During my final year at university, I was challenged by two projects that deepened my love for historical underpinnings. The first was a Victorian day-dress ensemble, in which I created a crinoline, bodice, and skirt. The second, a series of four corsets from different eras: 1598, 1785-88, 1875 and 1905. Researching these garments in depth and examining extant versions closely, I adored learning all the nuances of each style, their individual construction methods, and the reasoning behind them. 

Facing challenges in my everyday life due to chronic illness and disability means I am unable to work a full-time job, so creating my own hours and filling my time with something I am deeply passionate about seemed like the most logical route, leaving education. 

In my free time, I volunteer at a local museum, cataloguing and researching their collection, which also became part of my final university project. Being able to write educational and interesting pieces which engage the public with historical fashion allowed me to share my love for the subject with others. This has been another large factor in my starting Olivia Weston Underpinnings.