A constellation of radiant débutantes slipped into the opulent Shangri-La Paris on Saturday evening, their beauty lighting up the ballroom where high fashion waltzed with classic elegance.
Le Bal des Débutantes, orchestrated annually by Ophélie Renouard, unites 21 accomplished young women from noteworthy families. The debs, aged between 17-21 years old, are chosen from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the US to celebrate tradition, philanthropy, and style, all while raising funds for charity.
This year, the focus was shared between two charities; the cardiology research unit ARCFA of Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, which improves the quality of care for children with heart defects all over the world, and the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, which provides advanced pediatric care, with special emphasis on pediatric cardiovascular problems, childhood cancers, organ transplantation, complex breathing problems, genetic disorders, and challenges associated with premature birth.
The year’s fashion was a dazzling affair with crystal-dusted bodices, cascading skirts, and avant-garde silhouettes contributing to the sartorial magic. Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin’s daughter Apple made her glittering debut in a Cinderally blue dress, while Lucia Ponti – the granddaughter of legendary screen star Sophia Loren – looked breathtaking in a strapless Armani number.
So who are this year’s diamonds of the season? Keep scrolling to meet the 2024 débutantes.
© Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / BestimageLucia Ponti
The granddaughter of the legendary screen star Sophia Loren, Lucia Ponti made her big debut on the social scene in style.
Lucia, a student at Brown University, lives in Los Angeles with her famous family. She was dressed Armani, one of her grandmother’s friends in a nod to her heritage. Her date was also Italian; Count Alberico di Carpegna Brivio walked her down the runway.
© Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / BestimageSophie Kodjoe
Sophie Kodjoe is the daughter of And Just Like That… star Nicole Ari Parker. While both her parents are models and actors, the youngster has no firm career plans yet.
She divides her time between Ghana, Germany and the US. Her galant date was Toussaint Pierre-Vargas, who comes from the USA/Brasil.
