About the Team




Meet Cathy
“I created Foundations Revealed to help us all work together to realize our costume and corsetry dreams.”
British costume artist Cathy Hay is the creator and publisher of Foundations Revealed, which was born out of a grand wish to help other dressmakers to connect with each other, stay inspired and positive, hone their skills together and realise their sewing dreams.
She is a member of both the Costume Society in the UK and the Costumer’s Guild West in the USA. Her own website is cathyhay.com.

Meet the Mentors


Luca Costigliolo

Luca Costigliolo changed the corsetry world in 2015 with just one Foundations Revealed article about synthetic whalebone. He is an extraordinarily talented costume cutter and maker for film, television and stage around the world, with a genius eye for what works in creating a truly stunning, historically accurate silhouette.

Lowana O'Shea

Lowana O’Shea is the designer and corsetiere behind celebrated Australian slow fashion label Vanyanís, specializing in exquisite corsetry, bridal couture and luxury ready-to-wear fashion.

Barbara Pesendorfer

Designer and master tailoress Barbara Pesendorfer founded Royal Black Couture and Corsetry in 2006. She has created couture constructed to her own designs and patterns for over fifteen years.

Constance MacKenzie

Constance MacKenzie is a professional costume maker stuck half way between the 16th Century and the Gamma Quadrant. Much of her work is in film and television. Her first job was working at Shakespeare's Globe, and she has gone on to work on projects such as Wonder Woman, the Kingsman movies, Mary Poppins Returns, and Britannia.
Meet the Team


Jema Hewitt

Jema Hewitt is the Editor of Foundations Revealed, commissioning articles and working closely with the writers and team to provide creative, innovative, content and fun.
She is a professional costumer and educator living and working in the UK. Jema has a Master’s Degree in Pattern Cutting and works for film, theatre and TV, as well as lecturing at various Universities.

Rachel Stimson

Rachel is Director of Finance and Operations, looks after running the business.
Since she was a little girl she has loved history and historical clothing, in particular Elizabethan, late Victorian and Edwardian.

Elizabeth Licata


Sharon Nevin

Sharon is official Correspondence Rock Star for Harman Hay Publications, answering your email and keeping the administration running smoothly.
Sharon fell down the rabbit hole of historic costuming when she first started University and came across a medieval group at orientation week.

Emily Davies

Emily is our Digital Marketing Assistant, keeping you up to date with our latest news and sharing ideas and inspiration from our lovely community.

Cat Ferreira

Cat Ferreira is the Proofreader for Foundations Revealed. She is also a librarian, an English literature graduate, an avid seamstress and an aspiring dress historian.

Jalea Ward

Jalea Ward is our Website admin and part-time Community Concierge
She has been a medieval re-enactor for over half her life, always making kit for herself and her family, including two ever-growing children.

Maeri Certo

Maeri Certo is a corsetry & historical costuming enthusiast who dabbles in retro/pinup styling more often than historical dress. As a Foundations revealed Community Concierge, Maeri is excited to support this creative & caring corner of the internet and help other Stitchlings embrace their passions.
Her current passions include her millinery & costume design business Certain Sundries and expanding her personal collection of vintage-inspired clothing & lingerie.