For one glittering night in Paris, the worlds of European royalty, Hollywood legacy, and billionaire dynasties converged on the grand staircase of the Shangri-La Hotel. The annual Le Bal des Débutantes, an event rivalling the Met Gala in its concentration of wealth and pedigree, saw 19 young women from illustrious families make their formal entrance into high society on Saturday evening.
A Gathering of Global Dynasties
Overlooking the Eiffel Tower, the ball provided a scene reminiscent of a modern-day Bridgerton. This year's cohort included descendants of kings, captains of industry, and entertainment royalty. Among the most notable debutantes was Eulalia de Orleans-Borbón, the 19-year-old goddaughter of former Spanish King Juan Carlos. She was escorted by British royal Albert Windsor, the 18-year-old grandson of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, recently crowned Tatler's 'most eligible bachelor'.
The guest list was a veritable who's who of international privilege. Bronwyn Vance, daughter of Oscar-nominated actress Angela Bassett, made her debut, as did Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill, a distant cousin of both Princess Diana and Winston Churchill. The granddaughter of fashion icon Carolina Herrera, Carolina Lansing, also took her first steps into society, paying sartorial homage to her grandmother's legacy.
Haute Couture and Historic Gowns
The ballroom was a spectacle of designer craftsmanship, with each debutante's gown telling a story of heritage and personal style. Eulalia de Orleans-Borbón chose a remarkable champagne-embroidered dress by Lebanese designer Tony Ward. Carolina Lansing turned heads in a monochrome polka-dot strapless gown by Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera, featuring a hidden yellow bow in tribute to the brand's first perfume.
Other standout looks included Bronwyn Vance's angelic white Stephane Rolland haute couture gown, which she described as making her feel like a 'Disney princess'. Ella Wadia, whose great-great-grandfather founded Pakistan, shimmered in gold by Elie Saab, while Ruby Kemper, granddaughter of MGM Studios magnate Kirk Kerkorian, opted for delicate ballet pink by Chrome Hearts.
Beyond the Ballroom: Ambition and Legacy
While the evening was defined by opulence, many of the debutantes are forging impressive paths of their own. Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill is an accomplished equestrian representing Great Britain, balancing Olympic ambitions with studies at Oxford Brookes University. Eulalia de Orleans-Borbón is multilingual and studies financial economics at the University of St Andrews, a favourite of the British royal family.
The event also marked a historic moment, with Sarah Bae, daughter of KKR co-CEO Joseph Bae, becoming the ball's first Korean American debutante. The 17-year-old wore Oscar de la Renta, expressing typical pre-ball nerves about her heel height. The von Perfall siblings made a notable family appearance, with Baron Alexander von Perfall's children all in attendance.
From the granddaughter of a Chinese manufacturing titan, Alice Wang in Vera Wang, to Greek shipping heiress Eirini Zarifi in Deborah Milner, the ball underscored a global network of influence. As the debutantes and their escorts took to the dance floor, Le Bal des Débutantes 2025 once again proved itself as the unparalleled nexus where old-world aristocracy meets new-world power, all under the glittering lights of Paris.
