At first, her artistic showcase turned heads at Akris in New York City, and on March 15, portrait photographer, Claiborne Swanson Frank, took her talents across the nation to San Francisco, letting all of Union Square see her new exhibit, “Indigo Light” at Akris in Neiman Marcus.
With help from her sisters Veronica Beard and Alexis Traina, and friends such as Vanessa Getty, Allison Speer, Jessica Sailer, Sophie Pera, Serena Nikkah, and Genevieve Bahrenburg, Claiborne fused together beautiful portraits of enticing women and the vibrant influx of high fashion.
It was fantastic move for Claiborne to head to New York; being the assistant of Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, further educated her on the influence fashion has in many different life aspects, as well as enhance her love for it. “Fashion has always had a strong presence in my photography,” she explains. “It is not meant to dominate the portrait but instead add dimension – just like the natural and personal backdrops I shoot my subjects in — both bring a greater texture and depth to the image. My goal is to find something that takes your breath away… I dream to shoot my vision of spirit and soul. I set out to take portraits that capture women in their greatest beauty and truth, whatever that may be.” She brings these words to life in her portraits, as she depicts the gorgeous women in front of the camera, all with powerful yet elegant stances, draped in the finest clothing from fashion designer, Albert Kriemler. “He plays on contrast of color, shape and texture in an understated way, as I do in my photography,” Claiborne says about the inventive designer. “In turn, we share a similar idea of beauty.”
Of course, this exhibit could not have been done without the help of one of Claiborne’s closest adviser, and close friend, Ivan Shaw, who also happens to be the Photography Director for Vogue. “It was Ivan who encouraged and supported me – he connected me to Akris and saw the potential for a future collaboration.” Shaw played a grand role in putting this exhibit together, as he not only booked the Akris for the event, but also selected pieces to be worn by the portrait subjects. I guess it’s true what they say; birds of a feather flock together.
The benefits were given to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, one of the largest museums in the United States, proving that Claiborne Swan Frank not only gives to the fashion community, but to the art community with the same amount of passion, style, and vision.
For images from this event visit to Haute Living’s Events Gallery.
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