Once upon a time, young ladies from

Once upon a time, young ladies from aristocratic families of the U.K. would wait eagerly for their eighteenth birthday. It was then that they would be presented to H.M. the Queen. Next, the season's balls would begin. These young ladies were referred to as “débutantes”. This British tradition would go on to influence balls all across Europe.

In France, in 1957, the Couture House Jean Patou revived the tradition. It became an annual event, held on alternate years at the Opera in Paris and in Versailles. Mr. Jacques Chazot presented the débutantes wearing tiaras, white gowns and white gloves.