28 March, 2019
British accessories designer Sophia Webster takes us to task in Rio de Janeiro, where her playful pumps are manufactured. Candy coloured and joyful, Webster's whimsical footwear and accessories - from disco ball clutches to translucent totes - play to Rio's wonderful heritage of craft - fusing hand-worked techniques and textural fabrications. Donning our favourite flats - the Lia slides - we sauntered through Leblon before shifting gears (and swapping shoes) for a samba around Lapa.
Friday - just in time for the weekend.
I had always wanted to launch a luxury designer brand that would be accessible in price but I also needed to find a shoe-making tradition that could interpret my hand. Brazil proved to be the perfect match. In 2012 I was one of the few at my price point in the market. I love the factory that I launched my brand with; their warm, determined and passionate attitude to work and life is typical of the many Brazilians that I have met.
The Copacabana style tries to capture the spirit of Rio with its popping colours, strappy knotting and the raffia-covered heel. It's a very summery shoe and intended to bring joy to its wearer in the way the city brings joy to me.
There isn't really one - it's so relaxed and laid-back. I tend to keep it low-key with a T-shirt dress or denim shorts and some comfy flats, like my Lia slides - they're so easy to slip on with anything.
I love wearing prints, I always have. Isolda have some great tropical pieces that are really cool. PatBo also uses amazing colourful prints - her designs are very feminine and chic.
Santa Teresa has some wonderful art shops. There's also a great antiques market by the Botanical Gardens on Saturdays - I always visit when I'm there.
If it is your first time in the city, you have to take a ride on the aerial tram - you'll see the city from a different perspective. To really explore a city you've never been to before, it's important to get off the beaten track by visiting hidden places, have conversations with the locals and try the traditional cuisine. A visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue is also a must for a first-timer.
Hotel Santa Teresa. It's a charming hotel located on a hill; the view of Corcovado is just beautiful. Santa Teresa has so much traditional Brazilian culture and it's a relaxed and arty area to base yourself.
Lapa Square in Rio - it's the ultimate party ground. There are always street parties, caipirinhas, music and samba dancing in the street. It has a similar spirit to Rio Carnival.
Bar do Mineiro in Santa Teresa. It's very old school and all the locals eat there, which I love.
Bene restaurant in Leblon; it's on the waterfront and has seating outside. An early dinner in the summer catches a memorable sunset.
I tend to visit Porto Alegre a lot as it's the closest town to our factory. After a full day of sampling, we go for churrasco. It is near Argentina, so the meat is particularly good.
Leblon; it's a daily ritual when I visit Brazil. Stroll along the Portuguese black-and-white tiled pavement, take in the sea views and crack open a delicious fresh coconut.
Sunday has always been a family day for me. Head to Leblon or Ipanema beach with the family, and have a late lunch with traditional Brazilian feijoada in a restaurant nearby.
Bar dos Descasados in Santa Teresa. Bar Sobe has a lovely outdoor area which is lit up with fairy lights and has the best view of Christ the Redeemer. Plage Café in Parque Lage (a public park at the foot of the Corcovado in the Botanic Garden neighbourhood) for breakfast. Joatinga beach is another hidden gem near São Conrado.
If you are looking for a city with beautiful beaches, make a quick trip to Angra dos Reis. It's made up of lots of small islands surrounded by a plush, forested coastline; the island of Ilha Grande is one of my favourites as the ocean is so crystal clear you can spot seahorses and catch starfish.
At Relais & Chateaux. The hotel is bohemian and has a relaxed, chilled atmosphere - the perfect way to end a trip.
