American fashion’s biggest night is right around the corner. With the anticipation building for Monday’s gala, we caught up with the five nominees for the Google Shopping American Emerging Designer of the Year to get some intel on what’s inspiring them lately, and to see the world through their eyes via their Google Pixel cameras.

Connor McKnight

These images are a reflection of a day in my life. A trip to the tailor. A walk with my dog. A visit to a gallery for a Carrie Mae Weems show. An interview of an old French director. A lot of my work is inspired by the mundane, or as we say the times in between. I find beauty and inspiration from the moments that we experience most frequently but people often overlook. The result is a reflection of what I’m currently experiencing in my own life, or further a portrayal of a black life.

Presley Oldham

I stay inspired by getting outside and spending my free time in nature. On these last warm days of the year, I’ve been recharging on hikes around upstate New York and evening walks on the beach in Connecticut. The vivid colors of autumn leaves, setting suns and calm oceans are always inspiring, and on the mood board for my upcoming collection.

Henry Zankov

I always find ideas and inspiration from objects, books, and art. I collect these treasures, not always knowing what they mean to me immediately. Some how, as time passes they reveal to me an idea or a feeling to pursue. In particular I love the artist Thomas Barger and his sculptures, my Murano glass swivel striped vase which I found at a flea market and a wood lacquer box a dear friend gave to me as a gift.

Jackson Wiederhoeft

These are our three office mascots that watch over us and keep us inspired. They are Macaroni, Stacey, and Tittiebird. Our 38th Street showroom is a physical manifestation of the significance of the passage of time: interior and exterior decorations in upholstered varieties; drapes, tassels and beads of course; double-faced silk satin, hand-embroidered with carnations and baby’s breath floral. I’ve been secretly corset training for the CFDA awards under my hoodie, darling.

Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell

We are always taking in inspiration! For us it comes in many forms like music, interior design and vintage catalogs and objects. The record player is always spinning at the TF studio. Lately we have been listening to crooner records and a little intro into holiday music. Our studio is always full of vintage home goods as we are constantly collecting, so there is a always stream of inspiration coming in! Antique cameos and silhouette portraits have been a favorite lately.