The big day has come. This Saturday, around twenty young people belonging to royalty, aristocracy or with famous parents in the business or sports world, will appear in society in Paris. They will do so dressed in exclusive creations from some of the most renowned haute couture brands, such as Chanel, Oscar de la Renta or Dior, and adorned with VMuse jewelry. This event has been prepared for weeks, and makeup and hair tests were even carried out a week ago.
The truth is that in true Bridgerton style, the Debutante dance is inspired by the English tradition of the 18th century. There, young women were introduced into society. Now, in these times, where social networks are the order of the day, even though it is not necessary, this tradition is maintained. This year’s proceeds go to the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital. This was the world’s first pediatric hospital, founded in 1802, and is currently the largest European center for treating childhood heart diseases.
This event has some patterns that have been common, such as that each debutante will be accompanied by her own cavalier. In the vast majority of cases, this figure is exercised by the girl’s own brother; On other occasions, they leave the choice of their partner for the big day in the hands of the organization. It is a traditional dance that has been organized since 1994, and is in the hands of the ‘socialite hunter’ Ophélie Renouard. The place chosen for the event could not be more glamorous, since it is the Shangri-La hotel, located in front of the Eiffel Tower and which was owned by Prince Roland Bonaparte… in conclusion, a totally princely air.
This year, some Spanish debutantes are expected to attend. Everything seemed to indicate that Carmen Thyssen’s twin daughters, Sabina and Carmen, would travel to Paris; but it seems that in the end that will not happen, since her mother has not reached an agreement with the organization. Yes, Victoria Macaya Cisneros, granddaughter of Cuban businesswoman Ella Fontanals-Cisneros, will attend the event. The young woman, 18 years old, will be accompanied by her cousin Lucas Macaya Cisneros, who will play the role of cavalier.
As far as other debutantes are concerned, one of them is the Archduchess of Austria and Princess of Hungary, Ildiko of Habsburg, 21 years old. To the appointment she will be dressed in a dress signed by Alexis Mabille. The young woman resides in Spain and studies Law at the prestigious Business Institute. On her arm will be her little brother, Károly-Konstantin of Habsburg, 19 years old. This is not the first time the Habsburg family has attended the Debutante Ball; Last year, it was Sofia of Habsburg, sister of Ildiko and Károly, who looked spectacular at the gala.
Although this year there is not much representation from our country, other young Spanish women who have been there are Amina Martínez de Irujo, in 2017, or the heir to the fragrance empire Julia Puig. On the other hand, Daniela Svedin Figo, daughter of Luis Figo and Helene Svedin, or Cósima Rámirez, daughter of the designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada and Pedro J. Ramírez, among many others, have also attended. We will have to wait to know if next year there will be more Spanish representation.
