What’s signature style? It’s that special “flair” a person adds to his or her wardrobe that says something special about him or her. It’s a reflection of personality. It’s a bit of pizazz. Meet three Berks men who ooze style, here.
Eric Savage
aka “Mr. Freedom”
of Sinking Spring
President of Freedom Toyota &Freedom Hyundai
Age: Super young(at least my mind is…)!
Other family members include: Wife: Jeannie, Children:Gabriel, 18, and Genevieve, 11
Describe your style. What does it say about you? Disciplined pizazz. I think it says I can dress within the boundaries of “normal,” but there’s usually some little element that moves me just outside of the conventional. The color of my shirt, a genuine Mickey Mouse watch, an American flag bow tie, Star Wars cufflinks, or fun socks are just enough to take me “outside the box.”
What makes your signature style item (fun socks) important to you? I think socks are a way of demonstrating resistance to convention. Sure, I can wear the business suit, the khakis, or the jeans that are “normal,” but then when I sit down and cross my legs, it’s like the revelation of a secret. I always catch someone staring at my ankles when I’m in a meeting. I can almost hear them thinking “is that Godzilla destroying Tokyo on his socks?” I mostly appreciate socks that tell a story. Socks that have rich and interesting images, like the Mona Lisa, comic book art, or chimpanzees dressed in business suits push me into creating ridiculous stories about what they mean. It’s great engagement for my brain. Geometric designs aren’t usually compelling to me, unless they have a story, like socks made by Reading’s own Kate Williamson. Kate’s company, This Night, makes socks right here in Reading, a city once famous for its hosiery. And if that’s not enough of a story, then the fact that she donates proceeds from each pair sold to Olivet Boys & Girls Club is certainly a great story! So This Night socks are a staple of my footwear.
One item I could never see myself wearing is. Have you seen my Mr. Freedom suit? Yeah…um…once you learn the kind of courage necessary to wear that in public, there’s pretty much nothing to be afraid of!
On a more relaxed day, what is your go-to outfit? What’s comfortable? I like to wear ¼quarter-zip sweaters during the winter. I’m always a little cold, so you’ll see me wearing sweaters all the way through April.
When people think of my fashion sense, the first thing that probably comes to mind is… Without a doubt, they think of the Mr. Freedom suit and then ask “how does his wife let him leave the house like that?”
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I’m a classically trained pianist, so I love to play piano all the time. I’m fascinated with cooking, and while I’m not great (I make a HUGE mess when I cook),I do make one heck of a risotto!
Tim Keeler
of Wyomissing
President of ProAsys
Age: 41
Other family members include: Wife: Elissa, Son: Finn, 9,Daughter: Maeve, 7, and ourAustralian Shepherd, Niles.
Describe your style. What does it say about you? I’m a chameleon. I can dress for any event.
What makes your signature style item (bow tie) important to you? I went to school at the Mercersburg Academy. We were required to wear a coat and tie to dinner most nights of the week. My dorm dean wore bow ties exclusively. He taught a number of us to tie bow ties, which I have not forgotten. Also, my grandfather occasionally wore bow ties, and I still have a holiday-themed tie that he gave me. My cousin and I send it back and forth to each other during the holiday season. So, when I wear a tie, it’s usually a bow tie.
One item I could never see myself wearing is a pre-tied bow tie. Every guy should know how to tie a bow tie!
Essential business attire must include what item for you? Fun socks. Plain colors are dull!
On a more relaxed day, what is your go-to outfit? What’s comfortable? A pair of broken-in jeans and a casual button-down shirt.
When people think of my fashion sense, the first thing that probably comes to mind is…I look like I just stepped out of a Patagonia catalog.
If I could raid one famous person’s wardrobe, it would be that of: Brett Bagenstose
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Camping, hiking, skiing, running, etc. Basically playing outside!
Gamalier Nieves
aka Gammy
of Reading
Creative Director for ThePEOPLE Chronicles
Age: 37
Other family members include: Love Partner: Eric Brown,Four dogs: Crispy, Cocoa,Corey and Daisy
Describe your style. What does it say about you? I’d say trendy. As a creative person, my style helps me showcase my personality and attitude.
What makes your signature style item (watch) important to you? My timepieces are important to me because they have become my trademark in showcasing the diversity of my style: bohemian, artsy, classic, flamboyant (some people call it metrosexual), and modern.
One item I could never see myself wearing is Jumpsuits or jean overalls. Back in the late 90s they became a hit in the Caribbean. I bought a pair and noticed it was not flattering because of my height. It was in style but was not for me. Like Gianni Versace once said, “I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future.”
Essential business attire must include what item for you? Depending on where you do business, I always tell people to represent yourself: wear something that makes you look and feel good.Always have a belt that matches your shoes and make sure your outfit matches your timepiece.
On a more relaxed day, what is your go-to outfit? What’s comfortable? Jeans and a t-shirt is my go-to outfit. No matter what kind, you can adjust them to fit anything, and that makes me feel comfortable.
When people think of my fashion sense, the first thing that probably comes to mind is… Rock Star
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?I enjoy cooking with great company, and sometimes I enjoy a quiet moment. Being a creative person, your brain is like wire, always running, and sometimes you are thinking four times ahead. That’s why I think shutting down can be good too.
