Cover Meet the debutants at Le Bal des Débutantes 2024 (Photo: Yunling Fang)
Meet the debutants at Le Bal des Débutantes 2024 (Photo: Yunling Fang)
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Le Bal des Débutantes—one of the world’s most prestigious fashion and philanthropic events—returns this year to continue its legacy of fostering a bond of goodwill and grace
At the centre of high society, le Bal des Débutantes is one of the world's most exclusive events, marking the grand entrance of elite daughters into adulthood. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation as debutantes dazzle in stunning couture gowns and exquisite jewels, showcasing elegance and personal style.
However, this remarkable occasion serves a deeper purpose. The event raises funds for important charitable causes, highlighting a commitment to social responsibility amid the glamour. As guests enjoy performances and heartfelt moments throughout the evening, le Bal des Débutantes becomes a celebration of youth and grace and meaningful giving and impact.
This year’s proceeds from the event support the Association of Cardiology Research from Fetus to Adult (ARCFA) and its American counterpart, the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. These charities fund pioneering medical research and care for children with congenital heart defects, a reminder that the evening is set with a deeper purpose.
Over the years, le Bal has welcomed local Filipino personalities such as Atasha Muhlach, Rocio Zobel, Dominique Cojuangco, and Paloma Urquijo. This year’s roster was just as illustrious.
Above Atasha Muhlach at the le Bal des Débutantes in Paris, 2022 (Photo: Tim Griffiths)
Above Rocio Zobel at the le Bal des Débutantes in Paris, 2019 (Photo: Tim Griffiths)
Atasha Muhlach at the le Bal des Débutantes in Paris, 2022 (Photo: Tim Griffiths)
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One of the debutantes was Apple Martin, daughter of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Her understated Valentino gown belied the weight of her Hollywood pedigree, and her parents proudly watched from the sidelines. Also in attendance was Angel Zhang, daughter of acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, who stepped onto the floor in Alexis Mabille couture.
Above Apple Martin in Valentino (Photo: Courtesy of Le Bal des Débutantes)
Above Apple Martin with her father Chris Martin (Photo: Yunling Fang)
Apple Martin in Valentino (Photo: Courtesy of Le Bal des Débutantes)
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Then there was Lucia-Sofia Ponti, granddaughter of Italian movie star Sophia Loren, draped in Armani. Ella Yam, the daughter of Hong Kong actor Simon Yam and model Qiqi Fei, also brought her cosmopolitan edge to the ball. Studying at the London School of Economics while moonlighting as a model, she wore a Giambattista Valli gown. Rysa Panday, of Bollywood fame, followed suit, donning Elie Saab with a poise honed through her family’s long relationship with the screen.
Sophie Kodjoe, with her roots in Ghana, Germany, and the US, embodied the multicultural spirit of the event in Oscar de la Renta. Oona Finch, a descendant of film royalty, wore Chanel, her gaze already set on her future in Los Angeles’ film industry.
The night’s regal gravitas came courtesy of HRH Princess Eugenia de Bourbon for the French, whose Carolina Herrera gown bridged her French and Spanish royal heritage with her Venezuelan roots.
Above Lucia Ponti and her cavalier Count Alberico di Carpegna di Brivio (Photo: Daniel Paik)
Above Princess Eugenia de Bourbon in Carolina Herrera and S.A.I.R Archiduc Karl-Konstantin de Hasbourg-Lorraine (Photo: Studio Vanssay)
Lucia Ponti and her cavalier Count Alberico di Carpegna di Brivio (Photo: Daniel Paik)
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Above Rysa Panday in Elie Saab (Photo: Morgan Amsellem)
Above Apollonie Halard in Schiaparelli (Photo: Morgan Amsellem)
Rysa Panday in Elie Saab (Photo: Morgan Amsellem)
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The ballroom glittered with luminaries—Apollonie Halard in Schiaparelli, Aliénor de Montmort in an elegant nod to her French-Argentine roots. Also among them was Olivia Meijer Albada from Holland wearing Luisa Beccaria, whose family’s real estate and winery legacy includes the French vineyard Château Giscours.
Representing Greece, Cornelia Manou, from two prominent shipping families, embraced her passion for science while wearing a gown by Celia Kritarioti, the same designer who created her mother’s wedding dress. Marilia Vamvadikis, also of Greek descent, carried a remarkable Russian heritage tied to Prince Felix Yusupov, infamous for his role in Rasputin’s demise.
Sienna Gallienne from Belgium wore Dior, following in her mother’s footsteps from 1994. Meanwhile, Isabel de Poligny, with her Argentine-French lineage, chose Stéphane Rolland, inspired by her art studies at the Courtauld Institute. Brazilian debutante Mina Muniz, daughter of artists, donned Jean Paul Gaultier while aspiring to a career in science. Madelyn Netto, from the US, stepped out in a bold George Hobeika creation. Sofia Yadigaroglu, of Greek, Spanish, and Swiss descent, selected an avant-garde Iris van Herpen gown. Finally, Peyton Spaht, hailing from San Francisco, dazzled in Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda, joined by her sister and mother, all advocating for mental health awareness.
Above Sophie Kodjoe in Oscar de la Renta and Toussaint Pierre-Vargas (Photo: Yunling Fang)
Above Angel Zhang in Alexis Mabille (Photo: Yunling Fang)
Sophie Kodjoe in Oscar de la Renta and Toussaint Pierre-Vargas (Photo: Yunling Fang)
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Guests, including titans of industry, art, and film, mingled over Laurent-Perrier champagne—their conversations weaving a global web of influence.
As it marks its 30th year, le Bal remains a rarefied stage where tradition and generosity waltz in harmony. It’s a celebration of grace, philanthropy, and heritage—the culmination of months of meticulous preparation and the dawn of new chapters in several young women’s lives. As the evening drew to a close, the whispers of conversations and the rustle of ball gowns continued to resonate, leaving a lasting mark on all present.
The partners of le Bal are Shangrila Paris, V MUSE for jewellery, Carita for hair and Makeup, and Laurent-Perrier.
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Credits
Photography: Daniel Paik, Yunling Fang, Studio Vanssay, Morgan Amsellem, Tim Griffiths
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
