Young women from around the world put on a glamorous display last night while attending the 70th International Debutante Ball at the Plaza Hotel in New York.
The invitation-only event is a mainstay of the city’s social scene and is considered one of the most prestigious of its kind; the entrance fee in previous years reportedly exceeded $20,000.
The party, which introduces well-connected young women to high society, featured more than 30 debutantes last night representing Denmark, France, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Sweden, South Korea and nine US states.
This year’s meeting began on Saturday night and the debutants left until the early hours of Sunday morning.
Each of the girls made their social debut in style, wearing dazzling white dresses with matching white silk gloves and sparkling jewelry. Only debutantes were allowed to wear white during the evening.
Each of them was accompanied by a companion, who was elegantly dressed in a complete evening suit: black tailcoat, black pants, white shirt with piqué bib, white piqué vest, white tie and white gloves.
The companions can be a sibling, a relative or a close family friend of their age, or the The committee may assign escorts.
The dress code for parents of debutantes is the same: full evening attire is required, although there are no white gloves for this group.
Young women from around the world put on a glamorous display last night while attending the 70th International Debutante Ball at the Plaza Hotel in New York.
The invitation-only event is a mainstay of the city’s social scene and is considered one of the most prestigious of its kind; the entrance fee in previous years reportedly exceeded $20,000.
This year’s International Debutante Ball was an elaborate event, beginning at 6:30 pm on Saturday with a reception line and cocktails for attendees.
Subsequently, the 31 debutantes, their companions and family enjoyed dinner and dancing.
The main event of the evening took place at 10:00 p.m., when each of the girls was introduced to the high society in turn while orchestral music played in the background.
Founded in 1954 by Beatrice Dinsmore Joyce, the ball has welcomed debutantes from 75 countries over the years.
The majority of attendees come from the United States, with France, England, Italy and Germany being the most frequent representatives.
Among the high society guests who witnessed the ball were daughters and granddaughters of presidents and representatives of the United States.
They include President Eisenhower’s three granddaughters and four great-granddaughters, both daughters and one granddaughter of President Nixon, two granddaughters of President Johnson, and one granddaughter of President Bush.
To get an invitation to the dance, Debutants must be recommended by a previous debutant of the event.
Last night’s party was attended by more than 30 debutantes representing Denmark, France, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Sweden, South Korea and nine American states.
This year’s meeting began on Saturday night and the debutants left until the early hours of Sunday morning.
Each of the girls made their social debut in style, wearing dazzling white dresses with matching white silk gloves and sparkling jewelry.
Only debutantes were allowed to wear white during the evening at the Plaza Hotel.
This year’s International Debutante Ball was an elaborate event, beginning at 6:30 pm on Saturday with a reception line and cocktails for attendees.
Most attendees come from the US, with France, England, Italy and Germany being the most represented countries.
they then must also be accepted by the Presidents of the Debutante Committee of the International Debutante Ball, in addition to being able to pay the debutante’s appearance fee.
It was previously reported that this occurred around $22,000, which ladies must pay to be part of the event, which is a benefit for several charities, including the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard and Airmen Club of New York City.
These expenses, combined with the costs of travel, lodging, and tickets for friends and family, make for an expensive evening.
Founded in 1954 by Beatrice Dinsmore Joyce, the ball has welcomed debutantes from 75 countries over the years.
Among the high society guests who witnessed the ball were daughters and granddaughters of presidents and representatives of the United States.
To get an invitation to the ball, debutantes must be recommended by a previous debutante at the event.
Debutantes must also be accepted by the presidents of the Debutante Committee of the International Debutante Ball, in addition to being able to pay the debutante’s appearance fee.
The appearance fee is reported to be around $22,000, which ladies must pay to be part of the event, which is a benefit for several charities, including the Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard’s and Airmen’s Clubs. from new york city
These expenses, combined with the costs of travel, lodging, and tickets for friends and family, make for an expensive evening.
This year, the International Debutante Ball was chaired by Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, David Hamilton and Gregory S. Hedberg.
Debutants in the reception line at the beginning of the elaborate event at the Plaza Hotel
Among this year’s debutantes was a woman from Scotland, as well as South Korea.
Each of the 31 debutantes had the opportunity to take photographs before being presented.
They were then presented to high society with their escort, who wore evening dress.
However, one thing women don’t have to worry about paying for is their male companions for the night.
In the past, they were provided by West Point, but now they must be obtained by the girls’ families, although the Ball directors will be happy to help with that task.
To be selected for the ball, debutantes must be “women of distinction,” who come from well-connected families and who have achievements in athletics, community service, academics, philanthropy and charity.
This year, the International Debutante Ball was chaired by Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, David Hamilton and Gregory S. Hedberg.
The evening included dinner and dancing for the debutantes and their guests.