Ella Wadia, the great-great-granddaughter of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, made headlines at this year’s Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris. The exclusive event, held annually at the historic Shangri-La Paris hotel, showcases young women from prominent families around the world.
Only 20 participants under the age of 21 are invited each year, making the ball one of the most prestigious debutante events globally. Ella Wadia’s presence attracted attention due to her distinguished lineage. She is the daughter of Jehangir Wadia and fashion designer Celina Wadia, tracing her family roots back to Jinnah through his daughter Dina Wadia and the prominent Parsi Wadia family.
At the event, Ella Wadia wore a stunning strapless gown crafted in collaboration with the couture house Elie Saab. Her appearance was part of a diverse group of debutantes from across the globe, including Carolina Lansing, Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill, and Eulalia de Orleans-Borbón. Participants follow a strict dress code, avoiding black and white, and each collaborates with a designer to create a bespoke gown.
Le Bal des Débutantes dates back to 1958, originally known as the Crillon Ball. Over the decades, it has become a gathering place for young women from influential families in business, entertainment, and public life. Past participants include notable names like Margaret Qualley, Lily Collins, and Ava Phillippe.
The event is curated by Ophélie Renouard, who oversees participant selection. In an interview with ELLE, Renouard described the process as “like casting a play,” considering fashion sense, individuality, and academic achievements. She emphasized that Le Bal focuses on the experiences of the participants rather than traditional marital customs.
Ella Wadia’s participation in the 2025 edition continues her family’s international legacy, which spans Karachi, Bombay, and now Paris. Her presence at this prestigious event highlights both her elegance and the enduring influence of the Wadia-Jinnah lineage in global social circles.
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This edition of Le Bal offered Ella Wadia and her fellow debutantes a unique opportunity to celebrate heritage, fashion, and personal achievements on a world stage.
