Cover Alexandra Cruz-Moxey wore a black, Art Deco–inspired dress with silver-and-black caped fringe by Lanvin at the 2025 le Bal des Débutantes, held at Shangri-La Paris
Alexandra Cruz-Moxey wore a black, Art Deco–inspired dress with silver-and-black caped fringe by Lanvin at the 2025 le Bal des Débutantes, held at Shangri-La Paris
1 / 1
From Parisian dress fittings to a glamorous debut at le Bal des Débutantes, Alexandra Cruz-Moxey shares her experience navigating her role as this year’s representative
My mum first heard about le Bal from a friend. He is the editor of the Tatler magazine and he recommended me to Ophelie Renouard, the organiser and founder of the event. When my mum told me about the opportunity, I was very excited.
To prepare for le Bal, my mum and I went to numerous dress fittings in Paris, all of which were fantastic experiences. The designers and teams at the couture houses were very knowledgeable and attentive throughout the process. I tried on many dresses with different silhouettes: some were loose and flowy, some had big skirts, some had a one-shoulder design. Each fitting was a unique opportunity to try on a cutting- edge design.
I found my dress during a fitting at Lanvin. I tried many beautiful options and initially decided on a black dress with a shoulder cutout and a wraparound cape. However, as we were leaving the store, the dress in the window caught my eye: a black gown with silver wraparound epaulettes flowing down, like wings. I knew immediately that it was the one. After a few alterations, the dress was perfect.
Above Alexandra Cruz-Moxey reflects on a meaningful le Bal des Débutantes experience
Alexandra Cruz-Moxey reflects on a meaningful le Bal des Débutantes experience
1 / 1
My family and I had a fantastic time dancing, although we concluded that we all have two left feet. One night leading up to le Bal, my dad, my boyfriend, cavalier Sebastian, my mum, my aunt and I practised the waltz in our living room, which was a hilarious sight.
On the first day of le Bal, Sebastian and my dad took a waltz lesson in Paris with a French teacher who thought they were terrible dancers (and they were father and son). Thankfully, they sent videos to our family group chat, which had me laughing in the dressing room. On the first day of le Bal, I went to the Shangri-La for photo day. I met many of the girls for the first time as I walked into the hotel and up to the mezzanine. Everyone was very kind and excited to be part of such an exceptional experience. As we walked around the dressing room, we saw everyone’s dresses and robes all laid out. We got the chance to see and compliment each other’s beautiful gowns.
See also: Tatler Ball Asia 2025: meet the Tatler Impact Award recipients at this year’s regional ball
Above Alexandra Cruz-Moxey wears Olivier Theyskens and V MUSE jewellery, pictured with her parents, Patrick Moxey and Bernadette Cruz-Moxey and her sister, Victoria Cruz-Moxey
Alexandra Cruz-Moxey wears Olivier Theyskens and V MUSE jewellery, pictured with her parents, Patrick Moxey and Bernadette Cruz-Moxey and her sister, Victoria Cruz-Moxey
1 / 1
Every team in the dressing, hair and makeup rooms was invaluable. My hairstylist decided to give me a bun updo to show off the back of my dress. My makeup artist, Kimi, created a natural, young and glowy look for me. Finally, we went to the V MUSE jewellery room to collect our preselected pieces. I put on an emerald necklace and emerald earrings. The look was coming together beautifully.
The rest of the day was spent on photoshoots, group and individual pictures around the hotel. I’m not someone who often does photoshoots, but this felt like an incredible opportunity to pay homage to our gowns all together. At the end of the day, I looked back at the photos with a friend—both of us were mesmerised.
I loved meeting the other girls who participated in le Bal. As someone who grew up internationally, I was struck by how worldly the group was. We talked about high school and university. I felt much closer to the girls after getting ready and spending the day with them. I truly loved meeting everyone, especially chatting with Sarah and Bronwyn. Both were hilarious and so much fun to talk to. I look forward to staying in touch with them.
Above Alexandra Cruz-Moxey and her cavalier Sebastian Corso
Alexandra Cruz-Moxey and her cavalier Sebastian Corso
1 / 1
On the day of the ball itself, I was not nervous at first. I had already become acquainted with the other girls and the teams the days before. However, before I was presented, my heart was definitely beating fast. Sebastian and I had decided on a twirl-and-back-to-back pose. His calming presence before we walked in helped settle my nerves. Once we walked into the room, I felt totally relaxed and joyful, surrounded by laughter and excited chatter.
Overall, I appreciate le Bal for how it has evolved the debutante ball scene. I never imagined myself at a New York debutante ball, and I really enjoyed the more international experience le Bal offered. The focus on the young women’s achievements and the designs each girl wore were genuinely inspiring. I would absolutely recommend le Bal to other girls. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed me to meet new people, support the Association of Cardiology Research from Fetus to Adult (ARCFA) and build fantastic memories.
Above 19-year-old Alexandra Cruz-Moxey represented the Philippines at le Bal des Débutantes 2025
19-year-old Alexandra Cruz-Moxey represented the Philippines at le Bal des Débutantes 2025
1 / 1
To my younger sister, who wants to be part of le Bal someday, I would say: embrace the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments, your style and the friends you may not have otherwise gotten to meet.
I am so grateful to my family for the love and grounding presence they showed throughout the experience. We are a bit chaotic sometimes, but they were there for me every step of the way (even during the unglamorous parts). I am especially thankful that my mum was there. Her guidance and encouragement made it so much more meaningful. Throughout my life, my family has taught me to respect my elders and to show up as the best version of myself in new environments and situations—ideas that I carried with me at le Bal. None of this would have felt as special without them!
NOW READ
When Filipino skin tones were ignored, this beauty brand made every shade the standard
How Filipinos will spend, live, eat and travel in 2026, according to industry experts
This speech app is transforming the way children with autism learn to communicate
Credits
Photography: Studio Vanssay
