Eugenia de Borbón, daughter of Luis Alfonso and Margarita Vargas, shines at the Paris Debutantes Ball

Paris will host the celebration of Le Bal, the iconic Debutantes Ball, this Saturday, 30th November, bringing together the international aristocratic and business elite. This edition presents 20 young women from the world's most influential families. Among them is Eugenia de Borbón, daughter of Luis Alfonso de Borbón and Margarita Vargas, following in her father's footsteps, who in 1996 served as 'cavalier' to Italian Robinia Mentasti-Granelli. However, she will not be the only Spanish representative, as Sofía Yadigaroglu Barrero will also participate. Both will experience an unforgettable night at the Shangri-La Hotel, a former palace of Prince Roland Bonaparte, where haute couture will meet waltz and 18th-century tradition.

The granddaughter of Carmen Martínez Bordiú, aged 17, will wear an exclusive design by Carolina Herrera, complemented by some spectacular family jewels, notably an emerald necklace that belonged to her great-grandmother, Carmen Franco. Her genealogy includes figures like Louis XIV and Philip V. Her father, Luis Alfonso de Borbón, has long claimed to be the legitimate heir to the French throne. Eugenia will be accompanied by her 'cavalier', Archduke Carlos Constantino of Habsburg-Lorraine, nephew of Francesca Thyssen and a prominent figure in equestrian circles. Their connection is not only due to their aristocratic lineage but also their shared passion for horses.

The other Spanish invitee, Sofía Yadigaroglu Barrero, is the daughter of Extremaduran sculptor Inma Barrero and Greek-Swiss investor Ion Yadigaroglu. She studies Art History and English Literature at the prestigious Amherst College, though she has chosen a different discipline from her mother: painting instead of ceramics and sculpture. For this special night, she has chosen a dress by avant-garde Dutch designer Iris van Herpen, known for creations that blend art and technology. Her partner at the ball will be Konstantinos Manos, another young man of prominent international lineage.

Le Bal is not only a celebration of luxury but also a tradition dating back to the 18th century when young aristocratic women were presented to society before the queen. Revitalised in 1994 by Ophélie Renouard, it has become a platform combining glamour and altruism, as it donates proceeds to charitable causes. This year, funds will go to the NGO Enfants d'Asie and the Selini Institute, supporting the education and health of young women in vulnerable situations.

The Shangri-La, with unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower, will be the setting for this soirée, considered by Forbes as one of the world's ten most exclusive parties. Among this edition's attendees are names of noble lineage such as Lucía Ponti, granddaughter of Sophia Loren, and Peyton Spaht, from one of the wealthiest families in the United States.

Over the years, several Spanish women have left their mark on this aristocratic event. In 2019, twins Victoria and Cristina Iglesias, daughters of Julio Iglesias, dazzled in Elie Saab designs. In 2017, Amina Martínez de Irujo, granddaughter of the Duchess of Alba, did the same in a Zuhair Murad gown. The list also includes names like Daniela Figo (2016), Tatiana Shin Botín (2009), and Cósima Ramírez (2006), who, of course, added their own touch and style. Even Infanta Pilar de Borbón participated in 1966. This year, Eugenia de Borbón and Sofía Yadigaroglu will join the exclusive list of the Parisian ball.