#24Hours in Sophia Webster

Olivia Da Costa, a super cool Parisian photographer, spends her time snapping, styling and curating PLEASE! magazine; a creative space for fashion and editorials that feature the best contemporary designers. This all runs under her watchful eye whilst she juggles her non-stop, ‘Boss Lady’ lifestyle. Olivia’s ability to capture fashion in an ironic yet uber chic way, is really what sets her apart from other fashion photographers. This was highlighted through her #24HoursInSophia shoot which captured our new ‘Dina Gem’ sandal story – an on-the-go, go-to. We caught up with Olivia to talk shoes, style and most importantly bedtime stories…

Bonjour Olivia! Pretty PLEASE can you tell us about a typical #24hours in the life of Olivia? And don’t miss any details!

I run ‘Please’ magazine, and I’m also a fashion photographer, so I’m a very busy lady! Oh and I’m also a mother to two kids! I wake up early at 7am (no matter what time I go to bed) and get the kids ready for school. Then I’ll probably go shooting – this is by far my favourite part of what I do. I always try to have a fun atmosphere on shoots, I think it’s very important to create the energy you want to deliver through the images – I’d say I have a positive personality.  I always make sure to rush home after a shoot to read my son a bed time story… It’s so important to keep telling stories, no matter how old, as it develops the imagination. I then head back out to loosen up with the team, drink a glass of champagne or vin rouge (sorry I’m so French) somewhere trendy in Paris. I have a work hard, play hard mantra!

Share your top hidden gems of Paris with us…(We’ll share our London gems in return)…

Paris is really moving now and keeping up with social trends, so there many great restaurants that have recently opened: I love Cafe Inako for professional lunches (nice food in a cozy environment). A great spot I’d also recommend is Le Mermoz, the food is excellent and is quite laidback. For cocktails, I would head to the bar at Hotel des Grands Boulevards; the cocktails are unique and delicious. Deviant is also a good option for sophisticated French tapas, before partying at the nearby nightclub Hotel Bourbon!

What about your ultimate shopping spots?

My top spot for retail therapy would be Le Bon Marché, I’ve shopped here since I was a kid (sorry, I’m this Parisienne girl who has been raised in Rive Gauche). To mix it up I love to explore the independent vintage shops like Pretty Boxor Studio W in le Marais. You always find nice accessories and unique pieces to pimp your look. And I love going the les Puces de St Ouen (especially Marché Serpette and Paul Bert), it’s the best flea market on earth for furniture and décoration…

What is your current ‘must have’ on SophiaWebster.com ?

The ‘Jumbo Lilico’ is really fun, I love colours, flowers and shiny vinyls, they’re everything I love about accessorising in one shoe!

Describe the perfect outfit to pair the Dina Gem Sandal with…OH and what colour would you choose?

I would definitely pick up the fuchsia ‘Dina Gem’ block heel silhouette, they’re such a good heel height for all occasions! I’d wear them in 2 different ways: my more casual look would be a pair of vintage Levi’s, with a funky tee (I own an impressive collection of vintage tees!). My more sophisticated look would be a pair of cycling pants with a structured statement shirt.

What is your favourite heel style? Do you have a favourite trend at the moment?

I’m a boots person, they suit my lifestyle. Something that is comfy for shooting and running to school but also chic (come on, we’re working in fashion). I also have a penchant for platform sandals, very seventies – I love the seventies!

What classic Sophia Webster style would be your go-to?

The Rosalind multicoloured and metallic high sandals…to party the night away in!

How far can you run in heels?

To the nearest cocktail bar to my house! I’m sadly not a gifted girl who can walk and run 10 hours in super high heels…but I’d give it my best shot.

If you could wear one type of shoe for the rest of your life what would it be…?

A pair of comfy cowboy boots… I’ve worn cowboy boots since I was 18, they’re timeless and cool and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.