Debutante Balls still exist
PUSSS...@aol.com
AT a time when tradition seems quaint and even uptown girls like to get
their kicks downtown, there are still some - however few - who prefer
ball gowns to beaded halters and white gloves to stilettos.
For these young women who believe custom comes first, they've got a
busy schedule ahead as they prepare to waltz in the swanky
Waldorf-Astoria later this week as part of the 52nd International
Debutante Ball.
"It's been an exciting and hectic week to say the least," says Pamela
Claire Suskind, a 22-year-old who came home from Brown University for
the event. "It's worth it because it's a tradition that should be
celebrated and practiced, and it's something truly wonderful to be a
part of."
She must really have a handle on that tradition. Taking a page from
Barbra Streisand's "retirement," this will be Suskind's fourth debut.
The exquisite affair, which takes place Friday, will involve a flock of
ball gown-clad lasses performing a series of intricate and difficult
routines. Once a girl's name is announced, she'll walk forward, curtsey
before hundreds of proud onlookers, and then finish by walking down the
long set of stairs, without looking down, as gracefully as possible.
The hardest task for most girls remains the curtsey - especially if
she's doing it Texas-style.
"It's the most difficult because I have to completely get down on the
ground, instead of just kneeling," says Ana Katherine Falchi, who chose
this greeting because of her mom's Texas roots. "I've been practicing
for days."
Although these rituals ring of Southern belles to most Manhattanites,
it's actually a long-standing New York tradition.
"It's hard to believe, but New York debutantes have been around since
1954," says Margaret Hedberg, general chairman and director of the
ball. "Although it's bigger in the South, it's still alive here, and
will continue to be since New York reigns as the center of so much."
This year, the center will welcome 59 young women from places such as
Greece, France, Italy and all across the U.S. to partake in the event -
including twelve from New York. And there was nary a wink or a nudge
among them. Honestly.
"I'm really proud to be representing New York, especially since I grew
up here and my mother was a New York debutante years ago," says
22-year-old Falchi, who will wear the gloves her mother wore to her own
debut. "It's a great way to meet new people and become part of a
certain society."
It's not just a party - it's a way for tapping into the world of the
elite. And these girls are starting at a young age.
"At first I decided to do it because it was convenient, but I can see
it's much more now," says Alison Grace Lively, a 19-year-old New York
University student who's a first-time debutante. "It's a really great
way to meet different people in society, and it's something someone my
age should be doing."
But not everyone can actually do it - especially since you need a
committee nomination and $12,000 to start.
"The only way to be a debutante is to be recommended by people on the
committee or have a friend who knows someone on the committee," says
Hedberg. "The cost of $12,000 includes a young woman's place in the
ball and a table of 12 tickets for her family and friends," she says.
"The gown is up to her."
And for these gals, it's not just any dress - it's a designer gown that
can cost about $10,000.
"The dress is obviously a very important part of the ball, and I
personally designed it with designer Juan Carlos Pinero," says Breanna
Maria Sage.
Twenty-year-old Juliet Lee Falchi, whose sister is also a debutante,
agrees. "I chose a Vera Wang. It's very heavy, but absolutely perfect
for the night!"
PHOTOS:
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N.Y.'s 2006 CLASS ACT:
1. Audrey Elizabeth Suskind
Age: 18
Gown: Silk and satin by Selia Yang
Grew up in SoHo. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. Suskind. Father is
a retired Goldman Sachs employee and now a Southampton politician. A
senior at Eagle Hill High School in Massachusetts. Plans on studying
science and education.
"This is my first year as a debutante and I'd love to come back again,
like my sister."
2. Lauren Michele DeCaro
Age: 18
Gown: Ivory princess cut satin by Jim Hjelm
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas N. DeCaro. Father is owner of a title
insurance company. Grew up in Rye, N.Y. She's studying art history at
Connecticut College, and aspires to work in an art gallery.
First-generation debutante.
"I've been planning this for a year, and it's a little weird that I had
my dress picked out and ready over the summer."
3. Regina Diane Quick
Age: 19
Gown: A French alencon lace halter by Daniel Thompson
Grew up on Long Island. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Quick. Father is
former president of the American Stock Exchange. Attends University of
Virginia.
"My mom could've been a debutante but decided she didn't want to. Now
she regrets it, and I wouldn't want to pass it up and regret it, too."
4. Mia Christina Dudkiewicz Rohrer
Age: 21
Gown: Duchess embroidered satin by Alvina Valenta
Representing New York and Switzerland. Grew up in New York. Daughter of
Margrithe Rohrer, who owns the Margarithe of Switzerland salon, and the
late Eugene M. Dudkiewicz. Attends Catholic University in Washington,
D.C., where she's majoring in media studies with a minor in French.
Aspires to be an actress or work in public relations.
"I've been to several debutante balls and I've always wished I could do
it, and now I finally became one and it's great! You become part of
social circle, and it's an honor."
5. Juliet Lee Falchi
Age: 20
Gown: Duchess satin by Vera Wang
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Falchi. Father is designer of Falchi
Handbags. Grew up in the West Village. Attends Wesleyan University
where she's studying art history and plans to work at an auction house.
"I'm definitely nervous about doing the Texas curtsey - which is what
my mom did when she was a debutante."
6. Ana Katherine Falchi
Age: 22
Gown: Taffeta, strapless gown, accented with crystals, by Amsali
Sister of Juliet Lee. Attended Trinity College, where she studied
English literature. Currently lives in Washington D.C., and works as a
researcher for The Reform Institute, a nonprofit organization.
"My mom was a debutante and I'm wearing the very gloves she wore when
she debuted."
7. Breanne Marie Sage
Age: 18
Gown: Custom-made silk taffeta gown embellished with crystals and
French lace, by Juan Carlos-Pinera
Grew up on the Upper West Side and is attending the Fashion Institute
of Design and Merchandising in L.A. Daughter of Beverly Crocker (a
member of the Daughters of the American Revolution), heir to the
Southern grocery store chain Winn-Dixie. Was named Miss New York Junior
Teen in 2004.
"I'm so nervous about hosting the mother-daughter lunch-in for the
ball, but I'm really excited about representing New York."
8. Pamela Claire Suskind
Age: 22
Gown: Silk and satin by Vera Wang
Sister of Audrey Elizabeth. Fourth year as a New York debutante.
Attends Brown University and is majoring in English literature.
"I've wore this gown at all of the balls and my father thinks I'll get
married in it!"
9. Alison Grace Lively
Age: 19
Gown: A-line by Jim Hjelm
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lively. Father is a real-estate
investor. Grew up in Bronxville. Attends New York University and is
studying art history. Aspires to work as an interior designer after
graduating.
"I'm slowly realizing being a debutante is a bigger deal than I thought
it was. When I tell people I'm a part of this, they can't believe it."