The most exclusive event in the European social calendar returns this month as Le Bal des Débutantes prepares to welcome a new generation of elite young women to Paris's Shangri-La Hotel. This prestigious gathering, often described as the most glamorous night in society, will see Spanish royalty, Hollywood nepotism babies, and fashion heiresses take their formal bow before high society.
A Tradition of Elegance and Exclusivity
First held at the Palace of Versailles in 1958, Le Bal des Débutantes has evolved into the ultimate society debut for nineteen carefully selected young women from the world's most influential families. The event maintains its reputation for exclusivity, with invitations being notoriously difficult to obtain and competition fierce to be crowned the diamond of the season.
This year's attendees promise to bring a spectacular display of custom ball gowns that organisers suggest will rival the visual splendour of the hit series Bridgerton. From established European royalty to emerging global elites, the class of 2024 represents a fascinating cross-section of contemporary high society.
Meet the Debutantes of 2024
Among the most anticipated debutantes is Eulalia de Orleans-Borbón, the 19-year-old goddaughter of former Spanish King Juan Carlos. The multilingual beauty, who speaks six languages including English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German, is currently studying financial economics at the University of St Andrews. She describes herself as having a "strong interest in trading, markets, and investment strategy" on LinkedIn, while also maintaining a significant Instagram following of 13,000 where she shares her passion for fashion and art.
Representing Hollywood royalty is Bronwyn Vance, daughter of acting power couple Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance. The 19-year-old Harvard student, who divides her time between the East Coast and Los Angeles, already demonstrates impressive social consciousness having raised over $60,000 for the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society in 2022. According to Tatler, she's also involved in a Black art collective and works for her university's radio station.
The British contingent includes Lady Araminta Spencer Churchill, daughter of the 12th Duke of Marlborough. The 18-year-old accomplished equestrian has represented Great Britain in international tournaments while balancing Olympic ambitions with her studies at Oxford Brookes University. Her royal connections extend through her great-aunt Lady Rosemary Spencer-Churchill, who served as maid-of-honour at Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953.
Fashion and Business Dynasties
Carolina Lansing brings fashion pedigree as the granddaughter of design icon Carolina Herrera. The 21-year-old communications student told Hello! magazine of her excitement to "pay homage" to her grandmother by wearing a design from the brand's creative director Wes Brown. Her black-and-white polka-dot gown will nod to "classic" Carolina Herrera designs.
From the world of business and technology comes Sarah Bae, who makes history as Le Bal's first Korean American debutante. The 17-year-old daughter of billionaire Joseph Bae, co-CEO of global investment firm KKR, studies at Phillips Academy Andover where tuition costs approximately £56,382 per year. Despite her youth, she serves as a UNICEF board member and president of her school's Korean Society while excelling in athletics as track captain.
Ruby Kemper brings previous family experience to the event, as her older sister Tess attended Le Bal in 2016. The Cornell University hotel management student is granddaughter of Kirk Kerkorian, former owner of MGM Studios, and will attend with British skier and model Gabriel Gledhill.
Global Representation and Diverse Talents
The international flavour of this year's ball extends to Ella Wadia from Pakistan, great-great-granddaughter of Muhammad Ali Jinnah who founded the country. Her father, Jehangir Wadia, leads the Wadia Group conglomerate, while her mother heads the fashion brand C Femme.
Jillian Chan represents East Asian film royalty as the daughter of acclaimed Chinese-Thai director Peter Chan and Hong Kong actress Sandra Ng. The University of Southern California acting student has already appeared in a bank advertisement with her mother and attended the Hong Kong Film Awards with her father.
Other notable debutantes include Alexandra Moxey, daughter of music executive Patrick Moxey, who writes for her university's music publication; Alice Wang, daughter of BYD Americas CEO Stella Li; and Princess Isabelle de Orleans, great-granddaughter of Henri d'Orleans, who studies business administration in London.
The event will showcase not just privileged backgrounds but genuine accomplishment, with many debutantes balancing academic excellence, philanthropic work, and professional ambitions alongside their social responsibilities. From multilingual scholars to champion athletes, this year's participants demonstrate that modern debutantes are expected to bring substance as well as style to the ballroom.
