Inside Le Bal des Débutantes, where the world's most elite gather

It's a modern take on a centuries-old tradition that's favourited by the offspring of royalty and A-list celebrities.

Over the weekend, the world was given a peek inside the famed Le Bal des Débutantes, the annual debutante ball that pairs female empowerment with high fashion.

Apple Martin, the daughter of former A-lister couple Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, was among those to grace the grand ballroom in Paris.

Here's what we know about the ball that has everyone talking.

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What is Le Bal des Débutantes?

Le Bal des Débutantes, or Le Bal as it's better known, is a modern twist on the 18th century English tradition where young women were "welcomed into society".

In an era where debuts happen with the publish of a social media post, Le Bal brings together a select 20 young women, and their dates, for the annual charity event.

The event, held this year at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, is billed as the only charity event in the world where the debutantes wear haute couture and couture.

What is the history of Le Bal des Débutantes?

While Le Bal is referred to by some as "The Nepo Met Gala", its history is far from a clickbait catchphrase.

The event is the brainchild of French PR executive Ophélie Renouard.

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Renouard started Le Bal in 1994 as a means to revive the debutante ball tradition in France. This tradition started in 1957 and ran for 16 years until 1973.

How do you get invited to Le Bal?

This decision is down to Renouard. She personally selects the debutants.

While it is not exactly known what the entry requirements are, it's believed invitations are considered based on family legacy and personal achievements with the ball.

Given this is an invitation only event, the public cannot buy tickets to attend.

Who attended the 2024 Le Bal des Débutantes?

Apple Martin was among the debutants at the 2024 ball.

The 20-year-old made her entry into society at Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris as an honorary debutante at the event.

She stunned in a Valentino gown that took 750 hours to make.

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Official attendees at this year's event, as reported by Hello! Magazine, were Lucia Ponti, the granddaughter of Italian film icon, Sophia Loren, fashion model Oona Finch, and Madelyn Netto, the daughter of US interior designer David Netto.

Her Royal Highness, Princess Eugenia de Bourbon was also in attendance as was Aliénor Loppin de Montmart, Rysa Panday, Ella Yam, Apollonie Halard, Cornelia Manou, Sofía Yadigaroglu, Olivia Meijer, Marilia Vamvakidi, Peyton Spaht, Sophie Kodjoe, Isabel de Poligny, Sienna Gallienne, Angel Zhang and Mina Muniz Tschape.

Who are the most famous Le Bal debutantes?

It's a long list, with all manner of royalty topping the list of most famed.

Royals from around the world have graced the ball, with British royals Lady Kitty Spencer and Lady Amelia Windsor among them.

Other debutants have included Princess Lorenza of Liechtenstein, Princess Fawzia Latifa of Egypt, Princess Sarah Poniatowska, Princess Adishree Singh, Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur and Princess Akshita Bhanjdeo.

The daughters of Hollywood A-listers, including Andie Macdowell's daughter Margaret Qualley, Reese Witherspoon's daughter Ava Philippe and Demi Moore's daughter Scout Willis, have also previously attended.

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