With a simple camera click, Claiborne Swanson Frank takes the style icons she shoots and makes us, the viewer, feel like an insider in their magical world. Her last book American Beauty featured glamour girls from all over the world. Now, in Young Hollywood, she turns her camera on the next generation of female movers and shakers in Los Angeles — a fitting move considering this former New Yorker is a recent West Coast transplant herself. Here, the photographer (who was raised in San Francisco), above, talks to us about the women in her new book and even gives us a peek into how her own life and wardrobe have changed since becoming a California girl again…
Hollywood style is…
All about glamour, beauty, strength and sensuality, whether that’s a beat-up pair of blue jeans worn barefoot or a gown that takes your breath away. In my mind it is all about making a statement and owning yourself, leaving your mark. Its core root is confidence and individuality.
West Coast style vs East Coast style…
East Coast style is refined and sophisticated while the West Coast, when it comes to style, is a bit more free and casual. I love the play of contrast and am deeply inspired by both in terms of style and culture.
The women in this book inspire me because…
They are courageous as they are all chasing their dreams and, in turn, living their lives with purpose, faith and hope.
Five words that best describe them…
Talented, passionate, inspiring, determined and beautiful.
My favorite day shooting this book…
I loved every shoot, but the cover shoot of Isabel Lucas really felt like an almost spiritual experience. The light was golden, the moment clear and the second I hit the shutter I knew it would be the cover. That was a pretty crazy feeling.
If I could spend a day in the life of one of my subjects…
I admire and am deeply inspired by all of my subjects. I can’t really pick one. They each lead such interesting lives.
Since I moved from NY to L.A., I’ve become more…
Patient.
And less…
OCD!
My wardrobe staples now include…
White, white, white. I can’t buy enough white. I’m going through a white jean and t-shirt moment right now… holding on to the last days of summer.
But I’ll never give up my…
Love of outerwear, boots and fur.
My perfect day in L.A….
Morning coffee and a walk in the canyons with my husband James, my son Hunter and my dog Blue. Then lunch in Malibu and a walk on the beach, followed by dinner at home in our garden with friends.
More to explore in Culture
- Culture 9.5.24 Shooting Stars
- Culture 11.22.23 What’s Your Sign? Sagittarius
- Culture 10.19.23 What’s Your Sign? Scorpio
- Culture 9.19.23 What’s Your Sign? Libra
- Culture 8.14.23 What’s Your Sign? Virgo