Jordan, a division of Nike, Inc. has appointed apparel industry veterans Fran Boller as the new Business Director of Apparel and Gemo Wong as Apparel Design Director. In their new roles, Boller will oversee the overall design, development and merchandising for Jordan's entire apparel division, while Wong will oversee apparel design on both Jordan Sport and Jordan Lifestyle product segments. Both will work closely with footwear and image teams to set the direction for future Jordan product.
Boller and Wong bring a wealth of leadership and fashion expertise to Jordan's apparel team, having worked for some of the industry's top urban brands. Combined, they have worked with Phat Farm, Sean Jean, Marithe + Francois Girbaud, Timberland, Enyce and others.
“Fran's and Gemo's arrival marks an exciting new phase in the direction of the Jordan brand,” says Larry Miller, president of Jordan. “We've listened to our consumers and retailers, and believe we now have the design, sales and management teams in place to deliver on the promise the brand has long held on the apparel side of our business.”
With 16 years of fashion experience, the industry-savvy Boller's experience will play a pivotal role in taking Jordan to new creative heights. Prior to joining Jordan, Boller was Vice President of the men's division for G-III Apparel Group in New York, designer and manufacturer of leather and textile outerwear. During her 15-year tenure with the company, Boller played a principal role in overseeing design, sales, production and merchandising for renowned brands such as Sean John, Timberland and others.
An industry veteran with nearly 10 years of fashion experience, Wong's design expertise will make an immediate impact on the future style and look of the Jordan brand's apparel. Prior to joining Jordan, Wong held the position of Design Director for Girbaud in New York, where he was responsible for all US-based designs including denims, knits, wovens, etc. — all fabrics the Jordan brand will continue to emphasize in its new apparel designs.
Originally from New York and a former basketball player, Boller graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in International Marketing. Wong, who is originally from Chicago and is an avid Jordan fan, received his Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design from the Art Institute of Chicago.
Since its inception in 1997 — the Jordan brand has grown to an approximately $500 million business. From its fiscal year 2001 to fiscal year 2003 (June 1 – May 31), Jordan's apparel business grew 288%.
