Madeline Mehler, colloquially known under the alias "Umi Dreami" or "Oomz", is a designer and fashion innovator whose work explores the intersection of identity, femininity, and societal expectations. Born into a family of tailors, her designs are deeply influenced by the legacy of menswear. In contrast to the formal, often masculine-coded world of tailoring, her work is also a reflection of her identity as a lesbian: one that embraces both the masculine and feminine self. The tension between honoring her family’s tailoring tradition and subverting the expectations of feminine identity has shaped the core of her practice. Her work becomes a conversation between these two seemingly contradictory forces: one that is both formal and rebellious, traditional and innovative.
Oomz World serves as a virtual portfolio and record of artistic exploration in the mediums of garment design, construction, and styling.
umi@oomz.world
ROLES AND EXPERIENCE
Treasurer Fashion Group International - St. Louis Chapter January 2026 - Present
Managed regional finances for the fiscal year, providing detailed financial reporting at board meetings; oversaw accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, and expense payments; maintained bank accounts and compliance requirements; prepared and submitted financial documentation for IRS group exemption and FGI Headquarters, including rebates and financial statements.
Independent Designer Oomz World 2017 - Present
Designed and produced custom garments through end-to-end processes including pattern-making/drafting, draping, alterations, fabric sourcing, and client fittings; managed commissions and bookkeeping; led fashion show participation, model casting, and photoshoot conceptualization/direction; executed social media marketing to promote collections and brand.
Designer Weissman Dancewear September 2023 - Present
Developed designs business-appropriate direction for Lyrical, Contemporary, and Acro genres from concept through sketching and development to production, conducted fittings and raw material development, collaborated cross-functionally with sourcing, merchandising, and technical design teams, utilized advanced skillset CLO3D for 3D design development; managed and mentored direct reports.
Associate Designer Weissman Dancewear October 2021 - September 2023
Developed designs business-appropriate direction for Lyrical, Contemporary, and Acro genres from concept through sketching and development to production, conducted fittings, utilized CLO3D for 3D design development at an intermediate level, attended national dancewear events and completed trend analysis with actionable, brand-relevant reporting.
Assistant Designer Weissman Dancewear June 2019 - October 2021
Supported sketching and design development; assisted in fittings and conducted prototype review meetings with detailed note-taking and post-meeting recaps; created competitor analysis reports; maintained accurate design documentation including sketches, BOMs, product management tracking, and development reporting.
Fashion Design Intern Paul Carroll, NY May 2018 - August 2018
Aided in pattern-making and sample-making, collection planning, fabric and materials sourcing, supplier relations, model fittings, fashion illustration
Student Fellow LaunchNET Kent State September 2016 - August 2017
Assisted in the planning of entrepreneurial events, competitions, and workshops, coordination with student entrepreneurs and other on-campus organizations, client relations
Merchandising Intern Pointe Foure Vintage Boutique May 2016 - August 2016
Assisted in customer relations, coordination of sales and inventory, POS tendering, design of window/ interior displays, ecommerce and web design, care and repair of vintage garments
Sales Associate Pointe Foure Vintage Boutique May 2016 - August 2016
Assisted in customer relations, coordination of sales and inventory, POS tendering, design of window/ interior displays, ecommerce and web design, application of dancewear / footwear fit and sizing based on client needs
EDUCATION
Kent State University BA in Fashion Design - Minor in Business August 2015 - May 2019
Member of the Kent State University Honors College, Recipient of the Honors College Scholarship, President's Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, University Award Scholarship
Fashion Study Tour Berlin/ Munich, Germany June 2016
A two-week study focusing on the merchandising methods of European retail and the sphere of education for German fashion students.
Semester Abroad Florence, Italy August 2017 - December 2017
A semester long experience exploring methods of European design and production, including the attendance of the Premier Vision Paris and Lineapelle Milan trade shows
Student Mentor Global Ambassador Program August 2016 - May 2017
Selected to serve as a mentor on the Kent State University campus to two incoming international students for a duration of one academic year.