Profile: Claiborne Swanson Frank

I met Claiborne when she shot me for her debut book, American Beauty, and was instantly drawn to her style and spirit. A portrait photographer and stylist, she was born in Naples, Florida, raised in San Francisco, and moved to New York in 2007 to work at Vogue under Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour. She left the magazine in 2009, and shortly thereafter began to pursue a career in photography. Following the release of her debut in 2012, she released her second book of portraits, Young Hollywood, all the while collaborating with American and European fashion brands, and contributing to various editorial publications.

Claiborne, who recently moved back to New York after several years in Los Angeles, was kind enough to welcome us into the home she shared with her husband James, their son Hunter, and dog Blue. Featuring a beautiful blend of Mid-Century, Traditional, French Regency and Art Deco influences, the home she created was all at once warm and refined, with an abundance of light and an artful use of color. I hope you enjoy this look inside. XXJKE

Beauty

R+T: What are your go-to beauty products? Why?

My face masks, face oil and Herbal Recovery Serum – all by Jurlique.

R+T: Is there anything special you would like to share about your beauty routine?

When I really want to feel fresh and have glowing skin, I go to bed early, drink a lot of water and eat clean..no alcohol makes a huge difference. You really are what you eat.

R+T: Bath or Shower?

Shower – but I love a bath when I can.

R+T: What do you sleep in?

Men’s pajama shirts

Health

R+T: What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

I drink green tea, take long walks and write in my journal… I’m getting into yoga and mediation, which has been amazing.

R+T: Do you workout, what do you swear by?

I take walks, swim laps, bike and do yoga. I like gentle exercise, and use it as a time to center and a place of release.

R+T: What do you do to relax?

I read, write and hike…I also love a good movie.

Decor

R+T: What is your design philosophy for your home?

Create spaces that inspire you and give you and your family peace.

R+T: What is your favorite room in the house?

My dining room.

R+T: What are your favorite pieces in your house?

My lucite lamps, my black lacquered coffee table, my Native American paintings, my dining room chairs.

R+T: What are your favorite home stores?

I love shopping at antique stores, auctions and flea markets. I like a mix of high and low, old and new!

Entertaining

R+T: Do you entertain at home? If so, what are some of your tricks?

I do – never under estimate the magic of candles and flowers – good music , good wine and delicious food.

R+T: How do you set the scene?

I think it is all about creating a environment that is warm and inviting.

R+T: Buffet, plated or family style for a get-together?

I like plated dinners when I am having a more formal seated dinner, and Buffet for more casual get togethers… I think it should depend on the party and the feeling you are going for.

R+T: What are your favorite flowers and where do you buy them? 

My favorite flowers in general are spring/summer flowers – ranunculus, peonies, sweet peas and dahlias. I like to buy my flowers at the flower market, farmers market or even the grocery store. I arrange my own flowers and never work with a florist – I love creating my own arrangements.

Fashion

R+T: How would you describe your style?

A mix of tomboy and classic.

R+T: Who are your favorite designers?

Delpozo, Valentino, Michael Kors, my sister’s line Veronica Beard, Jenni Kayne and J.Crew. I also collect vintage – Chanel, YSL and Bill Blass.

R+T: What are the 5 pieces you can’t live without this season?

I am wearing a lot of white lace, I still love the cropped top, and I live in my high waisted bikini and straw hats.

Art

R+T: Who are your favorite artists?

Matisse, Sally Mann, Pollack, Beaton, Penn, Avedon.

R+T: What is your favorite piece of art you own?

My Native American Indian paintings. 

Kids


R+T: What are your favorite stores online and in store to shop for kids? 

J.Crew, Polo, Petit Bateau, Poppy Store.

R+T: What’s your favorite thing to do/place to go on the weekends with your kids?

When I am in the west coast, Napa Valley, and when I am in the east coast, Southampton. Both are so magical .

R+T: What is your favorite restaurant to eat at with the whole family?

I do love the Brentwood Country Mart for the family – so fun and easy .  

Photography

R+T: How and when did you enter into the world of Photography? What was it that drew you to this art form?

I styled my friends and have been taking their portraits since my early twenties. I focused on my career in fashion until I left Vogue in 2009, and finally began to pursue a career in Photography in 2010. It had always been my silent dream. I finally had the courage to chase it.

R+T: What are some of your sources of inspiration?

I am most inspired by the masters of the past: Beaton, Avedon, Penn, Slim, Karsh.

R+T: Can you tell us a bit about your process? Are there ingredients that make for a magical shot or shoot?

For me, I am always looking for the moment that takes your breath away…for that heightened reality where life and beauty aline. The moments that remind us that we are all a small part of something bigger.

R+T: What is it about portraiture that you find so compelling? 

My focus as a artist is the study of American culture, beauty and style through large bodies of portrait work. I style all my work as I am trying to tell a story with each portrait. I do this through the marriage of the location, wardrobe and subject.

R+T: If you had to, could you pick a favorite image or series from your portfolio?

The covers of both of my books.

R+T: What is the most rewarding part of your work?

I feel very lucky to do what I love each day – that is the greatest gift of all.

Photos: Michael Wells