Analyzing Fashion
Trends 1850–1989
Trends 1850–1989
The Ask
For the major assignment in my Twentieth-Century Fashion course, we were asked to create three separate "Morgue Files," each focusing on fashion trends from 1850 to 1989. The project involved curating images, writing captions, and providing introductions that linked trends to the historical context of the time.
The Process
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The Process ⋆
To complete the Morgue File projects, I followed a structured approach that involved extensive research, careful curation, and thoughtful presentation. The assignment was divided into three distinct sections, each covering a specific period in fashion history, spanning from 1850 to 1989. For each section, I first organized my work by focusing on key periods: Victorian, Edwardian, and the 1920s for Section 1; the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s for Section 2; and the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s for Section 3.
The initial step involved gathering credible images that accurately reflected the fashion trends of each era. I was careful to choose visuals that not only showcased the most iconic styles, but also captured the broader social, cultural, and political contexts that influenced fashion. For example, I looked at how the Victorian era's rigid silhouettes gave way to more practical, military-influenced styles during World War I, and how the 1920s represented a time of liberation with flapper dresses and gender-neutral looks that reflected the social changes of the time. This research was incredibly engaging, as I discovered how fashion mirrored the evolving history of each period.
After collecting the images, I wrote detailed captions explaining the trends and linking them to historical events and cultural movements. I also crafted introductory paragraphs for each section that summarized the era's key trends, silhouettes, and influential designers. Each section required five pages: one for the introduction, one for women’s day wear, one for women’s evening wear, one for men’s wear, and one for accessories (including undergarments and hairstyles).
Using PowerPoint, I designed the presentation with a visually cohesive layout, ensuring the text was legible and complemented the images. After receiving feedback from my instructor and peers, I revised both the content and design. Finally, I compiled a bibliography in APA format, completing the project according to the guidelines. The end result was a comprehensive, visually engaging overview of fashion history from 1850 to 1989.
SKILLS
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SKILLS ⋆
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Demonstrated strong visual literacy by selecting impactful images that represented each era.
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Applied organizational and time management skills to effectively structure the project and meet deadlines.
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Created a polished PowerPoint presentation that showcased the work, using creativity and design principles such as CRAP (Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, Proximity) to enhance visual appeal.
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Paid close attention to detail to ensure accuracy in both content and format.
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Incorporated creativity and remained open to feedback, enhancing the overall presentation.
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Produced a compelling educational overview of fashion history.
Outcome
In this assignment, the focus on design principles effectively showcased the historical significance of fashion trends from 1850 to 1989. Utilizing concepts like Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity, key images and captions highlighted significant trends and their contexts. Creative elements, such as thematic color schemes and engaging layouts, made the information more relatable. Through this process, a deeper understanding emerged regarding the influence of cultural movements, such as the suffragette movement and 1960s counterculture, on style choices. Recognizing the contributions of figures like Coco Chanel and the impact of technological advancements enriched the historical narrative. Ultimately, the project illustrated how fashion evolved alongside broader societal changes throughout the century.
