Ava Phillippe, look-alike daughter of celebrities Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, is no stranger to the glitz and glam of Hollywood. From awards shows to red carpets, she’s used to fashion and bright lights.
The 18-year-old recently took the glam international for a fashion event in Paris. Each year, Le Bal des Débutantes – called Le Bal – a debutante ball, draws young ladies between the ages of 16 and 22 from all over the world.
The event is known for attendees donning elegant couture attire, and its fundraising mission that helps to raise money for charitable causes. Ava was among twenty other young women invited to attend this year’s 25th annual celebration held at The Peninsula Paris. Also joining her? Her mom, Reese Witherspoon.
Preparation for the party is an all-day event itself, which includes hair and makeup, dress fittings, and photo sessions. Each debutante makes a fashionable debut and is accompanied by a cavalier who dances the night away with them. Most of these girls say that they feel like Cinderella!
Ava, one of six American women joining the party, stunned in a gold haute couture gown created by Giambattista Valli, an Italian designer. She was introduced at the ball with a royal: Maharaja Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, a 19-year-old Indian king. Not only is he a young royal, but he’s also an avid polo player and known to play with Prince William on occasion.
On the dance floor, the two waltzed to a tune from the La La Land film, as other attendees watched. Like a scene from a movie, Ava twirled in her sparkly dress across the floor with ease. Proud mom Reese was on hand to take it all in.
In addition to celebrities, Le Bal’s invitees are made up of families who have made notable contributions to society. They may include business titans, artists, or politicians. This year, Ava celebrated with fellow guests Lori Harvey (daughter of comedian Steve Harvey), Cecily Tasnet (daughter of model Stella Tennant), and Princess Natasha d’Arenberg of Belgium.
The sister of Ava’s escort, Princess Gauravi Kumari, also made her debut. Past attendees include the children of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Robert Kennedy, Jr.’s daughter, and Sylvester Stallone’s daughter, Sophia Rose.
Though the event is a tribute to high fashion, proceeds are donated to charity and one of the organizations receiving funds for 2017 is the Seleni Institute. It is a non-profit organization that provides mental health support for women. The other is Enfants d’Asie, a children’s charity that provides assistance in Southeast Asia.
Get a look at Ava’s gorgeous gown and the fairytale setting by watching this video from Zoom. We can hardly believe she’s 18 already and looks like a younger version of both parents. You can also see the beautiful gowns the other young ladies wore to the glamorous ball.
It looks as if Ava is blazing her own style trails by stepping out at this fashion fete. More importantly, she felt humbled by being able to attend. She wrote on Instagram:
“Wow! I am so thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet so many beautiful, kind, supportive, and passionate young women (and men!) at Le Bal. I also feel so privileged to take part in this event knowing that it is raising money for both the Seleni Institute and Enfants d’Asie, two organizations supporting very important causes.”
What do you think of Ava’s debutante debut? Have you ever attended a cotillion or debutante ball?
Source:
Teen Vogue