Debutantes make their bows to society at NY gala

Dozens of debutantes from around the world made their bows to society at the end of 2016. The families of the 46 women who gathered Thursday night at The Pierre hotel on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue had paid about $20,000 for a table and a chance to dine and waltz through an evening filled with air kisses and haute couture. This year's International Debutante Ball featured young women from countries including Canada, China, England, France, Scotland and the United States.

Chairwoman Margaret Hedberg said the gala is no longer "a marriage mart." "The girls today are savvy about networking, and their parents want to celebrate their coming of age," Hedberg said. "We have had daughters of presidents - Eisenhower, Nixon and Bush. We've invited Ivanka Trump, who decided not to attend. And I would like to invite the Obama daughters, now that the president is leaving office." The 2016 group included Caroline Jones, the granddaughter of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones; Lady Louisa Murray, daughter of the Earl of Mansfield, whose home is Scone Palace in Perth, Scotland; and Wendy Yu, of London, the director of an investment firm and daughter of a Chinese billionaire.

"The perception of the debutante ball is quite antiquated," said debutante Kittsie Klaes, from Houston, who is a film major at the University of St Andrews in Scotland and plans on becoming a screenwriter in Hollywood. "Now it really is an opportunity for young ladies to show what they've accomplished and what they hope to become." Here's a gallery of images from the International Debutante Ball. — AP

In this photo, Wendy Yu, lower right, joins with other debutantes for a group photo at the International Debutante Ball in New York. — AP photos

Debutantes and their escorts line up before a waltz begins at the International Debutante Ball in New York.

Debutantes tired of standing and waiting for a receiving line to form, drop to their knees to pull off their high heels.

Elizabeth Carl, of Houston, does the "Texas Dip" curtsy for an audience in the Pierre hotel's ballroom.

Kittsie Klaes, left, of Houston, dances with her escort at the International Debutante Ball in New York.

Claire Chlebowski, center, of Houston, receives her bouquet of roses at the start of the International Debutante Ball.

Brindley Mize, of Houston, dances with her father, Christopher Mize, at the International Debutante Ball.

Cathlyn Jones, of Austin, Texas, sinks into her billowing gown as she performs the "Texas Dip" curtsy.

Elizabeth Carl, left, helps Brindley Mize, put on her gloves.