At La Belle et Le Beau 2025, a new generation steps onto the gala stage with style, and of course, a sense of purpose, showing what it means to be a debutante today.

The debutante ball has long been a ritual of society, a carefully choreographed introduction of the young into a world where privilege meets expectation. In Paris or London, it once meant curtseys before royalty and the formal presentation of lineage.

In Bangkok today, that same tradition takes on a distinctly modern form. At the EM District’s La Belle et Le Beau 2025, the 15 young women and men stepping into the spotlight were presented both in the language of gowns, jewels and chandeliers and also through a narrative of creativity, social awareness and personal ambition.

Can Glamour Carry a Message?

The spectacle itself could have easily remained a tableau of luxury. Mouawad’s glittering jewellery adorned the debutantes, while a chandelier built from 40,000 hand-cut crystals floated above the ballroom, ensuring the evening sparkled in every possible sense. Yet there was a determined effort to frame the event as something beyond surface. These debutantes were introduced as more than heirs to familiar surnames; they were described as artists, athletes and volunteers, already dipping their toes into public causes from environmental planting projects to fundraising for border communities.

It is an evolution of the debutante idea. Where the original was about entry into polite society, this updated version gestures toward the expectation that the next generation must carry social purpose alongside inherited privilege. These young men and women are now presented as representatives of an era that values responsibility as much as sophistication.

Meet the Young Stars of La Belle et Le Beau 2025

Each of the 15 debutantes came with their own story, passions and pursuits. Among them:

• Bella Jirapaet (17) – award-winning dancer who now teaches dance at Dance Plus Academy.
• Kanpitchaya “Yeepoon” Phornprapha (18) – a hospitality student who finds joy and expression in jazz dance competitions.
• Laliyah “Liyah” Engtrakul (16) – trainee artist with LOVEiS Entertainment, aspiring to debut as a T-POP performer.
• Nutcha “Meai” Veerakul (20) – Durham University student with an interest in tennis, fashion, jewellery and investment.
• Praew Thanavisuth (23) – Temple University student in Japan, a surrealist painter and designer whose works have been exhibited.
• Supatcha “Claire” Poolvoralaks (19) – Boston University student passionate about K-pop dance, including teaching children during the pandemic.
• Teekhree “Thames” Silpa-archa (23) – Thai national figure skater, most recently competing at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin.
• Yingpiya “Aichan” Baiyoke (16) – athlete and baker, balancing tennis with cooking, singing and content creation.
• Aekavit “Thi” Khoman (16) – multi-instrumentalist and athlete with interests ranging from piano to basketball and boxing.
• Kollatat “Kenji” Chunhatakij (17) – motorsport enthusiast with a passion for driving and sports.
• Kunnatam “Kun” Wongpuapan (16) – budding filmmaker who won a U.S. Top Shorts award for directing and writing his own short film.
• Sila “Uno” Sila-on (19) – engineering student researching renewable energy while also coaching tennis.
• Kingpayome “Skye” Sharples (16) – national youth swimming athlete, winning three medals at the 2025 SEA Aquatics Championships.
• Tanont “Pride” Korapintanont (23) – founder of Impvest, the first Thai recipient of the Diana Award, now advising the Ministry of Finance.
• Tatt Tohsaeng (17) – young photographer whose award-winning images reflect creativity and fresh perspectives.

The New Balance of Image and Intention

Luxury retail spaces such as the EM District know well that spectacle is their currency, but spectacle alone feels insufficient for an audience that demands authenticity. The tension, of course, lies in the balance. By attaching social projects, cultural contributions and even charitable athletics to the image of their debutantes, they seek to assure us that this new crop of youth are not simply models of elegance but also active citizens.

As the evening’s music swelled and proud families applauded, the choreography felt as traditional as any debutante ball, yet the script carried an update. These were not debutantes in the old sense, but rather Gen Z’s interpretation of what it means to step into society in their own ways and words.

If they are able to turn the expectations of glamour and virtue into real momentum, then perhaps this particular ritual will find relevance long after the chandeliers are dimmed.