The grandchild of a legendary Italian actress captured attention at the prestigious Le Bal des Débutantes, where timeless traditions met modern glamor in the heart of Paris.
The highly anticipated Le Bal des Débutantes unfolded on Saturday evening, November 30, 2024, in Paris, drawing the crème de la crème of high society. Among the attendees was Lucia Ponti, the granddaughter of cinematic legend Sophia Loren, who made her debut in a show-stopping gown by Giorgio Armani. Her appearance captured widespread attention and ignited a mix of reactions online.
A user comment on Lucia Ponti, dated December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hellomag
Ponti, 18, donned a bandeau-cut gown that was both contemporary and regal. The dress featured cream and charcoal gray stripes, accented by a delicate gold lace overlay. The dramatic, voluminous skirt added to the theatrical flair of the ensemble. Completing her look, she paired the gown with a striking diamond and emerald choker, exuding elegance and sophistication.
While Ponti’s presence drew admiration from some, it also sparked a buzz on social media, becoming a hot topic of discussion.
On Instagram, reactions ranged from critical to humorous. One user remarked, “Why is that lovely girl wearing grandma’s old curtains?” Another commented, “This whole debut-thing-in-gigantic dresses is so last century and utterly ridiculous in 2024 🙄.”
Some were harsher in their criticism, with one user calling it “a farce,” and adding, “They do know it’s the 21st century. 🥱🫤” However, another countered, “why farce I know that the dress looks like a curtain but beside that…are you poor [sic]?” Summing up the sentiment of others, one user wrote, “These dresses are bad.”
A user comment on Lucia Ponti, dated December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/hellomag
TikTok reactions to a video of Ponti dancing were similarly polarized. Negative comments included, “dress looks like my shower curtain, but not as nice [sic],” and, “What has happened to fashion and style? These girl are beautiful why are the dress mediocre [sic]?”
In another TikTok clip featuring debutantes Apple Martin, Ponti, and Eugenia de Borbón, opinions were directed at their overall demeanor. A user observed, “The girl on the left looks happy and down to earth. the other two look a little more snooty to me.”
Amid the criticism, there were positive voices as well. On a TikTok video of Ponti dancing, some viewers expressed their admiration. “What a beautiful elegant classy dress,” one user wrote. Another noted, “She has Sophia’s smile,” while a third added, “The best dress ever.”
Hello Magazine captured the essence of the night, sharing an Instagram post that celebrated Ponti’s debut. “Lucia Ponti, granddaughter of screen icon Sophia Loren danced the night away in her stunning Armani gown at this year’s Le Bal des Débutantes.”
Ahead of the event, Lucia shared insights into her relationship with her iconic grandmother, Loren. Speaking to Hello! Magazine, she reflected on the values and style lessons passed down through generations.
“My grandmother always believed in timeless elegance and the importance of wearing something that reflects your true self,” Lucia revealed. She added that her grandmother’s wardrobe inspired her love for simplicity and tailoring, along with the importance of individuality in fashion.
Sasha Alexander, Lucia Sofia Ponti, Eduardo Ponti, Sophia Loren, and Roberta Armani on September 25, 2021, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Ponti further expressed her hopes for the gown she chose for Le Bal. “I had looked through other dresses that were featured in Le Bal in previous years, and they all individually represented the girls so beautifully. I just hoped to find a dress that would do the same for me,” she shared.
The connection between Ponti and Sophia Loren remains strong despite living in different countries. The acting legend, now 90, resides in Geneva, while Ponti splits her time between Los Angeles and Rhode Island, where she studies English and Art History at Brown University.
Sasha Alexander, Edoardo Ponti, Lucia Sofia Ponti, and Leonardo Fortunato Ponti are seen on February 28, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
“My grandmother and I are very close. We visit her frequently in Geneva, and she comes to visit us in LA as well. I love her dearly, and despite the distance, we spend ample time together,” Lucia said.
As for the guidance she carried into the event, Lucia shared, “My grandmother gave me the most treasured piece of advice, not jewellery, which is to be yourself. I will make sure to carry this with me as I embark on this journey.” The young debutante credited Loren’s resilience and grit as defining traits that have inspired her to always strive for success, no matter the challenges.
Sasha Alexander, Lucia Sofia Ponti, Eduardo Ponti, Sophia Loren, and Roberta Armani on September 25, 2021, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
The event itself held great significance, not only for the young debutantes but also for the traditions it upholds. Ophélie Renouard, the mastermind behind Le Bal, shared her excitement on Instagram. “A huge thank you to the exceptional hotel Shangri-La Paris, the venue of le Bal 2024! le Bal celebrates excellence, the empowering of women, and the harmony between débutantes and cavaliers from all over the world.”
Originally established in 1958, the Débutante Ball was revived in 1992 by Renouard as a modern reimagining of the traditional debutante ball. Historically, these events served as a formal introduction of young women to society, often symbolizing their readiness for marriage. However, Le Bal has evolved into a 21st-century celebration of talented young women, their personal achievements, and philanthropy.
Ponti’s participation, paired with her family legacy and individuality, emphasized the modern spirit of the event. From her elegant ensemble to her reflections on her grandmother’s influence, she left an impression that will hopefully not be forgotten soon.
