Exhibitionists, Art Deco, and Blitz Kids: Here’s what’s inspiring fashion designers this season

CNN  — 

Before the clothes are made, the runway sets constructed, and the coveted invitations sent, there is the mood board.

Whether it’s a binder of photos and magazine cut-outs, fabric swatches tacked to a wall, or a stack of dog-eared books, these references start the creative ball rolling for a designer, acting as a catalyst for a new collection.

In the lead-up to the Autumn-Winter 2016 show season, we asked designers in New York, London, Milan and Paris to share a taste of their inspiration. Check back throughout the month for previews of what’s to come.