 Also in 1999, Franco designed his first clothing line, which was sold exclusively through Saks Fifth Avenue.He took a five-year hiatus from the fashion industry to run his family's business, The Albertson Wedding Chapel on Miracle Mile, Los Angeles, CA, when his father had 2 debilitating strokes and took ill. Not only did Franco deal with his father's illness but Franco also suffered Ménière's disease during this time.Shortly after his recovery he returned to the fashion world as a contestant on the first season of "Project Runway".