WS Chronicle

Above: Jalen Rose, sports analyst for ABC/ESPN, hosts the Champion Day fashion show at the HanesBrands headquarters in Winston-Salem on Friday, Oct. 9. (Photo by Tevin Stinson)

By Tevin Stinson
The Chronicle

Former Michigan great Jalen Rose, one of the coveted “Fab Five,” introduced new brand apparel to more than 200 Hanesbrands employees.

The retired NBA star turned-sports-analyst made a stop at the Hanesbrands headquarters here to host the Champion Brand Fashion Show.

He spent 13 years in the NBA. However, he is best known for being on the first team in NCAA history (1991) to start five freshmen.

During his visit, Rose said he started working with Champion because the brand is well known and has been making quality products for years.

Since 1919 Champion athletic wear has offered a full line of innovative athletic apparel for men and women. Hanesbrands athletic wear focuses on performance, lifestyle, and team athletics.

The company has been credited with inventing the sports bra, cotton football practice jerseys, reversible T-shirts and hooded and reversed-weave sweatshirts.
“Champion is a legendary brand,” said Rose. “From the V-necks to the hoodies to the sweatshirts.” He also said that he has always been a fan of the brand.

During “Champion Day,” employees took advantage of discounted shopping opportunities, food trucks, music and a live artist. They also were able to get a peek at Champion gear that is only sold in other countries.

Hanesbrands activewear president John Marsh said he was excited to have Rose host the fashion show.

“We are extremely excited to have Jalen a part of Champion Day and host our first fashion show,” he said. “Jalen’s successful career embodies Champion’s commitment to authentic and innovative apparel.”

After the event, Rose held a meet-and-greet session, signing autographs and taking photos with employees.
A number of employees talked about how they felt about Champion Day.

“This event was a great idea,” attendees expressed. “Events like this make you enjoy coming to work. It lets us employees know that the work we do doesn’t go unnoticed.”