Inside the Glamorous World of Debutante Balls

Each year, the scions of worldwide leaders and leading cultural figures make their official societal debut. Although often regarded as an antiquated practice, debutante balls, or “cotillion,” have evolved beyond the original purpose of marriage for the upper class. Debutante balls continue to take place annually around the U.S. and abroad — each with their own distinct traditions — but the prestige of two balls continues to capture the intrigue outside of high society circles. Here’s a look at three of the most notable balls throughout history.

Queen Charlotte’s Ball

Queen Charlotte’s Ball, the original debutante ball, was started by King George III in 1780 as a birthday gift for the Queen. The annual ball served as the culminating social event of the London Season in British society, during which young women of the gentry were presented before the Queen’s royal court. The ball was discontinued by the monarchy in the mid 1950s, and later revived as an annual event, separate from the royal court, in the early 21st century. The Queen Charlotte’s Ball inspired the proliferation of debutante balls across the Atlantic — and, more recently, the popular Netflix series “Bridgerton” and original novels by Julia Quinn.

Le Bal Des Débutantes

“Le Bal” as its colloquially known — for several decades, it was known as “Crillon Ball” — is the most exclusive place for young women from prominent families around the world to make their official society debut. The annual event, first held at the Château de Versailles in 1958, is now typically held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris. The ball went on hiatus a decade later in 1968 due to the May 68 civil uprising, and was revived in 1992, when it was held at the Hôtel de Crillon. Le Bal is notable for its emphasis on fashion (it’s ostensibly a fundraiser, too), and participants often wear haute couture for the occasion. Notable 2024 attendees include Apple Martin in custom Valentino and Sophia Loren’s granddaughter Lucia Ponti in Armani.

The International Debutante Ball

New York‘s International Debutante Ball rivals “Le Bal” as the most coveted place for a social debut, and the popular choice for the scions of U.S. politicians. The biennial event began in 1954, and notable attendees throughout the past six decades include Patricia Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson’s granddaughter Lucinda Robb, two of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s granddaughters, Ashley Walker Bush, Cornelia Guest and numerous princesses. The ball is typically held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, but has also taken place at the nearby Plaza hotel and The Pierre.