On November 30, the Debutante Ball, known worldwide as Le Bal was held at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, once again distinguishing itself as one of the most exclusive and glamorous events on the international social calendar.
Le Bal
Le Bal is an exclusive presentation into society that combines glamour and tradition, fascinating people worldwide.
The event gathered members of the most influential families, including descendants of royalty, aristocratic families, and personalities from the business elite, such as Lucía Ponti, granddaughter of Sophia Loren, and Peyton Spaht from one of the richest families in the United States.
This year’s edition of Le Bal presented 20 young women from the world’s most influential families, including Eugenia de Borbón Vargas and Lucia Sofia Ponti, marking an unforgettable evening of luxury and generosity.
Eugenia de Borbón Vargas, who is 17 years old, is the eldest daughter of Luis Alfonso de Borbón and Venezuelan millionaire Margarita Vargas. She is a passionate equestrian and was the only Spanish representative in this edition of Le Bal. She dazzled in an exclusive design by Carolina Herrera Haute Couture and completed her outfit with spectacular family jewels, including an emerald necklace that belonged to her great-grandmother, Carmen Franco.
Eugenia was accompanied by Archduke Karl Konstantin of Habsburg-Lorraine, who is third in the line of succession to the former Austro-Hungarian throne and a descendant of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sissi.
Apple Martin, the daughter of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and singer Chris Martin, was also among the debutantes. Apple Martin stunned in a custom Valentino strapless blue gown at Le Bal des Débutantes, which took designer Alessandro Michele over 700 hours to make. Her dress was in a delicate baby blue tone and featured a corseted sweetheart neckline, a pleated maxi skirt adorned with small ruffles, and a contrasting black bow at the center, adding a high dose of glamour.
She completed her look with an XL-sized turquoise gemstone necklace, demonstrating her good taste in combining fashion and jewelry. “This moment marks a milestone in her public career, which began to stand out last year when she attended the Chanel fashion show in Paris,” reported Hola.com.
Another participant who graced the event was Sofía Yadigaroglu Barrero, the daughter of Extremaduran artist Inma Barrero and investor Ion Yadigaroglu. Sofía studies Art History and English Literature at Amherst College in Massachusetts and is currently on exchange at Sorbonne University in Paris. With American, Swiss, Greek, and Spanish roots, she represents a blend of cultures and artistic heritage.
Sofía chose a dress by avant-garde Dutch designer Iris van Herpen for the ball, known for her innovation in haute couture and creations that combine art and technology.
She was accompanied by Konstantinos Manos, who has Greek roots and is of prominent international lineage.
Lucia Sofia Ponti, the granddaughter of film legend Sophia Loren and daughter of filmmaker Edoardo Ponti and actress Sasha Alexander, wore a dress by Giorgio Armani as a clear homage to her Italian roots, featuring a sweetheart neckline, floral motifs, and shiny applications with mesh fabric.
Lucia Ponti finished her look with a diamond choker and dangling emerald earrings in the shape of teardrops.
Ella Yam, daughter of actor Simon Yam and model Qi Qi, was among the participants, looking spectacular at Le Bal in a design by Giambattista Valli. “That was my dream for a long time,” she said, according to hola.com.
Ella Yam’s dress was in fuchsia tones, featuring a sweetheart neckline adorned with three-dimensional ruffles and an asymmetrical hem, with a short front and an extremely long back.
Rysa Panday, daughter of Bollywood actor Chunky Pandey, made her debut in Paris wearing a stunning haute couture dress by Elie Saab. Her dress featured a sculptural Bardot neckline with a three-dimensional flower at the center and a tulle maxi skirt with embroidery.
The Debutante Tradition
The prestigious Debutante Ball serves as a platform for young women aged between 16 and 25 to showcase their elegance and poise in front of an elite audience while launching them into high society.
At the ball, each participant dances the waltz with her escort as if they are at a royal court ball from the eras of European kings, combining haute couture with waltz and 18th-century tradition.
The event provided fashion moments that are now part of the history of what is also known as Le Bal, serving as an opportunity for young women to debut in the media and high fashion world while maintaining its relevance through charitable contributions.
The proceeds from the Debutante Ball are donated to social causes related to women and children, and in the past, they have helped fund a maternity wing in a hospital named after the queen.
This year, the funds raised by Le Bal will go to the NGO Enfants d’Asie and the Selini Institute, which support the education and health of young women in vulnerable situations.
Le Bal has become a platform that combines glamour and altruism, as it donates the proceeds to charitable causes.
In addition to the prominent young women, the event was attended by their families. Luis Alfonso de Borbón was seen sharing moments with Chris Martin, who also enjoyed the dance floor with his daughter Apple Martin.
“This year’s edition of Le Bal demonstrated why it remains an iconic event, capable of bringing together personalities as diverse as Apple Martin and Eugenia de Borbón in a celebration that combines tradition and modernity,” reported El Economista.
The event served not only as a showcase for the participants’ elegance but also as a meeting point for influential figures from the worlds of music, fashion, and aristocracy.
Organizing Le Bal requires months of planning and a careful strategy, making it not just a gala night but a carefully orchestrated process.
Debutantes travel to Paris several times before the big day for wardrobe, makeup, and hairstyle fittings, guided by some of the best designers and stylists in the world.
Attending the Debutante Ball is a gesture of distinction accessible to very few, as participation requires an invitation to this prestigious reception.
Ophélie Renouard, the organizer of Le Bal, insists that the selection of debutantes is not based solely on wealth or name, stating, “My nightmare is the girl who is rich and has nothing special. The one who thinks she can buy her entry to the ball.”
Le Bal adapts to modern times while maintaining its traditional roots, continuing to evolve under the direction of Ophélie Renouard without losing its essence.
Le Bal is inspired by English and French customs, combining elegance, fashion, dance, and networking opportunities, and serves as a symbol of what can be achieved when glamour and philanthropy unite under a single vision.
Over the years, Le Bal has welcomed participants such as Sophia-Rose Stallone, daughter of Sylvester Stallone; Scout LaRue Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis; and the Iglesias Preysler twins, daughters of Julio Iglesias.
In 2019, twins Victoria and Cristina Iglesias dazzled in designs by Elie Saab during Le Bal.
This approach has allowed Le Bal to include both media figures, such as daughters of Hollywood celebrities or aristocracy, and young women with notable achievements.
Le Bal has also become a platform for the social and media launch of the young participants.
Le Bal is positioned as one of the most important events on the global social calendar, reaffirmed by its elegance and the presence of figures like Eugenia de Borbón, making it unmissable for international high society.
According to Forbes magazine, Le Bal is among the 10 best parties in the world, considered one of the 10 most prestigious evenings globally.
The Debutante Ball combines glamour and tradition equally, rescuing the glamour and distinction of contemporary old-money society.
The evening concluded with an atmosphere of luxury and excitement, reminding attendees that, although times change, events like Le Bal keep alive a tradition that celebrates the beauty, talent, and spirit of new generations.
Overall, this year’s edition of Le Bal will be remembered not only for its spectacular staging but also for the unique mix of personalities that made this edition unforgettable.
