Inside the extremely elite Le Bal des Débutantes, a Bridgerton ball for nepo babies.

If you wanted an extra reason to feel poor right now, the most elite young people in the world just made their debut at a fancy ball in Paris.

It's called the Le Bal des Débutantes and Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter, Apple Martin, made her official debut last year.

This year saw the likes of Bronwyn Golden Vance (daughter of actors Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance) and Carolina Lansing (granddaughter of fashion designer Carolina Herrera) make their 'debut' to society.

But don't expect some blinding white poofy numbers and a group dance to 'Everybody' by the Backstreet Boys — this is a damn fancy event that Martin attended in a custom gown by Valentino creative director Alessandro Michele.

It's giving Bridgerton ball (not the Detroit dupe), but for people with over one million Instagram followers, sizeable trust funds and a loose grasp of nepotism.

Last year, Apple was the diamond of this season for her mum Gwyn, or well, the apple of her eye (I had to).

Gwyneth Paltrow and daughter, Apple Martin. Image: Instagram/@gwynethpaltrow.

I didn't actually attend my deb ball in high school because I couldn't find a partner. My friendship group only had two boys and it was a fight to the death to secure one as a date, a fight I failed miserably at.

That being said, I don't regret it at all because I do find the whole thing pretty archaic, sexist and out of touch.

But hey, if I ever copped an invitation to France to attend this Le Bal des Débutantes, I'd be there quicker than Gwyneth can sell another vagina-scented candle.

Watch Gwyneth Paltrow on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Post continues after video.

Sadly for me, this will never happen because it's a very exclusive event, which isn't the type you can just sign up for and attend.

I did attend my deb as a supportive friend but I didn't wear some princess gown — nah, I rocked up in a dress from Supré.

For Apple in 2024, she chose a slightly more refined custom baby blue Valentino gown that took a cool 750 hours to create.

Both of Apple's parents, Gwyneth and Chris Martin, attended the event, along with her brother Moses and grandmother and iconic actress, Blythe Danner.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Moses Martin, Blythe Danner and Chris Martin. Image: Instagram/@gwynethpaltrow.

So what, exactly, is all the fuss about and what is this very fancy event anyway?

It's your lucky day because we've rounded up everything you need to know. Gather around and live vicariously through these nepo babies of the world!

What is the Le Bal des Débutante?

The prestigious Le Bal des Débutantes was established in 1992, and has become an annual tradition where young people aged 16 to 22 gather from countries around the world.

The tradition of debutante balls dates back to 18th-century England, where young women from aristocratic families would be presented to society as eligible brides. Sounds fun!

The Le Bal des Débutante is a modern revival that was reinvented by Ophélie Renouard.

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Every year, patrons raise funds for charity and at this year's gala, the charitable focus was twofold: donating to the cardiology research unit of the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, which aims to improve the quality of care for children with heart defects globally; along with raising funds for Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, an internationally recognized diagnostic, treatment, and research center in New York, which leads breakthrough research in cancer and blood diseases in children.

This year's event was held at the Hotel Shangri-La.

What are the selection criteria to be included in the Le Bal des Débutante?

Le Bal des Débutantes maintains strict entry requirements that emphasise exclusivity and selectivity. Big nepo vibes!

The event is strictly invitation-only, and money cannot buy entry — sorry friends, but no one can pay their way in.

Potential debutantes are often scouted years in advance and must have a profile. Many debutantes are selected based on their family connections, often being daughters of the Hollywood elite, royal families, business moguls and politicians.

@gala.fr

#applemartin #gwynethpaltrow

♬ Style - Taylor Swift

The final selection is made personally by founder Ophélie Renouard. The organisation aims to include participants from approximately 12 different countries each year.

The ideal candidate will possess these characteristics: a strong academic performance, dedication to hard work and an interest in charitable causes.

What do debs have to do to prepare for Le Bal des Débutante?

Once selected, the debutantes receive haute couture gowns, weekend arrangements in Paris, and professional waltz lessons.

Below you'll find Chris Martin having a giggle while dancing with his daughter at the event.

@gala.fr

#chrismartin #applemartin

♬ Gorgeous - Taylor Swift

The ball is provided at no cost to the participants, with the event being financed through carefully selected sponsors.

Must be nice!

Which celebrities have done the Le Bal des Débutante?

Loads! Along with Apple, last year's ball was attended by Sophie Kodjoe, who is the daughter of And Just Like That star Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe.

The granddaughter of the Hollywood legend Sophia Loren, Lucia Sofia Ponti, also made her debut.

At previous balls, the likes of Lily Collins, Margaret Qualley, Lori Harvey, Ava Philippe, Sophia Stallone and Ella Beatty have attended, along with Demi Moore and Bruce Willis' daughters, Scout and Tallulah Willis.

Until the next Le Bal des Débutante, keep dreaming, folks!

Feature image: Instagram/@gwynethpaltrow/@LuisaBeccariaBonaccorsi.