Debutantes Party While Rome Burns
Recession or no, there was no shortage of swells willing to shell out $14,000 for a table at the International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York the other night. 47 debutantes in white gowns were presented at the ball, " a holdover from an era when the daughters of the upper crust were presented to society as a preface to meeting suitable mates," the International Herald Tribune notes. They included European aristocrats and scions of American families from the Social Register. Some guests tried to rationalize the expenditure. "It is extravagant, but I felt it was important for my daughter, and things might get worse," one noted. Another explained, "There are a lot of waiters working tonight, so it's doing something for the economy."
Each debutante's family pays $14,000 for a table as well as thousands of dollars for couture gowns, hairdressers and related expenses for the Ball, which was founded in 1954, the paper reports. Each deb is paired with a civilian escort in white tails and a military cadet in a dress uniform. Proceeds benefit the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club, a charitable organization that provides accommodations to military families visiting New York. Maria Irini Rizos, of Corfu, Greece, a self-described descendant of Venetian nobility, told the IHT she participated in the ball because "I want to meet international friends and have contacts with people from different countries."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Welmoed Jan 8th 2009 10:48AM
I saw this article in the NYT. Thirty years ago I was one of those debutantes, but my experience was vastly different. I "came out" on a dare from a college friend who was on the committee. My mother and uncle were the only family who attended, and they certainly didn't buy a table. My dress was an off-the-clearance-rack wedding dress; I had to bustle the train. The one indulgence I had was staying at the Waldorf-Astoria for two nights. And after the ball, many of the debs retired to Studio 54, still in their gowns!!
just me Jan 8th 2009 12:18PM
I think it's a great tradition and honors a great cause. It's also rather funny. I saw Bill Cunningham's pictures from the ball in the NYTimes, and chuckled at the curtseies and bows and all that stuff. And some of the dresses are so ridiculous, but good for them. Have a ball.
shieldsbrown Jan 8th 2009 1:13PM
Real society people wouldn't be caught dead at this. Its sole raison d'etre is to make money for the organisers. Truth.
andi Jan 8th 2009 3:11PM
this group will also love the LV skate board and case
whoa Jan 9th 2009 9:00AM
Are the chicks hot? I need to meet one and become a trophy husband!
amygdala Apr 13th 2009 11:33PM
Watch out for the genetic mutations and bizarre congenital disorders due to decades of inbreeding.