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A debutante, also spelled débutante (/ ˈdɛbjʊtɑːnt / DEB-yuu-tahnt; from French: débutante [debytɑ̃t], 'female beginner'), or deb is a young woman of aristocratic or upper-class family background who has reached maturity and is presented to society at a formal "debut" (UK: / ˈdeɪbjuː, ˈdɛbjuː / DAY-bew, DEB-yoo, US: / deɪˈbjuː / day-BEW; French:...
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Traditionally, a debutante is a young woman born into wealthy or aristocratic means. When she reaches maturity, she's “introduced” to society at her debut (hence why she’s called a debutante). The debut was a formal event where the debutante's parents officially brought their daughter into the world of high society drama. Pixabay
The original reason for presenting a debutante to society was simple: You were trying to find her a promising husband. Parents hosted debuts when their beautiful, rich daughters reached the age where they could legally get married. It was common for young women to spend their debuts getting introduced to a number of bachelors. Shutterstock
We’ll just get this out of the way now, to avoid confusion later on. A debutante's debut was often called her “coming out party.” Obviously, this has a very different meaning today. For clarity, unless we say otherwise, we’re using the older meaning. Although I'm happy to report that there's at least one LGBTQ debutante on this list! Pixabay
Plot twist: The fancy balls you probably picture when I say "debutante" didn't actually start until the Victorian era. Before that, they were far less extravagant. From that point on, though, debutante balls became social pressure cookers. To this day, there is a strong focus on social etiquette and morality, with guests scrutinizing the ladies’ co...
The word “debutante” is of French origin. The original word is “debutante” and it means “female beginner." Pixabay
Apart from the US, one place where debutantes have remained a tradition is Austria. Since debutantes were part of the courtly ballroom practices of the Hapsburg Empire, Austria honors their history by continuing to hold balls as special events throughout the year. One such event is specifically for debutantes. Shutterstock
Anyone with a passing knowledge of the US will know that high school prom is a big deal. But you probably didn't know that some people think prom's origins lie in debutante balls. Unlike the snooty, exclusive galas though, anyone can go to prom—and you're pretty much expected to get messy at them. Win win, in my book. Shutterstock
One of the most prestigious debutante balls in the world is the International Debutante Ball. Beginning in 1954, this event is celebrated bi-annually at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Male members of the US Military academy escort young women of high society around the “ultimate networking event.” Yeah, a lotta powerful and established...
For anyone curious about the more famous participants in the International Debutante Ball, here’s a few examples: fashion icon Vera Wang, Princess Mary Alexis Obolensky, Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, car manufacturing heiress Alaina Bentley, and Princess Aurelia of Liechtenstein. The prestigious “old money” American families associated with the ...
Unsurprisingly, debutantes and debutante balls appear in many films and television series. Some of the more recent, well-known examples include The O.C., What a Girl Wants, Gossip Girl, and Bojack Horseman. Gossip Girl (2007–2012), CBS Television Studios
debutante, a young woman who is making a formal entrance into society. So-called debutante balls, dating back to at least the 18th century, were originally intended as an avenue through which to present young women eligible for marriage to prospective high-society partners.
May 16, 2024 · A debutante ball is an event where a young woman, or in some cultures, a young man, is formally introduced into society. In many societies, such a ball is associated with wealthy and socially-influential families.
Jul 8, 2024 · While cotillions are more focused on teaching young people, typically ages 11 through 13, how to be respectful members of society, debutante balls mark the official joining of society once those children age into young adults.
May 22, 2023 · The debut, or a girl’s 18th birthday celebration, is a significant milestone in the Philippines. The parents of the debutante often prepare a traditional coming-of-age celebration, a formal event that marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
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Jan 11, 2018 · For an 18-year-old girl, a debut – being surrounded by people she loves most, being shown how much she is loved through speech, song, and dance, and being allowed a bit of whimsy in her make-up and dress – is nothing short of a fairytale.