As 2019 drew to a close, many of us found ourselves reflecting back on not just the year that was, but a decade of great political and social unrest and, perhaps, a period in history in which we needed magical moments more than ever before. In December, the annual Parisian debutante ball, Le Bal, a charity event that ostensibly launches the profiles of 20 young, promising women from all around the world, provided just that.
Held in the mirrored and gilded historic ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel, the former 19th Century residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, past Le Bals have featured old-world names like Taittinger, Mountbatten, and Windsor, and scions of business magnates and the offspring of Hollywood royalty, such as Lily Collins, and Ava Phillippe, the daughter of actress Reese Witherspoon. The debutantes make their entrance wearing breathtaking, floor-length haute-couture creations.
While it may seem like it is from another time, Le Bal was only launched in 1994 by the French PR Ophélie Renouard, primarily with a philanthropic purpose—to help young women in need. The organization has a longstanding relationship with two charities, the New York-based Seleni Institute, which focuses on supporting the mental health of teenage mothers, and Enfants d’Asie, which promotes the education of girls in Southeast Asia. Entrance to the event cannot be purchased—young women have to be invited to take part. “You can’t buy your way in, you have to be asked,” says Renouard, who takes great care in curating the list of attendees each year, partly to ensure diversity.
This story is from the February 2020 edition of Philippine Tatler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2020 edition of Philippine Tatler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power-by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
YOUR EXCEL LENCY
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson gives a tour of her residence, personal life and why she loves her assignment in the Philippines
A GREAT HONOUR
For the first time, the Hispanic Society Museum and Library recognised the Philippines by awarding the Zobel de Ayala family the prestigious Sorolla Medal at its annual gala in New York
In the Long Run
Longchamp chairman and CEO Jean Cassegrain talks about championing sustainability, the value of women in the workforce, its plans for the Asian market By Maritess Garcia Reyes
LEADING LADIES
Tatler speaks to four beautiful, dynamic ladies who are more than just Senators' wives. Besides being a wife and a mother, they have their own careers and advocacies. Find out in this Tatler exclusive how they are forging their paths as well as how they are playing their part for the country
Driving Diversity
Steering towards an inclusive future, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz merges diversity with digital innovation
Empowering Spaces
Audrey Go champions a new era in the construction and home furnishing industry, transforming spaces into symbols of empowerment
Global Gem
Kenneth Cobonpue continually impresses through groundbreaking work and a sincere passion to nurture tomorrow's talent
A Cut Above
During a sitdown with Tatler, Asian Institute of Management's president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, opens up about her academic and professional journey and what exactly inspires her today
Chasing Glory
The E Zobel Foundation, Inc (EZF) successfully held the 19th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup this year to honour the sport and the founder himself, Enrique Zobel.