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Ten years ago, I had a unique experience while modeling for Jenny Packham, who was a new dress designer at the time. Early in my career, it was common to be compensated with clothes instead of cash for certain jobs, especially when gaining experience and building a portfolio was more valuable. One particular dress from that shoot caught my attention, even though wearing it was quite challenging. The dress had chains and crystals that tangled, straps that dug into my shoulders, and it was sheer with a daring cut. Despite its discomforts, wearing it made me feel extraordinary, which is why I chose it. A month later, I received my own specially-made version of the dress, with a promise to wear it often at various events.
Fast forward a decade to the TV BAFTAs, and surprisingly, the dress still fits perfectly. It even fits better now, thanks to a few more curves. I was hesitant about wearing it to a lengthy event, but my husband, Mr. AMR, encouraged me to go for it after all this time.
As I tried on the dress in my bedroom, I couldn’t help but notice the fingerprints on the mirrored door—a task I hadn’t tackled yet. At the hotel, I took extra care to keep the dress’s chains and crystals from tangling by wrapping them in little paper packages. I also added “nipple protectors” to avoid any unwanted attention on the red carpet. These adhesive covers are fantastic for going bra-less and avoiding unnecessary distractions.
To complete my look, I paired the dress with a vintage feather wrap, my go-to nude heels, and a chic satin clutch from LK Bennett, which is currently on sale. We waited until the last minute to untangle the packages of crystals and chains, a task Mr. AMR helped me with in the hotel lobby.
On the red carpet, I was styled by the talented Mark Hill, had my makeup done by MAC, and my skin had a touch of glow from St Tropez. The hotel even lent me an umbrella, which I surprised the doorman by returning as promised in the early hours.
For video highlights, check out my vlog about the BAFTAs day, where I share more about my Gatsby-inspired look. The dress holds a special place for me, representing not just fashion but also a decade’s journey.