BGSU student’s fashion brand catches the eye of Machine Gun Kelly, Teddy Swims

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Every stitch that Bowling Green State University student Nate Hughes sews has led him closer to star‑powered attention.

Hughes said he was stunned when he learned that singer Machine Gun Kelly wore one of his handmade designs during New York Fashion Week.

“I was just going crazy and some random dude popped up, and I was like, ‘This is insane,’” he said.

Hughes launched his brand, MBIA, in 2023. Since then, his work has been worn by athletes and other celebrities, including artist Teddy Swims.

“It means a lot to me,” he said.

During the week, Hughes studies fashion at BGSU. On weekends, he drives about two hours home, where he hand‑makes every piece of clothing himself.

“I feel like the people I’ve met through this program have been instrumental to my success,” he said.

Mariana Mitova, a professor of fashion merchandising and product development at BGSU, said Hughes’ dedication is part of what sets him apart.

“Nate showed a great passion for his own ideas,” Mitova said. “He was determined to make them happen, and he kept at it. It was very evident from the beginning.”

Hughes said reaching his current style took time and effort in building up his self-esteem.

“I had to raise my self-confidence a bunch,” he said. “You gotta be kind of crazy to step out in some crazy stuff. If you don’t have self-confidence, you’re just going to end up wearing stuff you think is safe.”

What he values most is the community that has formed around his work, both online and at events he hosts, said Hughes.

“There’s people I know who have met each other through events that I did, and then they become friends,” he said.

“It’s crazy to me that I’m actually doing things that bring people together and let people swag out,” Hughes said.

From every piece of thread to every silver chain, he hopes his designs continue connecting people and maybe take him even further into the fashion world, according to Hughes.