What beauty products can you not live without?

I love all the Jurlique products– Like their face masks– I also love dry shampoo- it gives me the volume I love.

What is a beauty secret you can share with us?

 Sleep/ lots of water/ exercise/ clean food

What is your favorite meal when you come back to Napa Valley? 

Gotts – shrimp tacos / sweet potato fries/ espresso milk shake

What are the pros and cons of Napa valley and New York and how do you split your time?

I live now in LA – but am in NYC a lot for work. I like the mix of NYC and LA. I love the balance they create… I love Napa as my refuge from the world and the place I feel most at peace.. Napa is where my heart is.

What is a day in the life of Claiborne when you are in Napa Valley?

 I wake up and go to the the Oakville Grocery and get a green tea – I then walk the vineyards with my dogs. I might go shoot if I am working on a project/ book or campaign (  I shoot a lot of my favorite work in Napa ) I shot half of my most recent Michael Kors campaign in Napa this past June.

If I am not working .. I love to head to Meadowood and read and layout and drink the mango smoothies there…  in the late afternoon I love to take a hike or a run in the mountains or in the vineyards.. I love the road behind sulfur springs and the trail along the lake at Lake Hennessey. Dinner is usually spent with my husband and my family .

bronzer, red lipstick, my sunglasses,  my iphone – I am obsessed with instagram- follow me- claiborneswansonfrank.

Who do you look to for style inspiration?

My sisters and my mother… my friends … archival photographs and old movies.

Who do you think embodies American style and why?

Lauren Hutton, Ali Macgraw, Katherine Hepburn– I love their tomboy style.. I love the play on contrast of feminine and mascuine..
I love these women and their style as they embody the free spirited American style  I love.

What challenges came up while shooting American Beauty?

If anything, the challenge was always creating a unique portrait for each woman… I always wanted to find fresh locations, unique outfits and really create a portrait that is authentic and iconic- this was the great challenge by the time I got to 80th portrait – the remaining 30 challenged me from a location wardrobe standpoint.. But at the end of the day I love a challenge so some of my best work happened then.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career?

I think having Anna Wintour come to my NYC American Beauty book launch was the most rewarding moment.I worked for her and admire her deeply.It was a great honor to have her there.

What is your favorite NYC restaurant?

A tiny french restaurant in NYC called bilboquette… xox

Claiborne Swanson Frank is the definition of American Beauty inside and out!!!!!!