Having a Ball

Hong Kong’s brightest young things steal the spotlight at the Bal des Débutantes in Paris

The bal des débutantes kicks off the Parisian social season, but taking centre stage this year were two of Hong Kong’s most glamorous young women. “All the girls looked beautiful but for me, a few really stood out,” says Marie- Christine Lee, who jetted into the French capital with her husband William Louey (above left) to support their daughter, Alexandra Louey. “When Alexandra was presented to the room in her Georges Chakra gown, all I could think about was how magnificent she looked and how grown up she had become. I think she was certainly one of the best-dressed debs and one of the most mature.”

Another much-admired debutante from our shores was Elly Lam, daughter of Lynn Hsieh (above right with Elly) and Peter Lam. “I felt like a princess all night and so close to my sister, who wore a similar gown at her wedding” says Elly. “I loved how the train looked on my dress and the way it flowed after me when I walked or danced. I couldn’t have chosen a better outfit.” The third local lass turning heads was Hong Kong Tatler’s contributing photographer Crazy Rouge, who was inundated with compliments for her beaded Shanghai Tang gown. “All the Hong Kong girls are so beautifully dressed,” said event organiser and owner Ophélie Renouard. “They have a lot in common with the Parisiennes in terms of attitude and style.” Turn to page 188 for the full story.