Among the 17 debutantes who participated in the Paris Ball this year, one of them particularly attracted attention, because of her father and mother. Apple Martin, daughter of singer Chris Martin and actress Gwyneth Paltrow, was one of the debutantes at the famous society and charity ball. To dance on the floor, the young lady had a noble cavalier, Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck, son of an Oscar-winning director and producer.
Read also: Prince Constantin of Orléans perpetuates the tradition of French cavalier princes at the Paris Ball
Apple Martin, daughter of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, at the Debutante Ball
The Debutante Ball took place this Saturday, November 30, 2024 at the Shangri-La Paris, former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte. The Debutante Ball, organized for 30 years by Ophélie Renouard, is part of the tradition of balls that began at the British court in the 18th century. This year, 17 well-born young women made their debut in high society, on the arms of noble horsemen.
Read also: Sophia Loren's granddaughter waltzes with Count Alberico di Carpegna Brivio at the Paris Ball
Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck, son of an Oscar-winning director, took on the role of cavalier
Princesses, countesses, daughters of businessmen and personalities from around the world are selected to become one of the debutantes. The young ladies form lifelong friendships when they participate together in this social and charitable event. The funds raised by the evening are paid to the Necker-Enfants Malades hospital and its Association for Research in Cardiology from Fetus to Adults (ARCFA).
Read also: Archduke Károly-Konstantin charming cavalier of Countess Lara Cosima Henckel von Donnersmarck at the Debutante Ball
Apple Martin was one of this year's debutantes. The young woman has been in the spotlight since birth, due to her two famous parents. His father is Chris Martin, lead singer of the band Coldplay, and his mother is Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow. To participate in this magical evening, attended by her two famous parents, Apple Martin wore a Valentino dress designed by Alessandro Michele. Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck took on the role of rider.
Read also: Princess Eugenia and Archduke Károly-Konstantin waltz at the Debutante Ball
Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck descends from a family whose name is mentioned in the 14th century. The family is originally from Upper Hungary (present-day Slovakia), coming from the town of Donnersmarck, today called Spišský Štvrtok. In the 16th century the family migrated to Silesia, then finally to Germany and Austria. The family acquired importance in Vienna, among the sovereigns, which allowed it in 1636 to obtain the title of baron from Ferdinand II, archduke of Austria, king of Bohemia and Hungary. In 1661, Emperor Leopold I elevated the family to the rank of count.
Read also: Princess Hélène of Orléans at the Debutante Ball on the arm of her brother Philippe: the children of the Duke of Chartres following in the footsteps of their sister Louise
In addition to belonging to a noble Austro-Hungarian family, the count is also the son of Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, an Oscar-winning German screenwriter, director and producer. Last year, Countess Lara Cosima was one of the debutantes at the Ball and her brother, Count Leo, was one of the guests who were therefore able to observe the progress of the event and convince him to participate this year. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck received the Oscar for best foreign film for The Lives of Others, a film of which he is the author and director. This film also received a BAFA and a César in 2008. Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck notably directed the film The Touristwhose two headliners were Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie.
Hotel: Shangri-La Paris
Joaillier : V MUSE Jewelry
Hairdresser: Maison Carita
Champagne : Laurent-Perrier
The charities of the Ball:
The Necker-Sick Children hospital
ARCFA – Association for Research in Cardiology from Fetal to Adult
Nicolas Fontaine
Editor-in-chief
Nicolas Fontaine has been a designer-editor and author for numerous Belgian and French brands and media. A specialist in royal family news, Nicolas founded the site Histoires royales of which he is the editor-in-chief. [email protected]
