Guest Post By Jennifer Margolin, Stylist and Professional Image Consultant

They used to say that fashion moved the web, but now the web moves fashion. After reading the Future Of Fashion Forecasting, I decided to interview celebrity stylist Shane Cisneros on his insights into the fashion world as it moves today.

To give readers a bit of background on Shane:  he’s is a red carpet stylist who has styled celebs such as Sophia Bush, Zoe Saldana and Leven Rambin.  He was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his busy day to chat about how he got his start, where he gets his inspiration and what the future holds for the fashion industry.

Jennifer Margolin (JM): Could you tell us a little bit about your story and how you got into fashion styling?

Shane Ciscneros (SC): I started in New York interning at magazines like Jalouse and Talk, which eventually led to positions at The Daily & Teen People, at Teen People I was introduced to starlets like Leven Rambin who asked me for styling advice beyond the magazine, so we started a working relationship. Teen People closed and I went on to work for Getty Images, which was a big break because I was able to style photo shoots under my own name and continue to work with young starlets like Leven, Katrina Bowden, and Alexis Dzenia in my off hours. I decided post-Getty to make the leap to L.A. to pursue celebrity styling.

JM: I know by personal experience that the fashion industry is a tough business to break into.  What was your big break?

SC: Everything happened gradually.  It was not one moment to pinpoint, but all my time in New York prepared me for L.A.

JM: What was the first designer item you ever bought?

SC: Christian Dior ostrich and leather “poor boy” boots that I still have!

JM: Where do you find your inspiration?

SC: Inspiration comes from everywhere — blogs, magazines, designer look books, and my vast library of vintage photography books, people I see on the street… I constantly tear and print every image I like and put them on mood boards in my studio for ideas to pitch to photographers and clients.

JM: What’s the most rewarding part of your work? What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

SC: I love being able to make people feel like the best version of themselves.

JM: What’s the biggest challenge when styling a celebrity?

SC: The biggest challenge is getting everyone to agree. It’s not just the subject who has to like the clothes, but their teams (publicists, agents, managers), boyfriends, mothers, etc. You have to let the subject feel like herself. The stylist is simply there to round up the clothes, take them through the fitting process, and make sure the celebrity is 100% comfortable with her total look.

JM: What’s your funniest story about a project you worked on for a magazine?

On one job, I was working with a male celebrity for a cover shoot and I had been communicating with the photo producer about the needs of the shoot. I thought I had all bases covered for our Diane Arbus/ late 60′s London theme, which required tons of leather, suede, wools, etc. Turns out the subject only wears organic cotton and no leathers of any nature.  Fortunately, he was pretty chic in his vintage clothes, so I had him wear his own stuff. All was well.

JM: As a stylist, how are you using technology in your day-to-day business practices? What roles do Twitter, Facebook and blogging play?

SC: Love all of them! I have my own Tumblr, which I highly suggest people visit daily.  It’s an electronic inspiration board of what I like, wore, and what inspired me that day.  Plus, I have daily tunes that are pretty groovy.  My Tumblr connects to all my social media: Facebook, Twitter, etc., so if you are curious, please visit!

JM: How has technology impacted the way you do business online? How are you or your clients using the iPad for digital content:  photos or magazine layouts?

SC: I rarely work with models anymore, but I was casting at Ford and all the girls showed me their portfolios on iPads. I remember as early as 2005 I was still using Polaroid’s to cast at Teen People! I’m considering getting an iPad to show off my website, www.shanecisneros.com, when I go to meetings.  I am a little technology phobic, but I need to get with the times.

JM: How do you see your career evolving in the future?

SC: You never know what the future may hold; I can only hope that I am the best person I can be that day and that my clients are happy and my roster continues grow.

JM: What are your three favorite blogs and what are your two favorite sites to shop online?

I read these blogs daily:

• http://www.whowhatwear.com
• http://www.annadellorusso.com/
• http://www.dailyfrontrow.com/
• I’m known as a master deal hunter.  Who wants to pay retail? I visit the 70% off section daily http://www.shopbop.com/
• Net-a-porter.com is the most beautiful website online but I like a good deal so I go to Theoutnet.com. every few days

P.S. I can’t wait for Mister Porter — www.mrporter.com to launch!

About the Author: Jennifer Margolin is a professional wardrobe consultant serving the San Francisco and Silicon Valley areas. In her free time, this haute mama and wife collects Louboutins and blogs at Red Sole Diary.