Really, Try The Dip. The Texas Dip. Here’s How The 70th Anniversary International Debutante Ball In New York Celebrates Modern Tradition, Elegance & Accomplishment

Terrific Texan Women Included From Nine U.S. States And Seven Countries

By Lance Avery Morgan      Photography by Frank Rocco and Grayson Dantzic for Bachrach Photography

In the shimmering splendor of The Plaza Hotel’s grand ballroom, thirty-one remarkable young women made their bows to society at the 70th Anniversary International Debutante Ball during the recent festive Christmas season. Hailing from nine U.S. states and seven countries across Europe and Asia, these accomplished debutantes embodied the perfect blend of timeless grace and contemporary ambition.

Adorned in exquisite silk gowns, delicate lace, and heirloom jewels, the debutantes stepped into society amidst an atmosphere of Old-World sophistication. Their white-tie-and-tails escorts added to the evening’s charm as the couples waltzed beneath glittering chandeliers amongst the orchestral accompaniment and rustling dresses. Though steeped in tradition, these 21st-century women are very much charting their own paths, pursuing advanced degrees in law, medicine, and engineering while forging connections with like-minded peers who share their commitment to creating a positive global impact.

A Commitment to Cultural Enrichment
The International Debutante Ball Foundation champions the well-being and cultural education of young people, particularly in music, dance, theatre, painting, and sculpture. Proceeds from this year’s ball will benefit notable organizations, including The American Friends of Versailles, The Florence Academy of Art, Opera Lafayette, The Southampton Fresh Air Home, The Theatre Development Fund, and Young Concert Artists.

A Tradition of Friendship and Philanthropy
The International Debutante Ball remains one of New York’s most enchanting and meaningful social events. With a series of vibrant celebrations, the ball fosters camaraderie among families and young adults from around the world while supporting worthy causes. It is a celebration of elegance, legacy, and the promise of a brighter future shaped by the next generation.

Leadership and Esteemed Guests
The event was chaired with distinction by Ms. Julia Irene Denny-Kauffman and Mrs. David Hamilton, with Mrs. Gregory S. Hedberg serving as the Director and General Chairman. The International Committee included luminaries such as H.R.H. Princess Chantal of France, Baron Françoise de Sambucy de Sorgue, and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher C. Forbes. The Ball Chairpersons included Mrs. Andrew Beer, Mrs. Jacqueline Mars, Mrs. Spencer Neville Brown, Mrs. Ryland Chase, Ms. Julie Nixon Eisenhower, and Ms. Susan Eisenhower.

Texas Represented with Pride
Among this year’s debutantes were six young women representing the Lone Star State:

• Miss Annah Stanton Brown and Miss Lella Sue McClane Brown, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Stanton Boyce Brown, Waco, Texas
• Miss Andi Nicole Feik, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Feik, Jr., San Antonio, Texas
• Miss Randall McLaurin Holstead, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Randell Holstead, Houston, Texas
• Miss Elizabeth Kirby McCool, II, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Scott McCool, Houston, Texas
• Miss Keli Chambers Ford, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gerald J. Ford, Dallas, Texas (Representing New York)
• Miss Isabella Kalani Grossman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brett Edward Grossman, Boerne, Texas (Representing Mexico)

Other States Represented: Debutantes from across the United States represented Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Texas, and Washington, showcasing a diverse tapestry of achievement and elegance.

• Arkansas: Abigail Elizabeth Davis.
• California: Sarah Angela Pence and Alice Post Lindh Peterson.
• Connecticut: Grace Corbett Corcoran.
• Illinois: Ciara Wilson Carroll, Fiona Grace Carroll.
• Michigan: Cameron Lena Meijer.
• Nebraska: Mary Elizabeth Foster.
• New York: Kelli Chambers Ford, Jane Margaret Reyes, Caitlyn Marie Rodeo, Emma Helen Sobel and Lea Paige Wilson.
• Washington: Margaret Karleen Sattler and Mariah Stanton Sattler.

A Global Roster of Debutantes
This year’s international debutantes included:

• Denmark: Helena Grace Steuch
• France: Comtesse Gisèle d’Andigné, Comtesse Eléonore de Tocqueville, Comtesse Marguerite de Tocqueville, Comtesse Sistine Marraud des Grottes
• India: Samara Kothari
• Mexico: Isabella Kelani Grossman
• Scotland: Alix Drummond of Megginch
• South Korea: Sorah Chung
• Sweden: Tiffany Alexandra Fagerberg

For more information, visit: Christine Biddle: [email protected] and Holland Creative NY: [email protected]