The Strong Greek Color at This Year’s Bal des Débutantes in Paris

This year’s Bal des Débutantes in Paris had a distinct Greek touch. Among the glamorous attendees were Sophia Yadikiaroglou, Cornelia Manou, and Marilia Vamvakidi, three young women from prominent Greek families who made their official debut at the international jet-set salons.

Sophia Yadikiaroglou, Cornelia Manou, Marilia Vamvakidi: The Three Greek Women at the Debutante Ball in Paris

Sophia Yadikiaroglou comes from an exceptionally artistic and internationally renowned family. Her mother, Inma Barero, is a Spanish ceramist whose works have been exhibited in galleries worldwide, including in Mexico, Japan, and various European countries. Her father, Ionnis Yadikiaroglou, has a long family history dating back to the Byzantine Empire and is known for his philanthropic work.

“I live between New York and Paris. I study Art, History, and Painting, and will soon continue my studies in Tokyo,” she introduces herself. “I know that the name Yadikiaroglou may sound familiar to you. It reminds you of the Greek film ‘To Xylo Vike Apo Ton Paradeiso,'” she adds, smiling. “My grandfather was Greek from Constantinople. Later, the whole family moved to Athens. Although my family still lives in New York, my summers have always been linked with Spetses and Hydra.”

The three girls impressed with their haute couture creations: Cornelia Manou wore Celia Kritharioti, while Sophia Yadikiaroglou chose Iris Van Herpen.

The Love for Art and Humanity: Inherited from Her Spanish Grandmother

Sophia inherited her love for art and humanity primarily from her Spanish grandmother, a fashion designer who helped those in need during the war. “At home, we keep some Greek traditions. My father speaks Greek with the rest of the family, but I speak very little. I feel more comfortable with French since I went to a French school. My father grew up in Switzerland,” she explains. Nevertheless, Greece has always been part of her life: “My parents got married in Spetses, so you can understand what that island represents to us. The Old Port is deeply connected to my childhood. I also maintain close friendships with many Greeks from my childhood and school years.”

Would she ever choose her father’s homeland as her permanent place of residence? “I like Athens, which I now consider an international city, but New York is more suitable for someone involved in art,” she says. In her free time, she enjoys watching films at the cinema, having fun at jazz clubs, and capturing moments with her camera. She appeared at the ball wearing a creation by Iris van Herpen Haute Couture, accompanied by Konstantinos Manos.

Marilia Vamvakidi: A Young Woman with a Rich Heritage

Marilia Vamvakidi, 20 years old, was born in Greece and is currently studying Business Management at ESCP with a specialization in Finance and Economics. “My school changes locations every year. I lived a year in Paris, one in London, and now I live in Berlin. Later, I would like to work in finance,” she explains. In her free time, she enjoys sports and is learning about international relations from her sister, who is studying it. While she is Greek on her father’s side, she is also proud of her aristocratic Russian roots from her mother’s side.

Her great-grandfather was Prince Felix Yussupov, and her great-great-grandmother was Irina Romanov. “My Russian grandmother visited Greece many years ago and fell in love with my Greek grandfather. That’s how the union of the two countries and cultures came about in our family.”

She enjoys both Athens and Russia, saying, “I love the center of Athens and its ancient sites, but I also admire and am in awe of the Red Square.” She also studies Russian literature and loves Russian culture and art. “At home, especially during the winter, we make soups and other delicious dishes from Russian cuisine.”

For Marilia, participating in the Bal des Débutantes was a family tradition, as her mother had participated years ago. “When it was suggested to me, I immediately said ‘yes.’ It was unexpectedly pleasant. We spent three wonderful days with the other girls, many of whom have become my friends. I think these friendships will last forever.” She wore a haute couture creation by Belgian fashion house Natan and was accompanied by Prince Alexis Obolensky, who has a Greek mother and Russian father.

Cornelia Manou: A Rising Star with Strong Family Roots

Cornelia Manou, 17 years old, impressed at this year’s ball not only with her appearance and beauty but also with her ease in communication. She wore a Haute Couture creation by Celia Kritharioti and was accompanied by her cousin Leon Manos. Her mother, Ioanna Martinos, works in shipping and is very active in philanthropy, while her father, Nikolaos Manos, is a businessman.

Cornelia has a deep love for nature and people and is especially sensitive towards animals. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a biologist specializing in marine life, but now she plans to study neuroscience at an American university. She cites her great-grandmother, Nunu Martinos, as her role model, a dynamic founder of the shipping company Thenamaris, who succeeded in a male-dominated field while raising four children — now continuing her successful legacy.

“I admit that the ball was an extraordinary experience. I will remember those days in Paris with nostalgia. I enjoyed the preparation, especially because it had a serious philanthropic purpose. I’m sure I will maintain good contact with the girls I met from all over the world and hope to meet many of them in Greece during the summers,” she concludes.