Christopher Bevans
Christopher Bevans | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 22, 1972 Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Fashion designer, creative director |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Founder of DYNE, creative director at Billionaire Boys Club, design work at Nike and Rocawear |
Christopher Bevans (born December 22, 1972) is a prominent American fashion designer and creative director. Originating from Brooklyn, New York City, he was inspired by his grandmother’s legacy in fashion and has been honored with accolades from institutions including Woolmark.
Early life and education
Born in Brooklyn to parents of Jamaican and Belizean descent, Bevans was raised in Rochester, New York and completed his studies at Gates Chili High School in 1991. His early fascination with fashion stemmed from his grandmother, who was a dressmaker during the 1960s and 1970s. As a youth, he apprenticed under a tailor and by age 19 operated his own shoe repair shop, although the business faced challenges due to his limited experience.
He later moved back to New York City to pursue textile studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), simultaneously working as a freelance tailor on various fashion and advertising assignments, including contributions to Ang Lee's BMW Films and serving as a dresser at Bryant Park.
Career
After graduating, Bevans refined his design expertise at Sean John, playing a role in the brand’s CFDA-winning collection of 2004. He advanced to become senior designer at Rocawear and crafted bespoke menswear for notable figures such as Prince, Jay Z, and John Legend.
In 2006, he accepted the position of global design director for urban apparel at Nike in Portland. His leadership included overseeing campaigns like the Air Force 1 25th Anniversary and the Blue Ribbon Sports collection, as well as designing the "RF" logo for Roger Federer.
By 2012, Bevans assumed the role of creative director at Billionaire Boys Club, established by Pharrell Williams and Nigo. The following year, MIT Media Lab Director Joi Ito selected him for the inaugural Director's Fellows program, where he engaged with leaders in business and innovation. Bevans has also delivered talks on mentorship and design at venues such as Cooper Hewitt and Art Dubai's Global Art Forum.
Beginning in 2014, he partnered with Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch and Relativity Media to create the Beast Mode clothing and accessories line.
In 2015, Bevans introduced DYNE, his first collection featuring tailored sportswear enhanced with technology, which premiered at New York Men's Fashion Week. DYNE embodies his enthusiasm for technology, fabrics, sports, electronics, and precision tailoring. Collaborations with Google Cloud and Bemis Associates enabled the incorporation of NFC chips into garments for the SS19 collection, offering product details and playlist access.
Bevans served as creative director during Milan Fashion Week: Men's in 2019, receiving commendations from Fashion United. In 2018, he worked alongside sustainable brand Save the Duck. Drawing inspiration from his FIT background, he developed an installation for his fall collection at the institute and has acted as a judge for FIT’s Future of Fashion show as well as the sustainability-centered Green Carpet Fashion Awards.
His clientele features influential artists such as P. Diddy, Kanye West, Pharrell, A$AP Rocky, along with major corporations including Adidas and Under Armour.
Awards and accolades
Bevans secured victory at the International Woolmark Prize regional final in 2017. In January 2018, he earned Woolmark's Innovation Award for a DYNE snowboard outfit inspired by 1980s aesthetics, receiving AUS$100,000. Judge Livia Firth cited him as a prime example of emerging designers transforming the fashion landscape. He has been recognized by the BE (Black Enterprise) Modern Man initiative and acknowledged during Black History Month by Willamette Week for his contributions to Portland’s fashion environment. Additionally, Bevans appeared on the cover of Women's Wear Daily.
He was inducted into the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America, joining an exclusive group of 493 members; his acceptance was highlighted as a significant moment for diversity alongside Venus Williams.