Debutante balls reinvent themselves as highly exclusive social networking events
The tradition has been reinvented in Paris, London and New York, and has even sparked new editions in Shanghai
Eleanor Lam is no stranger to high society's glitter and glamour. Her father is entertainment tycoon Peter Lam, and her mother is actress-turned-socialite Lynn Hsieh. Lam is used to being in the spotlight but, even for her, the Parisian Le Bal des Débutantes was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "It's a night filled with glamour and excitement and, of course, gorgeous gowns," she says. "Any girl would enjoy being dolled up and trying on fabulous gowns."
Lam was among the 24 young women from around the world invited to the ball held last November at the heritage Hotel Raphael in the heart of Paris.
On the night of the ball, the debs (debutantes) were dressed in lavish haute couture gowns created by top fashion houses the likes of Dior, Elie Saab and Giambattista Valli. After spending hours with a small army of make-up artists and hairstylists to perfect their looks, the debs make their entrance on the arms of their cavaliers and waltz the rest of the night away.
While the original purpose of debutante balls - to introduce well-presented young women from upper-class families to society as well as to potential husbands - might have lost its cultural relevance, modern debutante balls have reinvented themselves as highly exclusive social networking events that not only appeal to eligible socialites, but also to luxury brand sponsors.
The tradition has been reinvented in Paris, London and New York, and has even sparked new editions in Shanghai. In addition to the Parisian Le Bal, another prominent debutante ball in the 1960s and '70s - The London Season - was revived by former deb Jennie Hallam-Peel in 2007.
In 2011, Hallam-Peel helped Chinese socialite Vivian Chow Wong launch the Shanghai International Debutante Ball. The first edition of the Shanghai ball took place at the heritage Waldorf Astoria hotel on the Bund and has since moved to the nearby Peninsula Hotel. Luxury brands such as jeweller Chaumet and French luxury beauty brand Guerlain are among the headline sponsors for the event.
"The introduction of international debutantes enhances the social life and experience of all participants. It also [promotes] international understanding," says London Season organiser Hallam-Peel.
Ophélie Renouard, founder of Parisian Le Bal, agrees. "In this age of Facebook and other social media, these girls don't need to be introduced to society. The event now serves as their couture and media premiere. Even if they come from privileged families, they might not have tried a couture gown or worn fabulous jewellery, and most of the time, they have not been [featured] in the media." Le Bal, named one of the top 10 parties in the world by Forbes, was created by Renouard in 1992. It puts a modern spin on the traditional ball by bringing in French couturiers and high jewellers to dress the debs.
Lam was fitted with a Dior couture gown which made her feel like a modern-day princess. "When I tried on the gown, I instantly knew it was the one," she says.