Behind the Scenes: The Nicki Chapman Photoshoot

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a Pavers shoot? From the early morning set-up to the final shots, we're taking you inside the making of the Loved by Nicki Chapman edit — our exclusive collection handpicked by the much-loved TV presenter and radio broadcaster herself. Read on for leopard print dilemmas, 'matchy matchy' pairings, holiday-ready wedges and all the moments that made this one of our most special shoot days yet.

8:00am — Early Start, Big Energy

There was something about a shoot day that got the whole team buzzing, and this one was no different. An early start on location at Holburn Studios, setting up for what promised to be a really special day — the first ever shoot with the brilliant TV presenter and radio broadcaster, Nicki Chapman, for her exclusive Loved by Nicki Chapman edit at Pavers.

The rails were stacked with gorgeous spring-summer styles selected by Gayle Rinkhoff, the shoes were laid out, the lighting was being rigged, and the snack table was set. The team was ready.

8:15am — Nicki Arrived

Nicki arrived with such wonderful warmth, instantly chatting and laughing with the team as if she’d known everyone for years. Before stepping in front of the camera, Nicki was in the chair with glam artist Alice Theobald, who curated several looks to complement the look and feel of the shoot, soft, fresh and perfectly in tune with the season’s colours and styling.

As she was walked through the edit she helped curate, from the shoes and bags to the coordinated pairings, it was clear how much thought she’d put into every choice. “I really did agonise over some of these,” she laughed, picking up many of the leopard print styles. “I just couldn’t choose!”

10:30am — First Look: Leopard Took Centre Stage

There was really nowhere else to start. Nicki had been very clear during the selection process that leopard print had to feature, and not just once.

"When I was deciding which shoes to put together for my edit, leopard had to be in there," she shared between shots. "I thought I'd only choose one. I haven't done very well, have I… because I've actually got three! I couldn't decide, so they've all made the grade, and they're beautiful."

Styled against clean backdrops with simple, classic outfits, the leopard styles did exactly what Nicki said they did best: they lifted the whole look. Her styling tip? "My favourite way to style it is with a plain black dress. It really lifts the whole look."

11:30am — The 'Matchy Matchy' Moment

If there was one thing Nicki was passionate about, aside from leopard print, it was a coordinated shoe and bag moment. She coined the phrase "matchy matchy" during pre-shoot calls, and it had well and truly stuck with the whole Pavers team.

The standout pairing of the morning was the Lightweight Wedge Espadrilles with the Woven Shoulder bag, and seeing it come together on set was genuinely gorgeous.

"Now this is one of my favourite looks," Nicki said as she slipped on the sandal. "The thing I love most is, and I'm going to call it the 'matchy matchy', when my super comfortable sandals match this beautiful bag. This bag will take me from beach, to restaurant, to going out, to shopping. I think it's one of the most versatile bags I've seen. It's super light, but it has loads of storage as well. Put them together, and I think this is the most fantastic outfit."

Hard to argue with that.

12:30pm — Lunch Break (and a Lot of Shoe Chat)

Over lunch, Nicki opened up about why this collaboration felt so right. She talked about her mum and sister having been loyal Pavers customers for years, which made the whole thing feel even more personal and full-circle.

"When I first came across Pavers a few years ago, I learned very quickly that I was late to the party!" she laughed. "My mum and sister have been buying Pavers shoes for years, so it feels very special to have the opportunity to handpick my own edit of seasonal favourites."

She also spoke candidly about the importance of genuinely comfortable footwear and how Pavers struck the perfect balance. "What I love most about Pavers is that you really can have both comfort and style. You don't have to choose."

It was exactly the message Pavers stands for. Hearing it said so naturally and honestly by someone who truly meant it, that was what made the day feel so special.

1:30pm — Lightweight Wedges & Holiday Vibes

The afternoon session brought a whole new energy as the shoot moved into the wedge styles. These were the pieces Nicki described as her "holiday heroes": lightweight, easy to pack, comfortable enough to wear all day, and stylish enough to take you from poolside to dinner without a second thought.

Watching Nicki style these up on set, pairing them with breezy, relaxed outfits, you could absolutely picture them on a sun-drenched terrace somewhere. The team was already mentally packing their suitcases.

3:00pm — Colour, Colour, Colour

The late afternoon light was golden, and Nicki was in her element. The shoot moved through the more vibrant pieces, sandals in joyful, punchy hues that were pure Comfort in Full Colour energy.

These were the styles that made you smile just looking at them. Nicki picked up a pair in a vivid shade and held them up approvingly. "Life's too short for boring shoes," she grinned.

4:45pm — That's a Wrap

As the last shots were called and the team began to pack down, there was that unmistakable end-of-shoot feeling, tired but buzzing. The kind of tired that only comes from a genuinely great day.

It was back on the train to York for the Pavers team, and van driver Tim to the rescue, who ensured they didn’t miss their train!

While photographer Russ began editing the images on the train, that’s when the real work started! Working out how to narrow down hundreds of brilliant images was no easy task.

Shop the Loved by Nicki Chapman Edit

Nicki's handpicked collection of shoes and bags is available now, from playful leopard prints and lightweight wedges to coordinated 'matchy matchy' pairings and comfort styles in full colour. And if the shoot has you wanting even more of Nicki's take on the edit, catch her behind-the-scenes reel on Instagram — the perfect way to see the collection through her eyes.

Discover the shoes and bags loved by Nicki Chapman, designed to bring comfort, colour and effortless style to every step. Exclusively at Pavers.