Paris once again became the gathering place for the world’s elite as it hosted one of the most exclusive and elegant evenings of the year— the annual Debutante Ball. Held at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel with its panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, the event introduced nineteen young ladies aged 17 to 22 to society. The debutantes, hailing from twelve countries and including heiresses to royal dynasties, aristocratic families, and some of the most influential names in business and the arts, made their first grand entrance into high society, each accompanied by their escorts.
Since 1997, this dazzling event—reviving an 18th-century English tradition—has been organized by Ophélie Renouard. This year, the honor of opening the ball went to Gabrielle Janssens de Balkany, granddaughter of Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy. She danced a long waltz with her father, after which the other debutantes joined in with their elegant partners, spinning across the floor in a dance that marked their official entrance into adult society.
Royal legacy
Special attention was drawn to members of the Spanish aristocracy, both of whom are goddaughters of honorary King Juan Carlos I. Eulalia Orleans-Bourbon and Almudena Daly dazzled at the event, their looks complemented by impressive tiaras that highlighted their royal heritage. Alongside them, other prominent figures from high society shone on the dance floor. Among them were Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill in an Armani gown, Eugenia von Hohenzollern, daughter of Princes Albert and Natalia von Hohenzollern, and Carolina Lansing, granddaughter of the legendary Carolina Herrera. The latter may have been the most stylish guest of the evening, paying tribute to her famous grandmother with a dress featuring the iconic polka dot print.
The brilliance of historic diadems
Heirloom jewelry took center stage in the debutantes’ ensembles, with each piece holding its own unique story. Eulalia Orleans-Bourbon, who arrived in a Tony Ward Haute Couture dress on the arm of Albert Windsor, chose a diamond tiara that once belonged to Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria. This exquisite piece, crafted in the shape of a heraldic lily, was created by Viennese jeweler Moritz Hübner back in 1912.
Princess Isabelle of Orléans, dressed in an ensemble by Italian designer Antonio Grimaldi, also wore a historic tiara from the Orléans-Braganza royal family’s collection, provided by V Muse Jewellery. The great-granddaughter of the Count of Paris and heir to a dynasty closely intertwined with the history of France, she is currently studying management at ESCP Business School. Her escort at the ball was her cousin, Constantin d’Orléans.
The third standout piece of jewelry was the tiara worn by Gabrielle Janssens de Balkany. Complementing her look by Luisa Beccaria, she chose a Belle Époque-style diadem adorned with sapphires and diamonds, also provided by V Muse Jewellery. Equally striking, though not as old, were the jewels worn by Almudena Daly from the Ansorena jewelry house, created in the early 20th century, and the floral tiara Couteulx worn by Eugénie von Hohenzollern.
Necklaces worth a fortune
In addition to tiaras, the young women’s looks were completed by equally impressive necklaces. Reagan Sachs, daughter of entrepreneur David Sachs, wore the diamond necklace of the Duke of Berry. Gabrielle Janssens de Balkany finished her look with Queen Marie-José’s sapphire necklace, while Ruby Kemper appeared in a striking necklace set with large blue gemstones.
However, the true highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the Orléans emerald necklace. It was worn by British aristocrat and equestrian Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill, who paired it with an elegant gown from Armani Privé. This historic piece features 32 emeralds and 1,138 diamonds, with a central emerald weighing 13.75 carats. The necklace has previously appeared at the Debutante Ball, having been worn by Princess Hélène d’Orléans.
That night, in the Napoleon III halls of the Shangri-La Hotel, it wasn’t just the jewels that sparkled, but their wearers as well. While 280 invited guests enjoyed a dinner of Kamchatka king crab claws, baked spiced pear, and foie gras, the debutantes made their grand entrance arm-in-arm with their escorts under the proud gazes of their parents. Ahead awaited dinner, dancing, photo sessions, and of course, social media posts that would immortalize this unforgettable night.
RUSSPAIN Reference. The Debutante Ball, known as Le Bal des Débutantes, is a modern revival of the old tradition of presenting young women from high society. The event was relaunched in 1992 by Ophélie Renouard and has since been held annually in Paris, bringing together heiresses from some of the world’s most prominent families. The ball also serves a charitable purpose, raising funds for various foundations supporting women’s education and health. Each debutante appears in a couture gown, her look completed by exclusive jewelry from renowned maisons, making the event one of the brightest in the world of fashion and high society.
