A dazzling array of debutantes graced the ballroom of the Shangri-La Paris on Saturday evening, their elegance lighting up the space where timeless style blended seamlessly with high fashion.
Le Bal des Débutantes, curated annually by Ophélie Renouard, brings together 21 exceptional young women from prominent families around the world. These debs, aged 17-21, are selected from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the US to celebrate tradition, philanthropy, and sophistication, all while raising funds for charitable causes.
This year, the event supported two noble charities: ARCFA, the cardiology research unit at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, which strives to enhance the care of children with heart defects, and the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, which specializes in advanced pediatric care, including treatments for cardiovascular issues, childhood cancers, organ transplants, and genetic disorders.
The fashion at this year's event was nothing short of mesmerizing, featuring crystal-encrusted bodices, flowing skirts, and bold avant-garde designs. Apple Martin, daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, made a show-stopping debut in a Cinderella-esque blue gown, while Lucia Ponti, granddaughter of iconic screen legend Sophia Loren, stunned in a strapless Armani creation.
Read on to meet the stars of the 2024 season.
1. Apple Martin
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Apple Martin made a highly anticipated appearance at the Debutante Ball this year. The 20-year-old daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin turned heads in a showstopping ruffled dress by Valentino's Alessandro Michele. The intricate design required 750 hours of meticulous work to complete, a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication involved.
2. Lucia Ponti
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Lucia Ponti, the granddaughter of the iconic Sophia Loren, made a stunning entrance into the social spotlight at the ball. A student at Brown University, Lucia’s style was rooted in her family’s heritage, choosing a strapless Armani gown designed by one of her grandmother’s dear friends. She was accompanied by Count Alberico di Carpegna Brivio, her Italian date, as they graced the runway in effortless elegance.
3. Sophie Kodjoe
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Sophie Kodjoe, daughter of the And Just Like That... star Nicole Ari Parker, was another standout. At 17, Sophie remains undecided on her future career, but she certainly shone at the event. Dividing her time between Ghana, Germany, and the US, Sophie’s date for the evening was the charming Toussaint Pierre-Vargas, who hails from the US/Brazil.
4. HRH Princess Eugenia de Borbon Vargas
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As the only royal debutante this year, HRH Princess Eugenia de Borbon Vargas brought an air of royalty to the occasion. The Spanish princess donned a pastel blue strapless Carolina Herrera dress, accented with a glittering heirloom tiara that emphasized her royal roots. She was joined by the Archduke of Austria, Karl-Konstantin Habsburg-Lothringen, and together they made a regal impression on the ballroom floor.
5. Olivia Meijer
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Olivia Meijer Albada from the Netherlands sparkled in a strapless design, paired with sparkling diamonds for an unforgettable look. The daughter of real estate moguls, she hails from a family known for their vineyard, Chateau Giscours in France. Olivia, currently studying in Madrid, was accompanied by her brother Antonius Meijer for the night.
6. Ella Yam
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Ella Yam wowed the crowd in a resplendent red Giambattista Valli couture dress, which featured a dramatic mullet hem. The 20-year-old Hong Kong-born beauty is the daughter of actor Simon Yam and model Qiqi Fei. Balancing her studies at the London School of Economics with a budding modelling career, Ella’s look was the epitome of glamour and youthful energy. She was escorted by Harris Husain from Pakistan.
7. Oona Finch
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Oona Finch, the London-based socialite and granddaughter of actor Peter Finch, was another fashion darling of the evening. She arrived in a breathtaking Chanel gown with a frothy tulle skirt and sparkling drop earrings. Oona was escorted by Count Ascanio di Carpegna Brivio of Italy, adding a touch of aristocratic charm to her look.
8. Mina Muniz Tschape
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Mina Muniz Tschape made a dramatic statement in a puffball white Gaultier Paris gown that resembled a bridal look. Her date, Zhining Zhao from China, planted a kiss on her hand as they entered the venue. Mina, the daughter of Brazilian artists Vicente Muiz and Janaina Tschape, dreams of becoming a scientist in addition to her striking beauty.
9. Isabel de Poligny
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Argentine-born Isabel de Poligny turned heads in a bold Stephane Rolland ensemble. The black silk bustier top and low-waisted satin skirt with a topaz necklace made her one of the most daringly dressed debutantes of the night. Isabel is following in her family’s footsteps by pursuing a career in art, currently studying at the prestigious Courtauld Institute in London.
10. Rysa Panday
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Indian debutante Rysa Panday shone in a princess-style Elie Saab couture gown, which featured gold and lace embroidery along with a corseted bodice. The daughter of Bollywood actors, Rysa aspires to forge a career blending film and fashion. She was escorted by Maarish Hinduja for her grand entrance.
11. Madelyn Netto
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Madelyn Netto, who has lived between the East and West Coasts of the US, was the picture of elegance in a scarlet satin George Hobeika dress. The daughter of interior designer David Netto, she is currently studying in Scotland, and was accompanied by her family for the glamorous night.
12. Sofia Yadigaroglu
Sofia Yadigaroglu, a New York-based beauty, exuded sophistication in a shimmering black Iris van Herpen gown with a sweeping train. The daughter of Turkish and Greek descent, Sofia looked every bit the star as she enjoyed the evening with her date, Konstantinos Manos of Greece.
13. Sienna Gallienne
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Sienna Gallienne, granddaughter of Belgian business mogul Albert Frere, stayed classic in a beige Dior gown. With a structured bodice and tulle skirt, Sienna’s gown was a beautiful nod to timeless elegance.
14. Angel Zhang
Chinese debutante Angel Zhang stepped out in a beautiful Alexis Mabille blue satin dress with striking sleeve detailing. The daughter of acclaimed director Zhang Yimou, Angel dreams of following in her family’s cinematic footsteps and plans to attend university in the US.
15. Peyton Spaht
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American debutante Peyton Spaht stood out in the most extravagant dress of the evening. Her Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda gown was the epitome of high fashion, and she was joined by her sister and mother, who also wore dresses by the renowned fashion house for the occasion.
16. Aliénor Loppin de Montmort
French debutante Aliénor Loppin de Montmort arrived at the ball in a stunning Emanuel Ungaro dress. With her hair pulled into a sleek high ponytail, she looked effortlessly chic. Aliénor, an animal lover, hails from an aristocratic family with ties to Argentina, and was escorted by Count Rodolphe de Hemricourt Grunne of Belgium.
17. Cornelia Manou
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Cornelia Manou, a beauty from Greece, honored her heritage with a shimmering Celia Kritarioti gown, which mirrored her mother’s wedding dress. Cornelia, who dreams of a career in science, was accompanied by Leon Manos for the evening’s festivities.
18. Marilia Vamvakidi
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Greek debutante Marilia Vamvakidi dazzled in a Cinderella-inspired blue dress, making a magical impression on the evening. She was joined by Prince Alexis Obolensky of Greece. Marilia’s family boasts a royal lineage, with her maternal grandmother being Princess Xenia Cheremeteff of Russia, a descendant of the infamous Rasputin.
19. Apollonie Halard
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French beauty Apollonie Halard made a bold statement in a pink Schirapelli number, complete with a draped bodice, pearls, and long black gloves. Her date for the evening was Gabriel de Kergorlay of France.
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