This year felt like the perfect time to attend Le Bal. With my weekends at university more flexible, I booked the 5 am Eurostar and jumped straight into the whirlwind. I was excited to be a part of a tradition that brings together people from all over the world, exchanging cultures and stories and contributing to charity, which is something so meaningful to me. Little did I know, the weekend would unfold into an experience unlike anything I’d ever imagined—one that would leave a lasting impression long after the final dance.
A few months ago…
I was so excited for my fitting with Giambattista Valli — he is truly an iconic designer. The dress I chose was the first one I tried on, and I just knew, alongside everyone around me, we all gasped and said: this is it. In fashion, when something’s for you, you feel it, like a gut instinct. There was a gorgeous green dress and a red one with a bow, but the deep red one really stood out for me because of the way it moved and flowed. It was like a blooming rose. I wanted to have the legs out because the slit would make it easier for dancing, and the rich shade just felt elegant and bold for a special event like this.
A sneak peek into some of the other options I tried on:
Thursday
I arrived on Thursday, we went straight to the hotel with photoshoots from 10am to 7pm. I met with so many different photographers and shot in various beautiful places in the hotel.
Behind the scenes of one of my favourite rite shoots with the incredible photographer 方哥哥; I had an idea to really show the beauty of this dress. Having done photoshoots before I knew movement would bring it to life, so I took a big, confident step forward to let the dress fly! The dress just swept through the air, and he captured its fleeting moment.
The end results:
We ended the day with dinner at a Michelin star Chinese restaurant with the debs and cavaliers that arrived the same day as me. My friend Zhiming and I introduced the dishes, and of course my favourite was Char Siu and pork belly. It was a little taste of home in the heart of Paris!
Friday
We had photoshoots again from 10am, this time it was group photos which was so fun because I finally got to meet all the girls.
A few of my friends and I: Sofia, Eugenia, Alienor
During the waltz rehearsal, we started by practicing with our dads—which was kind of hilarious. One side was all the girls (I was next to Apple Martin), and the other side was all the dads. Every time they were teaching us the dance, I’d catch my dad and Chris Martin on the opposite side just vibing and doing peak dad things. It was just entertaining to watch because we were all obviously having fun. I also met my cavalier for the first time and it was a really great experience. Later, I danced with Zhang Yimou 老师 while my dad danced with Angel Zhang my friend, it felt like less of a rehearsal and more of a lively dance class!
The day ended with a cocktail party hosted by one of the debs. It was so interesting to hear about what people are passionate about, what they’re studying, what they want to to in the future— it ranged from art to finance to travelling the world. I just loved listening their stories and learning from them. Perfect way to end another day.
Saturday
Getting ready for the ball!
Fun fact: this was taken just outside our changing room, where all the girls would usually sit on the floor, their dresses flowing out at least two meters as we hung out and waited for photoshoots.
Photoshoots with the family. I love doing anything with my mom and dad, they’re my support system, and our energy together is incredible.
Waiting patiently… (and a little nervously)
Waltz! And dancing with everyone
A moment of joy, relief that we’ve just finished and everything went well with the dance, the dress, and excitement for the afterparty!
This was at the afterparty with the girls that I love so much! Sofia & Marilia. I wore Herve Leger which dresses I’m obsessed with.
All in all, it was an unforgettable experience. The purpose behind the event—advocating for charity—gave it a sense of depth and intention that made every moment feel purposeful. Meeting people from all over the world, exchanging perspectives, and forming friendships that will last wherever I travel was a highlight I’ll always treasure.
What stood out to me the most, though, were the quiet, in-between moments where real connections were built. Sitting in hair and makeup, your face glued to the mirror as someone perfects your eyeliner, and chatting with the girl next to you about her gown or her story. Or sitting cross-legged on the floor of the changing room, waiting for your turn at the photoshoot, sharing nervous laughter or deep talks about work and life.
What really stayed with me was how supportive everyone was. The girls were constantly hyping each other up, telling each other how stunning they looked. It wasn’t just about the glamour; it was about the collective energy of young women coming together and lifting each other up.
Despite coming from all corners of the world, we were all in it together. Le Bal reminded me that the real beauty and joy isn’t just in the gowns or the waltz—it’s in the connections we build, the meaning we create, and the memories we share along the way.
Editor
Ella Yam
