A Fashion Frenzy in France: Years of Couture at Le Bal
by HI Fashion History Lifestyle
Photo: Studio Vanssay
With Le Bal des Débutantes this weekend, we thought we would take a look at some of the deb classes of the past. Le Bal has always focused on fashion (a fact that makes it one of our favorite events of the year), with each deb dressed by a different designer. Take a moment to explore two-plus decades of couture confections.
Click on any photo below for a breakdown of debs and designers!
1992
The '92 edition saw plenty of sleek suits, french twists, and sheer black stockings.
1993
Moody reds and purples paired with chunky gold jewelry led the way in the '93 edition.
1994
Full skirts and luscious shawls were worn for the '94 edition, which included such fashion royalty as perfume heir Sophie Guerlain and current Christian Dior CEO Delphine Arnault.
An iconic group for '95. Leopard print, bows, hot pink, and feathers. We'd happily take any of these gowns for our closets...
This edition saw most of the girls opting for more traditional hair and make-up. Up-dos and ladylike flips draw a sharp contrast to the modern gowns. Don't worry - we see you in red on the left with the Rachel cut...
1997 saw a darker pallette and more dramatic silhouettes. This diva on the left is really serving in the photo - a trend you'll see come in strong post 2022.
1998
'98 featured a few feather adorned looks and more moody black and lace.
1999
Tiaras were sprinkled amoungst the edition of '99. Vibrant pinks, purples, and reds added a punch of color missing from the past few seasons.
2000
In the first edition of the new century, tulle reigned supreme. Ruffled skirts, tulle bodices, and even a fabulous tulle puff were in attendance.
2001
The tiaras are back for 2001. But this time, they sit atop lighter glam and looser hair to juxtapose the formalness of the gowns. A tiara and touselled hair is a pretty chic pairing if you ask us...
2002
The tulle trend moved aside and made way for piles of iridescent taffeta. Many of the gowns cut a more avant-garde silhouette than styles of the past.
2003
The 2003 edition has a romantic flair. Soft silhouettes and bare shoulders leave this group feeling youthful and free.
2005
2005 shows a time of fashion in transition. You can see details popular in RTW at the time (I see you gathered cap sleeve) while showcasing some hints at the oversized ruffles to come.
2006
Empire waist silhouettes mixed up the traditional ballgown shapes for this edition. Also peep the gal in the middle with the perfect french bob. Feel free to screencap for your hairstylist.
2007
The belt! A giant black patent belt. No dress or event was safe from it. Even Le Bal had le belt. The girl sported bombshell waves with their colorful gowns. And yes, that IS Lily Collins!
2008
2008 saw an interesting twist when two debs wore the same designer. Sisters Violet and Anna Hesketh both wore Vivienne Westwood for their debut.
2009
2009 saw sleeves and more empire silhouettes with chunky jewelry and sideparts galore!
2011
2011 begins a trend towards elegance at Le Bal. Margaret Qualley wore Ellie Saab and Tallulah Willis wore Lanvin for added Hollywood royalty.
2012
2012 showcased elegance with an edge. Classic silhouettes with unqiue prints and soft colors.
2013
Yet another year of traditional elegance. Light on sequins and hardly a feather in site!
2014
2014 saw pops of black and moody hues return to Le Bal. The hair is sleek and sweet and never too big.
2015
For 2015 floral details were au courant. Applique flowers and garden inspired prints as well as floral lace stole the show.
2016
Pastel pinks and purples added a breath of lightness in 2016. With again more florals and yet another large black belt. The light periwinkle gown with the peter pan color and necktie is a bright surprise in the sea of volume.
2017
The moody hues returned in 2017, along with more sleeves and an emphasis on appliques.
2018
2018 saw more of the debs opting for designers from their home country. With Shloka Birla of India wearing Manish Malhotra and Angel Lee wearing Hong Kong designer Dorian Ho.
2019
Sideparts and Hollywood waves were the trend for hair in 2019 so it's no surprise to see these classic glam looks for Le Bal.
2022
Post-Covid saw Le Bal return with joyful prints and colors. (Hi chartreuse!) Satorial indiduality, Le Bal's stated goal, was on full display for the 2022 edition.
2023
We can thank Le Bal for introducing the world to fashion icon Countess Lara-Cosima Henckel von Donnersmarck. She wore a Jean Paul Gaultier gown that was both edgy and romantic.
2024
And for this year Le Bal saw the likes of Apple Martin in Alessandro Michele for Valentino and Sophie Kodjoe in a gorgeous burgandy Oscar de la Renta.
Photos: Le Bal des Débutantes // Vogue
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