When Dominique Cojuangco found out that she was chosen as one of this year’s Le Bal debutantes, she was overwhelmed. She had seen the ball featured in the pages of Seventeen, Vanity Fair, and this magazine, and had a hard time wrapping her head around the idea of being one of the first five Filipinas to come out in the ball.

For her gown, Cojuangco chose Vivienne Westwood. She likes how the designer creates gowns fit for a Disney princess, but with a modern twist. “I’ll also be able to live a bit of Carrie Bradshaw’s life while fitting the dresses at her atelier,” Cojuangco enthuses.

Cojuangco was originally going to ask one of her two best male friends to accompany her, but decided to allow the Le Bal team to pick a cavalier for her. “Why pass up a chance to meet someone new?” she asks. “My parents will be with me at the event. I’ll be waltzing with my dad, which will be new for us, as I did not have a cotillion for my 18th birthday. I also think it will be absolutely adorable because Le Bal falls on my dad’s birthday weekend!”

Le Bal Deb alumni share their "fairy tale" experience

"It was a huge honour to be asked to be the first Filipino debutante, so I wanted to do it right." - Paloma Urquijo Zobel

"It was a fairy tale weekend for me at an enchanting venue. I had so much fun; I think I wouldn't change a thing." - Natalia Zobel

"It was all so very surreal. And it was nice to get away from our hectic lives to celebrate a night of elegance and tradition." - Monica Urquijo Zobel

"I imagine this is what getting married feels like—looking beautiful and being the centre of attention all weekend." - Emily Madrigal

This year's Le Bal des Débutantes will be held on November 28 at the Palais de Chaillot.