BGSU fashion merchandising student Nate Hughes' brand worn by Teddy Swims, MGK and more

Nate Hughes is turning heads in the fashion world with a brand that is rising in popularity

By Branden Ferguson

With a lifelong passion for fashion, Nate Hughes knew early on that he wanted to build a career in the industry. Since enrolling in the fashion merchandising and product development program at Bowling Green State University, Hughes has turned that passion into a fast-growing brand.

Hughes’ fashion label, MBIA, has gained national attention, with his designs worn by musical artists Teddy Swims, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and NBA guard Darius Garland – Hughes’ favorite former Cleveland Cavaliers player.

“Fashion has always allowed me to express myself as an individual,” said Hughes. “I started making clothes based on what I wanted to wear but couldn’t find on the market. BGSU opened doors I never imagined, and things have taken off from there.”

While Hughes acknowledges there are many paths into the fashion industry, he credits BGSU with helping him build the business foundation needed for long-term success.

“Creativity can be self-developed, but the business side is something you have to go to school for,” said Hughes. “My professors helped me secure my first runway show at New York Fashion Week and taught me how to build a brand, not just make clothes. Without BGSU, I wouldn’t have seen this level of success so quickly.”

While each student’s journey is different, Hughes' success mirrors that of other fashion merchandising and product development graduates – a testament to the program’s unique and intentional design.

“Our students come to BGSU with big dreams, and we are here to help guide them in the right direction and provide them with the support and resources they need to see long-term success,” said Mariana Mitova, Ed.D., coordinator of Bowling Green's nationally accredited fashion merchandising and product development program. “We combine the artistry of fashion with the strategic thinking of business management and consumer science. As a result, our students often find themselves having success nationally and internationally. Nate's achievement is further testament to the amazing program we have here at BGSU and the importance of a college degree.”

A Breakout Year for MBIA

Over the past 12 months, Hughes has reached several major career milestones:

• Joined Teddy Swims on tour, designing a custom outfit worn on stage
• Met rising rap artist 2hollis, providing him with original designs
• Designed apparel worn by Darius Garland, who later followed Hughes on Instagram
• Saw MGK wear an MBIA belt on the Fashion Media Awards red carpet
• Was personally sought out by MGK to design the pink leopard belt worn during the 2025 Vans Warped Tour

“The past year has been surreal,” said Hughes. “As a Cleveland native, I’ll see people wearing things I made, but watching crowds and celebrities across the country wear my designs is something I never imagined.”

Building on that momentum, Hughes has recently expanded his craft to include custom jewelry casting. He is also using his success to inspire prospective and incoming BGSU students.

“I never thought I’d be in this position,” said Hughes. “I want students to know they’re closer to success than they think. Whatever your dream is, chase it – you never know how close you are to making it real.”