We all know how glamorous society events can be, but Le Bal des Débutantes really does take the crown. The annual debutante ball is famed for introducing young ladies from royalty, aristocracy, and some of the most influential families in the world as they make their entrance into society.
Since 1997, Ophélie Renouard has orchestrated the event, but the origins of the ball date back to the 18th century. Supremely dressed debs often wearing haute couture, arrive on the arm of their chosen cavalier (a young man who has been picked from a list of brothers, family friends, and or boys from Ophélie's network) and take to the stage to be formally presented to the world.
© Le Bal / Pascal Chevallier / Bestimage
© @Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / BestimageCarolina Lansing, granddaughter of Carolina Herrera, wore a stunning polka dot gown
Among the 19 debutantes this year was the stunning Carolina Lansing. The 21-year-old paid homage to her iconic grandmother, one of the world's most prolific fashion designers, Carolina Herrera, donning a dazzling dress by the brand. It was a full-length, white gown that featured a badeau, off-the-shoulder neckline, a bombastic, almost fish-tail-like hem which began at the knees, and a sash, finished with a large, avant-garde bow.
© @Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / BestimageCarolina's dress was a plethora of polka dots
The main part of the dress was covered in black polka dots, and the sash featured the opposite - black with white spots. She wore her sleek raven bob in a straight, flicked-out style and added a Renaissance-style black choker. Although she and her grandmother have different hair colours, we think that facially, they look startlingly similar - with the same stunning, petite features and piercing eyes.
© @Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / BestimageEugénie of Hohenzollern and Carolina having a chuckle
Carolina Herrera herself proudly told HELLO!: "I'm always proud of everything Carolina does and wants to do. It’s a special moment for her.”
"This dress is a nod to my grandma's first collection; the black-and-white and polka-dots are reminiscent of it, and are also a classic Carolina Herrera look," the debutante told HELLO! earlier this month. "Plus, we've woven a little yellow bow onto the inside hem to pay homage to the first 'Good Girl' perfume,’" she revealed.
© @Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / BestimageCarolina's beautiful, timeless dress had a modern kick
As a fashion editor who has been writing about style and trends for over fifteen years, I think this dress is such a wonderful choice; it epitomises glamour and high-end fashion, but still has a modern feel to it, making it totally age-appropriate for a 21-year-old. Wearing a design by her grandmother is the ultimate tribute and will probably become one of her favourite dresses of all time due to the sentimental connotations attached to it.
Carolina Lansing on the ball
© Daniel Paik / BestimageCarolina exclusively chatted to HELLO! ahead of the event
"I'm proud to be a part of something so historical and meaningful, which showcases the elegance and excellence of women worldwide," the fashion-loving young woman exclusively told HELLO!.
Paying homage to her grandmother was a standout feeling for her, too. "I'm proud to share her name and hope to be as elegant and chic as she is, someday… still a work in progress," she adds.
The hotel venue of Le Bal Shangri-La Paris
The jeweller of le Bal V MUSE
The car of Le Bal Denza
The champagne Laurent Perrier
The hairdresser Dessange Paris
The Grand Cru Château Giscours
The silk manufactoryLuAnFu
The charities of le Bal ARCFA – Association for the Cardiology Research from Fetus to Adult at Hospital Necker-Enfants Malades and Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.
