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A Look Back at the Premiere Debutante Ball for the Young Scions of Powerful and Rich: Fashion Trends, Notable Attendees and More

Since 1954, the International Debutante Ball has been a premiere event for the young scions of notable U.S. families to make their official debut in society. Debutantes throughout the past six decades have included Patricia Nixon and Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson’s granddaughter Lucinda Robb, two of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s granddaughters, Ashley Walker Bush, Cornelia Guest, Vera Wang and numerous princesses. WWD covered the inaugural ball held at The Plaza hotel in New York. An article in the Nov. 26, 1954, issue reported on the fashion and accessory trends from the event. Jeweled hair ornaments, such as a pearl clasp and rhinestone headband, were popular, while “floor-length bouffant gowns in white nylon tulle with elaborate embroidery was the popular choice of the youthful guests.” The majority of attendees at the first ball wore white strapless gowns in a variety of silks, many of which also featured contrasting pastel fabric midriff panels. Sketch from WWD’s 1954 article “Individual Bodice Cuts, Taut Midriffs in Debutante Gowns.” A few years later in 1959, the International Debutante Ball was held at the Sheraton Astor Hotel and featured gowns with elaborate embroidery worn by international attendees; tulle was a favorite fabric as well as luxurious silks. Donna

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