The Pomp of a Debutante's Soiree
Gorgeous offspring, wealthy patriarchs, lavish gowns, and exquisite jewels. Paris's "Le Bal des Débutantes" is regarded as a key to high society's inner circle. The fortunate few who receive an invitation have made it – and are closely guarded for two days.
The young ladies are introduced to the high society elite. They are assigned a gallant escort who shepherds them safely throughout the evening. These young men are also from distinguished families.
Ophelie ensures a mosaic of affluent aristocracy and traditional nobility at this event. For instance, the daughter of German Academy Award winner Florian Graf Henckel von Donnersmarck (50) meets the progeny of Hungarian ambassador Georg Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduke of Austria (58). The descendant of the American Ford dynasty engages in conversation with a daughter from the influential Pakistani Husain family.
Both lavish young women and celebrity daughters have danced at this ball in the past, including Reese Witherspoon (47), Bruce Willis (68), and Mikhail Gorbachev (91).
The young women arrive several days prior to the event, stay at the luxurious "Shangri-La Hotel," and are treated like princesses for the weekend.
Everything is meticulously planned. On Friday, the debutantes meet the Chinese jeweler and sponsor "V Muse" and Wiesbaden hairstylist Alexander von Trentini. Now, the final look will be decided, and the girls will be adorned with tiaras, earrings, brooches, and necklaces from a historical collection. Prices aren't disclosed, but Ildiko Habsburg-Lothringen's (21) tiara alone boasts over 100 carat diamonds.
Florian Graf Henckel von Donnersmarck has the honor of opening the ball with his daughter Lara Cosima (20). "We often dance together, just like at home, or sometimes even on the street when a nice song plays somewhere. But of course, it's especially touching for a father when it happens during the solemn, formal setting of a debutante ball. No one can escape the power of such rituals."
For her daughter Lara Cosima, this dance with her father is the highlight of the entire weekend: "I'm so excited to see my father. Unfortunately, we don't see each other often because he works so much, and I work here in Paris. But now he, my mother, and my brothers have come here specifically for this weekend. It means so much to me. We have a great relationship. And I couldn't ask for anything better than to dance with him now."
Despite hailing from families laden with titles, none of the debutantes rest on their laurels. All the women work, study, speak multiple languages, are involved in charitable works, or participate in competitive sports.
Ildiko is the second Habsburg to attend the ball. Last year, her sister Sophia (23) took part. Ildiko: "It really is a unique event. The makeup, hair, and gowns, it's a different world and has nothing in common with my everyday life." She clarifies her plans for the precious tiara in her hair: "I don't know how many pins are in there to keep it in place. Plus, a bodyguard always keeps watch over my head to ensure nothing happens."
19-year-old Anya Embiricos hails from one of Greece's most prominent shipping dynasties. She was radiant that evening in a green chiffon gown with a low-cut neckline, with an 18-carat gold starfish jewel attached to her dress, a nod to her Greek heritage.
Elizabeth L. Webster (18) comes from a wealthy family in South Carolina. "We debutantes are all privileged, but we're at an age now where we understand that we shouldn't be snooty and indulgent, but that we can do something meaningful with our lives."
She is referring to the charitable purpose of the ball, which requires donations from all attendees to support a French hospital and the "World Central Kitchen" organization.
In addition to international royalty, a pop princess will also attend this evening. Invited for her celebrity background, the 17-year-old Angelina Jordan is the youngest participant. She gained fame by participating in the Norwegian "Supertalent" at the age of eight and in the American version in 2019. Her career has flourished since then.
After the waltz and a bit of pop music at 1:30 a.m., the fairy tale ends. The jewelry is returned to the jeweler, the bodyguards are relieved of their duty, and the girls can be themselves again, partying with their escorts in a Parisian discotheque.
"Le Bal" - a glamorous highlight for high society!
- At the occasion, the daughter of German Academy Award winner Florian Graf Henckel von Donnersmarck danced with the offspring of Hungarian ambassador Georg Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduke of Austria, reflecting the blend of wealthy families and traditional nobility at the event.
- The young ladies attending the ball largely hail from distinguished families with noble titles, such as Ildiko Habsburg-Lothringen, Archduchess of Austria, who is the second Habsburg to attend the event.
- To add to the grandeur of the event, shipping companies often sponsor the presence of their millionaire daughters, with Anya Embiricos from a prosperous Greek shipping family being an example.
Footnote: The presence of bodyguards at such events is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of the attendees.
