Meet the Hong Kong debs at Paris’ Le Bal des Débutantes 2023: Donnie Yen and Cissy Wang’s daughter Jasmine Yen, and scions Skye Wong and Yvette Yao, all stepped out in dazzling style

Dec 5 , 2023

Jasmine Yen dances with her father Donnie Yen at the Bal des Débutantes in Paris, an event also attended by Hong Kong scions Skye Wong and Yvette Yao. Photos: Handouts

The annual Bal des Débutantes hosts the children of celebrities, aristocrats, tycoons and politicians, who step out in grand style – this year’s debs donned gowns by Armani Privé and Vivienne Westwood

Skye Wong’s great-grandfathers founded the Bank of East Asia and Hang Seng Bank, while Yvette Yao descends from a shipping dynasty – and Jasmine’s parents are Hollywood A-listers, of course

Le Bal des Débutantes is a night of glamour, beauty and celebration that brings together young women from around the world who make their formal debut into high society. The prestigious event is held annually in Paris, and is attended by the daughters and sons of aristocrats, politicians and tycoons. From the elegant haute couture gowns paired with exquisite high jewellery, to the choreographed father-daughter dance, Le Bal is a display of opulence and French tradition.

Singer-songwriter Jasmine Yen, daughter of Donnie Yen and Cissy Wang, performing at the ball. The 19-year-old artist released her debut album, TBH, in September

But beyond the glitz and glamour, Le Bal has a deeper meaning of charity and supports noble causes. As its founder Ophélie Renouard puts it: “I chose organizations that are close to my heart. This year we are supporting The Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, which improves the quality of care for children with heart defects. And an American charity, the World Central Kitchen, active in providing meals globally.”

Renouard, who is the epitome of French elegance, was raised in Asia and has a strong following in China. While many countries have requested to franchise Le Bal, she remains keen on preserving it as the most highly anticipated event on the Parisian social calendar.

Jasmine Yen steps out with her little brother, 16-year-old James Yen

We rushed to the debutantes’ Shangri-La Hotel suites a few hours before they were about to make their official appearance with their respective cavaliers. First on our list was Jasmine Yen, daughter of actor Donnie Yen and model Cissy Wang, who was being pampered by her own glam squad and beaming with joy. “Le Bal allowed us to spend some quality family time,” explained the songstress. Her parents were here in Paris, and her cavalier was her very own brother, James. She selected one of the most sparkling V Muse necklaces, worth more than one million euros (around US$1.1 million) and above a century old.

Yen was drawn to Le Bal as an opportunity to meet debutantes and new friends she could never meet elsewhere. She was not only walking in front of the crème de la crème of society, but also hearing her song “TBH”, which lit up the dance floor later that night.

Skye Wong, who recently completed a fashion internship in Paris, rocked a Vivienne Westwood gown

Next were two discreet ladies calmly prepping for the grand soirée. Skye Wong was sporting a Vivienne Westwood gown. “I just love Vivienne’s eclectic style,” remarked the former fashion intern. “She always has pieces that are out of the box, which break conventional fashion standards. I think that’s reflective of my own personal style.” Like many participants, she had heard about Le Bal from a young age and wanted to experience the coming-out tradition for herself.