BGSU student’s clothing designs gain national attention from musical artists and athletes

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BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - A Bowling Green State University student is gaining national attention for their clothing designs, which are being worn by musical artists Teddy Swims and Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and NBA guard Darius Garland.

Since enrolling in the BGSU fashion merchandising and product development program, Nate Hughes has further developed his passion for fashion while simultaneously growing his clothing label, MBIA.

"Fashion has always allowed me to express myself as an individual," Hughes said. "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," Hughes said. "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 the nationally accredited BGSU 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."

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," Hughes said. "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," Hughes said. "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."