Lucia Ponti posing in front of the Eiffel Tower© Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / Bestimage

Sophia Loren's granddaughter resembles a princess as she dazzles at Debutantes Ball rehearsal – exclusive

Lucia Ponti looked absolutely stunning at the prestigious event

Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
Updated: December 1, 2024

The Le Bal des Débutantes took place in Paris on Saturday evening, and among the many glamorous young women making their high-society debut was Lucia Ponti, the granddaughter of iconic actress Sophia Loren.

For the dazzling occasion, the 18-year-old looked like a princess in a bandeau-cut gown by Giorgio Armani complete with contemporary striped detailing in cream and charcoal grey. 

Lucia looked magical in her outfit
Lucia looked magical in her outfit

Her striking dress featured a delicate gold lace overlay and boasted a full, bombastic skirt for added drama. As for accessories, Lucia made a powerful style statement with a diamond and emerald choker.

Alongside Lucia's stunning dress, you can see all the outfits of the debutantes here, in HELLO!'s exclusive gallery.

Lucia's date for the evening was Count Alberico di Carpegna Brivio who looked dapper dressed in white tie. The pair appeared in high spirits throughout the evening and posed for numerous photos together. 

© Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / Bestimage
Lucia Ponti with Count Alberico di Carpegna Brivio

Sophia and Lucia have a strong bond and talking to HELLO! ahead of the ball, the 18-year-old explained: "My grandmother always believed in timeless elegance and the importance of wearing something that reflects your true self.

© Le Bal / Borde / Moreau / Bestimage
Lucia dancing with her father

"Growing up, she taught me the value of simplicity, tailoring, and always adding a touch of uniqueness to your outfit. Her wardrobe was filled with pieces that told a story, and I've carried that mindset with me "

She added: "I tend to go for dresses or clothes that make me feel confident but also are comfortable to wear.

© Daniele Venturelli
Lucia is the granddaughter of Sophia

"I had looked through other dresses that were featured in Le Bal in previous years, and they all individually represented the girls so beautifully. I just hoped to find a dress that would do the same for me."

The teenager also revealed that she and her grandmother were still able to spend "ample" time together and commented: "I am infinitely inspired by her and always feel grateful to have such an amazing role model to look up to."

Lucia is one of the women being introduced to high society

The Débutante Ball, often referred to simply as 'Le Bal' was started in 1958 and revived in 1992 by Ophélie Renouard as a modern reimagining of the traditional debutante ball. 

The teen wowed in a Giorgio Armani dress

Historically, debutante balls served as a formal introduction of young women to society, often signalling their readiness for marriage. Le Bal has redefined this concept for the 21st century, transforming it into a celebration of talented young women, personal achievement, and philanthropy.

Le Bal des Débutantes 2024

This year's debutantes and their cavaliers revealed...

  • Lucia Ponti & Cavalier: Count Alberico di Carpegna Brivio
  • Oona Finch & Cavalier: Count Ascanio di Carpegna Brivio
  • Madelyn Netto & Cavalier: William Dejoux
  • H.R.H Princess Eugenia de Bourbon & Cavalier: H.I.R.H. Archduke of Austria Karl-Konstantin Habsburg-Lothringen
  • Aliénor Loppin de Montmart & Cavalier: Count Rodolphe de Hemricourt Grunne
  • Rysa Panday & Cavalier: Maarish Hinduja
  • Ella Yam & Cavalier: Harris Husain
  • Apollonie Halard & Cavalier: Gabriel de Kergorlay
  • Cornelia Manou & Cavalier: Leon Manos
  • Sofía Yadigaroglu & Cavalier: Konstantinos Manos
  • Olivia Meijer & Cavalier: Antonius Meijer
  • Marilia Vamvakidi & Cavalier: Prince Alexis Obolensky
  • Peyton Spaht & Cavalier: H.R.H Prince Constantin d’Orléans
  • Sophie Kodjoe & Cavalier: Toussaint Pierre-Vargas
  • Isabel de Poligny & Cavalier: Count Nicolas de Poligny
  • Sienna Gallienne & Cavalier: Beltran Remiro Imaz
  • Angel Zhang & Cavalier: Daniel Zhang
  • Mina Muniz Tschape & Cavalier: Zhining Zhao

More Celebrity Style

See more