Author's note- I just caught the pictures of Emma during the pre BAFTA dinner and award ceremony here in London, and was knocked out by her choices of attire. Especially the striped boots, and so just had to write this. All totally made up by the way.
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London, Saturday, March 12th.
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You can be sure a Chanel dinner is going to draw quite the stylish crowd and that's exactly what happened on the evening of March 12th in London.
Charles Finch and Chanel held their 22nd annual Pre-BAFTA Dinner at the Georgian townhouse 5 Hertford Street, a private members club in London's Mayfair.
Even more special to be joining forces after a lack of ceremonies in 2021, Charles Finch and Chanel welcomed a host of international guests from the worlds of film, fashion, design, art and music who gathered for dinner.
The meal, held in Lou Lou's, was to celebrate the 75th annual BAFTA award ceremony.
And one of the leading lights was Emma Watson who looked gorgeous in a slinky cut out mini dress and an incredible pair of boots. Jimmy Choo thigh high boots will always get you noticed, but add in the alternating sheer and black stripes of these beauties and you're guaranteed to turn heads. And the expensive footwear added several inches to her petite frame. The successful actress was bound to garner attention in abundance as she arrived punctually on the eve of the BAFTAs for the 'night before' dinner. The Harry Potter star aged thirty-one, looked every inch the style icon as she went bra-less in the eye-catching and unique ensemble for the Charles Finch, Chanel star-studded affair. The former face of Chanel wore minimal makeup and her brown tresses were pinned back from her face for the glitzy outing.
Emma wasn't the only stylish star in attendance on the Saturday night. Former Doctor Who star, Jenna Coleman, added a splash of colour to the event, thanks to her vibrant striped dress. The thirty-five year old actress, looked beautiful at the showbiz bash in a in a crochet two-piece, which included a cardigan and mini skirt. The acclaimed star had applied a matte-finish face of makeup and slipped into classic wedges which were simple and black in style.
Many other well known guests duly arrived including, Eddie Remayne and wife, Lashana Lynch, David Williams, Patrick Stewart, and James Norton.
The limousine drew up outside the venue shortly after eight and Emma exited in front of an array of photographic glare. As she stepped onto the pavement, she drank in the attention willingly. It had been quite sometime since she had embraced the public gaze. A large security man ushered her through the porticoed entrance. As she waltzed into the splendour of the interior, Emma smiled at the buzz of conversation and laughter within. As she took an offered glass of Chardonnay, the first person to greet her was somebody she knew of but had yet to meet.
"Emma Watson, how are you? Jenna bustled up to the young actress and grinned.
"Jenna! So nice to meet you. I'm such a big fan of 'Victoria.' You and Tom looked so good together."
Emma referred to Jenna's role as the beloved Queen Victoria and her co-star and then lover, actor Tom Hughes.
"Thanks. We've moved on since then," Jenna fanned a hand in dismissal. "Although we enjoyed quite a few happy years together. I've read a lot about you and your various boyfriends in the media."
Emma narrowed her eyes and took a long swig of white wine. Was that a veiled swipe at her and her list of failed relationships? She eyed up the attractive brunette curiously. Her dark hair was pulled back from her bright eyes and delicate features, giving Jenna a superior image.
"Never mind me," Emma snapped in response. "I'm more than happy with my choice of men. And I've had no complaints so far."
Jenna shrugged and looked around the crowded room.
"Rather a lot of delicious men here tonight." Remarked Jenna with a roving eye.
"Yeah, and a lot of them are all looking our way."
"Naturally."
"Anyway, I'm not here for a hook-up. I'm here for a good night out."
"So, there's no dapper looker here who might spirit you away?"
Emma's head swiveled as at that precise moment, the star of 'Captain America' Sebastian Stan, brushed by them and smiled broadly to both. His wavy hair had been raked back from his forehead so as to highlight his two day stubble on his strong jawline. At over six feet his wired frame greatly dwarfed the pair of slender beauties. Emma's gaze in particular lingered longer than her ready made rival.
"Him?" Wondered Jenna with an arched brow. "You like him?"
"He, he looks like he might be a fun guy."
"He certainly is. We dated for a while some time ago. But he's not your type."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Said Emma with a pout.
Jenna smiled that suggestive smile that hinted that she had more knowledge than she was letting on.
"He likes a girl who is daring and up for anything. Capiche?"
"I've been around guys like him before. AND I'm up for anything, thank you very much."
"Guys like him? What do you think you he might be capable of? Have you ever gone down on a man before?"
Emma demurred and then nodded.
"Yeah."
"Have you had a man go down on you?"
Emma studied her nails with a moot expression and then lifted her chin.
"Yeah. Lots of times."
"He likes to have two women at the same time."
Emma caught herself with her jaw agape and closed it post haste.
"He does?"
She looked over at the man again in a new light. At over six foot tall, he had a handsome swagger and a cool assurance. His physique, features and demeanour, ticked all her boxes.
"Have I piqued your curiosity?"
Emma was unable to deny it. She WAS interested.
"I don't know. I'm sure I could turn his head if I wanted."
"Hottest single guy in the room. Do something about it." Jenna leaned in and whispered. I dare you."
Emma drained her glass.
"Okay," she said. "Dare accepted. I'll do it."
Jenna grinned and left Emma to mingle with the other guests. Emma saw that Sebastian had sat down at a table by himself. Now that he was alone, Emma stared at him with a certain attraction, and even though she wanted to, she found that she could not look away. She greeted some of the other guests as she gradually grew closer to where Sebastian was sitting. He was far too well mannered to stare back but he definitely gave her a head to toe appraisal. The nearer she got however, the more keyed up she felt. Her doe like eyes darted in his direction more and more until her recce was noted by the American actor.
"Are you okay?"
Emma, slightly startled by her own obvious attentiveness, blushed and smiled awkwardly.
"I'm fine," she sighed nervously. "Must be the wine making me a bit giddy."
"Emma Watson, right? That is one stunning outfit you have."
"Thank you. Sebastian?"
"Correct."
They shook hands and both held onto the physical contact for a little longer than protocol normally called for. His engaging smile grew warmer and Emma, spurred on by his sympathetic charm, and the couple of glasses of wine, got more reckless in her pursuit.
Are you going to the ceremony tomorrow?" Asked Emma as she pulled her hand free.
"No, can't make it. Wish I could. I hear you're going to present one of the awards. I gotta fly back to the States straight away."
"I know. SO exciting! Um, where are you staying?"
"It's my last night in town. I'm at the Corinthia. It's spacious and luxurious and has a great room service. If you get bored here maybe we could relax and have some privacy there? Get to know each other."
Sebastian delivered the last line with a flash of his baby blue eyes and Emma visibly gulped.
"Emma? Are you okay?"
"I need..." Emma felt a tad unsteady on her heels. "I think I need the ladies' room."
"Come on, I'll take you."
When she stood beside him, he seemed much larger than she had thought at first. They inched slowly towards each other, and he felt her body heat beneath her revealing top. Dressed in a formal suit, Sebastian had undone the first two buttons of his white shirt. Emma fought the sudden urge to reach out and grab him close. Instead, she casually placed one hand on his front and felt the solid wall of his chest beneath his shirt. They locked eyes and Emma yearned to have him kiss her. Have him smack his lips against her own, whilst caressing the delicate skin of her elegant neck. She felt her eyelids become heavy, and she welcomed his firm grip on her arms.
"That wine has gone straight to my head."
"Let's get some air."
The Spring air felt cool on her flushed cheeks as they made their way onto the pavement. When Emma heard him hail a cab she did not blink nor protest.