The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) recently celebrated its New York City-bound alumnus Kevin Evans in grand style. In the lead up to his participation in New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the institute presented Evans with a replica of the first ever BTVI Fashion digital badge and a $2,000 donation during a reception held in his honour.

The digital badge, which will be profiled on Kevin Evans’ social media pages, is a sign of lifelong learning and outstanding achievement.

The livestreamed event allowed BTVI administrators, staff, students and supporters across the world to get a look at some of the unique, exclusive styles Mr. Evans will showcase in New York City.

BTVI President, Dr. Robert W. Robertson said Kevin Evans’ achievement is indictive of the quality of BTVI graduates and the institute’s Fashion Design program.

“Mr. Evans has set the bar high, proving to BTVI graduates - particularly those in Fashion - that the world is their oyster. His achievements are admirable and his work is impressive,” said Dr. Robertson.

The $2,000 donation presented to Mr. Evans to cover NYFW-related airfare and accommodation fees was in honour of renowned Bahamian seamstress, the late Lillian Kathleen Fox. Carey's Fabric and Uniform Store General Manager, Kim Gibson, also presented Mr. Evans with a $700 Carey's Fabric and Uniform Store gift certificate.

An Andros native, Kevin Evans expressed thanks and gratitude to BTVI and other supporters for believing in him and his global fashion dreams.

“It is an honour to be here. When I first started, it was tough and I am thankful to those who believed in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said an emotional Mr. Evans.

Mr. Evans graduated from the then Tailoring and Fashion Design Programme at BTVI. Upon completion, he established his own business and has continued to build the ‘KE Collection’ brand. To date, he has showcased his work at Los Angeles Fashion Week, Raw Miami Fashion Week and has designed custom boxing apparel for professional boxers from Nigeria and the United States. More recently, in 2020, Kevin Evans was recognized as was one of BTVI’s Distinguished Alumni Awardees.

As Mr. Evans continues to push towards his dream of styling for movie productions like those done by Tyler Perry, he will participate in Los Angeles Fashion Week again in March be featured in the international magazine ‘Anastasia Magazine’ while also being highlighted on a billboard in Times Square, New York City. He has also been featured in the first quarter edition of Bahamasair’s in-flight magazine, ‘Up and Away’.

Among those at the BTVI alumni reception were former President of the Senate, Queen’s Counsel (QC), Sharon Wilson; former BTVI board member, Thelma Grimes; BTVI Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Linda Davis; BTVI’s Associate Vice President, Fund Development, Alicia Thompson; BTVI’s Chair of Fashion Trades; Apryl Burrows; BTVI Media Technology instructor, Alexia Coakley and BTVI Chair of Electronics and Media Technology, Delano Archer.