Meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz started his iconic bow tie collection with a few special pieces he bought at a Willow Grove Mall formal shop, writes Ximena Conde for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

When he was hired by NBC10 in 1995, Schwartz received one strange condition from the network: he would have to wear bow ties as part of his look. The aim was to distinguish him from John Bolaris, the most recognizable meteorologist at the station, who had already claimed the title of the debonair weatherman.

Schwartz took the idea and ran with it.

“Instead of being insulted, I saw the potential immediately,” said Schwartz. “Because one of the important things about TV is being known. Do you stand out? Who are you?”

He has been collecting bow ties for nearly three decades. The count ahead of his May 27 retirement is 176 pieces.

His collection began with a few bow ties he bought at Willow Grove Mall for what was supposed to be a trial run. Those bow ties are still part of his collection.

“I still wear them because I have a certain style and that style is mine,” said Schwartz. “And it’s not going to change.”

Read more about Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz’s iconic collection in The Philadelphia Inquirer.