestyle here definitely plays into the aesthetic. Women need pieces they feel incredible in but that are easy to wear and can transition seamlessly from day to night.”
Determined, she enrolled in classes at Otis College of Art and Design to learn how to draw. With guidance from a mentor, she made the leap from licensing to design. From there, she dove into the booming world of premium denim at Joe’s Jeans, riding a wave of explosive growth. Later she relocated to New York to work with Patrick Robinson at Gap, where she helped launch the iconic 1969 denim line.
“It was such a great experience working in a huge corporate environment, especially being from the West Coast,” she says. “The sensibility there was so different.”
New York also brought love, marriage and eventually motherhood. After the birth of her first child, Marianne left her corporate role and began sketching ideas for her own brand—ideas that would evolve into McGuire Denim.
“I started from nothing,” she explains. “It was my husband, Coby, my mom and me. We were in 350 stores worldwide, had 26 employees, and I did everything from managing design to payroll. It was amazing, but denim is capital-intensive. Eventually we chose to sell.”
That same year, opportunity knocked again. Citizens of Humanity’s CEO, Amy Williams, invited Marianne to breakfast at the Brentwood Country Mart. “We sat there and talked about the brand for 2½ hours,” she recalls. “Later that afternoon, I accepted the job.”
Six years later, Marianne is the creative director for both men’s and women’s style at Citizens of Humanity. What began as a denim line has expanded into full ready-to-wear collections sold globally. “It feels very similar to what the aesthetic was at McGuire, only now it’s a way bigger platform,” she says.
Her approach to design is deeply rooted in lifestyle—specifically the laid-back yet polished South Bay sensibility. Since moving to Manhattan Beach in 2013, she’s drawn inspiration from the unique blend of nature, cosmopolitan energy and community.
“I think the lifestyle here definitely plays into the aesthetic. Women need pieces they feel incredible in but that are easy to wear and can transition seamlessly from day to night.”
Marianne has a front-row seat to fashion’s evolution, and her latest spring collection reflects a shift toward optimism. “Maybe it’s because world events have been so heavy. People want escapism, something less serious,” she says. “For us, that meant color—peaches, pinks, soft yellows—balanced with neutrals and vintage denim. Feminine, fresh and fun.”
Her work at Citizens is as dynamic as it is creative—overseeing design, attending fittings, participating in global press events, collaborating on campaigns and scouring vintage markets in Paris.
“It’s dynamic. It’s not just sitting at a desk,” she says. “And I love the transformational power of clothing and how it can change your vibe and your outlook. There are not many things in life that are that instantly transformative.”
The brand’s growth has been exhilarating to witness. Citizens now boasts showrooms in Milan and Paris, and earlier this year Marianne traveled to Sydney for a launch there. “Being in Sydney reminded me so much of Manhattan Beach. It’s this convergence of fashion, joy and nature.”
Marianne’s leadership extends beyond Citizens of Humanity. She serves on the board of Skin Laundry, the fast-growing skin care brand redefining the beauty space. She also sits on the board of the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences, giving back to the institution where her creative journey first began.
But for Marianne, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing her designs out in the world. “It never gets old knowing that someone put it on and felt great in it. That’s what makes me happiest.”
A powerhouse at both the office and home, Marianne does all this while raising four children. “Sometimes it’s intense,” she admits. “In my circle, I probably only know four women who work. But most of them are in creative fields; it’s the kind of work that inspires you enough to stay in it after kids.”
The combination of Citizens’ women-led culture and the incredible support of Marianne’s husband helps maintain that balance. “Family comes first, but excellence is expected. It’s rare to find both,” she says.
Manhattan Beach has been Marianne’s home since 2013. “I never looked back,” she says. “The fact that my kids can ride their bikes to Downtown Manhattan Beach, go to the beach and have that independence in a safe, beautiful place—it’s a gift. There’s this naturalness here that makes people happy and grounded. I’m grateful for it every day.”
Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Shopping & Dining Guide
Hermosa Beach invites you to explore its charm. Discover unique shops, coastal dining and local favorites in this Shopping & Dining Guide—your passport to the South Bay’s beachside lifestyle.
