Online now: our Designer Evening Boutique, where the stuff of red-carpet dreams comes true. To mark the occasion, we spoke with three men whose names are synonymous with elegance, finery and special events.

A look from Zac Posen's current collection

Dresses by New York native Zac Posen are some of the red carpet's most well traveled-for instance, that light-blue stunner that positively lit up Claire Danes at the Met Gala? That was his. He counts Michelle Obama, Katie Holmes, Amy Schumer and ... well ... us as ardent fans.

What was on your mood board for the current spring/summer 2016 collection?

Lightness defines the collection. I wanted to inject a fair bit of fluidity into the formula without relinquishing the essentially feminine point of view of my designs. The idea was to blend couture techniques into the daywear and, in turn, to bring daywear comfort into after-dark dressing.

What kind of woman inspires you, and your collections?

All types of women inspire me, and I must say that my customer is my ultimate muse. My fall/winter 2016 collection was inspired by the Ugandan Princess Elizabeth of Toro.

What's your idea of a perfect eveningwear night? What would we wear, and where would we go?

I most recently visited Mexico City for my M·A·C Cosmetics launch and fell in love with the cultural and architectural aspects of the place. A lot of my spring/summer 2016 pieces are perfect for this kind of atmosphere. I love our look that's ideally suited for a night out in Mexico City-styled with our Dangerously Red lip, hair pulled back into a messy side bun and flats.

Zac Posen evening dresses are carried exclusively in-store; please contact the in-store Nordstrom boutique nearest you for more information.

Mark Badgley and James Mischka met at Manhattan's Parsons School of Design in the late '80s and launched Badgley Mischka in 1988. Having created wedding dresses for the likes of Melissa Etheridge and her bride, as well as Jada Pinkett Smith and Lauren Conrad, they're favorites among brides-to-be and black-tie partygoers alike.

The duo behind the Badgley Mischka brand What was on your mood board for the current spring/summer 2016 collection?

Buenos Aires in the 1950s. Retro photos of timeless chic.

Please name three muses (past or present, real or fictional), or actual or potential clients, who inspire you and inform your work.

Bette Davis, Taylor Swift and Sofía Vergara.

What's your idea of a perfect Badgley Mischka eveningwear night out? What would we wear, and where would we go?

Our halter neck silk gown in Orchid would be a gorgeous choice for opening night at the opera. This gown is a beautiful combination of tailored elegance and sensual glamour. The dress is the jewelry. All she requires is a pair of small black-diamond earrings, smoky minaudière and a sexy strappy sandal!

Halter neck gown by Badgley Mischka Shop: Badgley Mischka | Our Designer Evening Boutique