MORGUE FILE
THE ASK
I was tasked to write and research about the fashion trends between the 1850’s to the 1980’s.
skills
historical research
canva
critical thinking
spacing
ANALYTIC writing
photographic research
The process
To put together my Morgue File, I started by diving into research on fashion history—specifically from the 1850s to the 1920s. I focused on how styles evolved over time and how culture, events, and designers influenced both women's and men's clothing in each era.
I broke the file into three key time periods: the Victorian Era, Edwardian Era/WWI, and the 1920s. For each one, I looked at popular silhouettes, fabric choices, accessories, and standout designers like Emile Pingat, Paul Poiret, and Coco Chanel. I made sure to include details that really showed the shift in style from one decade to the next.
Once I had all my information, I organized it in a clear, easy-to-follow format—starting with women’s fashion, then men’s, and finally highlighting a designer contribution for each era. I used reliable sources and took notes in my own words to avoid just copying and pasting. After everything was written, I formatted the document neatly and saved it as a PDF.
I also included a reference list at the end to give credit to the sources I used. This project helped me build a stronger understanding of how fashion reflects the time period it comes from, and how historical research can really inform design choices today.
For this Morgue File, I focused on exploring fashion from the 1960s through the 1980s, highlighting how both women’s and men’s styles evolved across each decade. My goal was to break down not just the clothing trends, but also the cultural influences, key designers, and the shifts in silhouettes, colors, and materials that defined each era.
I started the process by choosing which decades to focus on. Then I did detailed research on fashion trends, designer contributions, and style icons using trusted sources online. I looked into how social movements, music, and pop culture helped shape what people wore. From Yves Saint Laurent’s groundbreaking tuxedos for women to Calvin Klein’s iconic denim campaigns, I gathered notes that covered both high fashion and everyday style.
Once I had my notes, I organized the file into consistent sections for each decade: women’s wear, men’s wear, and designer contributions. I made sure the information was easy to follow and presented in a way that shows the progression of fashion over time. After writing everything out in my own words, I double-checked my facts, formatted the layout for readability, and created a clean, cohesive PDF.
Lastly, I added a full reference section to credit the sources I used. This project helped me sharpen my research and styling skills, and it deepened my understanding of how fashion reflects the values and energy of each time period.
For this Morgue File, I focused on documenting fashion trends from the 1930s through the 1950s, highlighting not only what people wore but also who influenced those styles. I started by researching historical figures, fashion icons, and well-known designers from each decade—like Marlene Dietrich, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Cristóbal Balenciaga—and how their work or image shaped what was considered stylish at the time.
I broke down each decade into sections: women’s wear, men’s wear, and designer contributions. I organized my content to flow chronologically, making it easier to see how silhouettes, fabric choices, and cultural influences evolved. I pulled details from credible online sources and vintage fashion archives, making sure to cite everything at the end.
Once I had all my information, I wrote everything in my own words to keep it original and easy to understand. I aimed for a tone that was informative but not overly technical. After drafting each section, I formatted the document for readability—keeping the layout clean and consistent—and converted it into a PDF.
Overall, this project helped me connect historical research with visual and cultural storytelling in fashion, and it gave me a chance to explore how style reflects the time it was created in.
The outcome
The outcome of this Morgue File project was a comprehensive and visually organized exploration of fashion history from the 1850s through the 1980s. By breaking down each decade into categories such as women’s wear, men’s wear, and designer contributions, I was able to trace the evolution of style and its relationship to culture, politics, and innovation.
Through in-depth research, thoughtful writing, and clear formatting, I created a cohesive collection that not only highlights key trends and silhouettes but also celebrates the designers and icons who helped define each era.
This project strengthened my ability to analyze historical context, synthesize large amounts of information, and present it in an engaging, educational format—skills that are essential for a future career in fashion, styling, or creative direction.