When it comes to fashion, a bold accessory can make a powerful and creative statement. After all, a bit of bling is meant to capture the attention of onlookers, right? We spoke with three prominent men in our community and asked them to tell us more about their favorite accessory and why it means so much to them.
Nike Air Jordan
Jim Grieshaber
Jim Grieshaber remembers the first time he saw Michael Jordan fly through the air and dunk. "There was no player before him who combined that explosive athleticism and graceful body control," he says. "Then, the Air Jordan came out and we had NEVER seen anything like them before."
As soon as the iconic Air Jordan 1 hit the shelves, they were gone. "I mowed lawns and shoveled snowy driveways to make the money for them. As the years went by I never stopped getting them. I've had hundreds of pairs over the years," he says.
Grieshaber travels often as a TV/radio host and play-by-play voice announcer. When he's packing his bags, there's no doubt that his Jordans are coming along for the ride. He almost always wears designer jeans and his Js, coupled with a branded T-shirt or something dressy like a button-down shirt with a jacket. No matter the occasion, "I always have the jeans and the Js on—even when I wear suits," he says.
One of his most memorable career highlights was when he interviewed Michael Jordan during the 1997 NBA Finals: "I showed him my shoes, he looked down and said, 'Alright, you got some style... now let's see if you got the game to back it up.' I asked him if my interview was as tight as my shoes and he said, 'As close as you can get, but you can't beat my shoes.' I'll never forget that."
Michael Kors Watch
Aaron Harris, Sr.
For their 11th wedding anniversary, Aaron Harris, Sr. received a stainless steel and leather Michael Kors wrist watch from his wife, Tamela, who remembered that steel is the traditional 11-year anniversary gift. As an avid collector of watches, Harris has several in his arsenal, but this one quickly became his favorite.
"It's a symbol of our love and commitment," he says. "I'm a God-fearing man who believes that behind every man stands a strong woman. I believe that I'm able to persevere through anything with her as my wife. She's the glue who holds our precious family together."
That family includes six children, including their oldest son, Vaughn, who's also become a watch collector.
"He learned early on in childhood the importance of wearing a wrist watch. I have always given him my older watches so that he can continue to add to his collection," Harris says.
Harris has been an educator for 17 years and works for the Higley Unified School District as the Director of Federal Programs. He's also coached youth basketball at the Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA for the past 6 years and calls himself a "true champion for education." His name may look familiar as he's currently running for a seat on the Chandler City Council.
Cuff Links
Dr. Tom Chamberlain
Dr. Tom Chamberlain was only 20-years-old when his father passed away, but when he puts on his dad's cuff links, he immediately feels close to him. He remembers his dad as a hardworking and strong person with a quiet demeanor who taught him to respect those he loved, like his future wife, Tamara.
"The cuff links have a subtle elegance about them," he says. "I actually have about three different pairs of his cuff links but I like these the most because they fit his personality as I remember him—understated but full of class."
Chamberlain carries more than just memories of his father; he also carries his name. As the owner of Chamberlain Orthodontics in Chandler, his practice gives back to the community in meaningful ways and has won several "Best of" awards for patient satisfaction.
While he admits that his style is more conservative during the workweek, he's not afraid to get a little creative with his ensemble on the weekends.
"I like to mix it up with a driving cap, skinny jeans and Vans," he says. "And I'm always wearing fun, vibrant socks. That way, I can be all business up top but have a party going on underneath!"