Queen Charlotte's Ball 2011 in Hello! magazine

The Queen Charlotte's Ball 2011 is featured in the current issue of Hello! magazine, dated 3rd October 2011. Phillipa Lepley stands amongst the beautiful ivory gowns she created for this year's debutantes. The amazing Jive Aces can also be seen in the stunning Lancaster Ballroom at the Savoy in a photograph by Mike Daines at Photocall Events. Don't the girls look absolutey gorgeous?

Backstage at the Queen Charlotte's Ball 2011

After being a debutante of the London Season myself last year I was really excited to attend the Queen Charlotte's Ball 2011 at the beautiful Savoy and see this year's lovely debs.
The gowns for this year's event were provided by London based couture wedding dress designer Phillipa Lepley, who also kindly donated a gorgeous red evening gown to the auction raising money for the Children's Trust. Phillipa is a lovely lady and incredibly talented, having worked with the shape and style of each girl at fittings. The work and attention to detail in the dresses is truly amazing. Each had a lot of fabric in the skirt and train, making manoeuvring round the area a little tricky. Of course one normally finds just one girl in a wedding dress at once, so all that tulle is quite a spectacle!
The dresses were complimented perfectly with stunning Mikimoto jewellery, again chosen for each girl and also her dress. Mikimoto kindly donated not one but two sets of striking jewellery to the auction, the Debutante necklace 2011 with pearl studs and the Pearls in Motion set.

Whilst the ball ran smoothly it was thanks to careful planning and rehearsals that day and the day before. Creative Director of the London Season Lukas Kroulik was in his element backstage, directing a team of talented hair and make up artists whilst Phillipa's team arranged the gowns just so and the Mikimoto team introduced the girls to their beautiful pearls for the night. The hair was backcombed, pulled back elegantly and finished with a plait made into a pretty bun. The make up was fresh and dewy for a flawless finish, whilst the make up artists collaborated with each girl with regards to specific eye make up. I must say the girls looked absolutely gorgeous and I am so looking forward to sharing with you the rest of the evening.

If you would like to be a debutante of the 2012 London Season please see here for application information.

Photographs kindly provided by Mike Daines at Photocall Events.

London Season Application Form 2012

If you are a young girl wishing to partake in the London Season as a debutante you must fill in the application form below and email it to Mrs David Hallam-Peel at jhp@londonseason.net. With interviews held on Saturday 8th October I must encourage you to get the application sent as soon as possible so that an interview time may be arranged.

Photograph of the Queen Charlotte's Ball 2010 by Mike Daines at Photocall Events.

THE LONDON SEASON 2012 – APPLICATION FORM
Patrons
HH Princess Olga Romanov
Their Graces The Duke and Duchess of Somerset

Correspondence to: The Chairman, Mrs. David Hallam-Peel,
26 HANS CRESCENT, KNIGHTSBRIDGE,
LONDON SW1X OLL
www.londonseason.net
email:jhp@londonseason.net
TELEPHONE 0203 006 1660

NAME IN FULL

NAME OF FATHER/MOTHER

FULL ADDRESS

PARENT AND DAUGHTER’S TELEPHONE NUMBERS LAND AND MOBILE

EMAIL ADDRESSES

NAME OF SCHOOL

INTERVIEWS ,WHICH MUST BE ATTENDED BY BOTH GIRLS AND THEIR PARENTS, WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER AT THE BERKELEY HOTEL KNIGHTSBRIDGE-AN ALLOCATED TIME WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH GIRL FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION FORM

Queen Charlotte's Ball 2010

Being a debutante is a truly wonderful experience and certainly one I'll never forget. The highlight for both parents and debs alike is of course the magnificent Queen Charlotte's Ball. The event has a history stretching back hundreds of years to when King George III first instated the ball to honour his wife, Queen Charlotte. The ball has long been associated with debutantes being presented to royalty. Staying true to tradition my fellow debutantes and I were provided with the most exquisite white bridal gowns from the wedding dress and evening gown company Pronovias. I fell in love with my dress the moment I tried it on at my fitting at the Bond Street store, and must admit I gave it up quite unwillingly at the end of the night!

In preparation for the ball, held at the stunning Inner Temple Treasury House, we partook in a day of rehearsals beforehand, followed by more nervous preparation on the day. We were pampered by a team led by Claire Hanson so that our make up, nails and hair were all beautiful. Having been helped into our dresses we were then decked in bedazzling Mikimoto jewellery. Each set was chosen to work with the girl and dress and I think each girl was in love with the jewellery picked for her. I certainly adored my rose blossom inspired earrings and necklace with pearls, diamonds and pink sapphires.

Whilst we anxiously but excitedly waited for our turn in the procession, guests were treated to a champagne reception greeted by HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, HH Princess Olga Romanov and Their Graces The Duke and Duchess of Somerset. The event was kindly sponsored by Maserati GB and its London retailer HR OWEN Sports Cars.

Following a march by the Jive Aces and the entrance of the guests of honour, my fellow debutantes and I processed in to a beautiful rendition of Puccini's O mio babbino caro from Zoe Turner. A stunning piece of music which I know brought a tear to my father's eye! The famous cake is a replica of the birthday cake of Queen Charlotte herself, and was just gorgeous. London Season Chairman Mrs David Hallam-Peel and Vice Chairman Mrs Jonathan Woodall spoke and announced the Deb of the Year, who I was delighted for as she is the most graceful, lovely girl.

Guests and debutantes alike dined on a simply delicious meal and a fabulous auction took place with lots such as Mikimoto jewellery, art work from Broad Gallery and one gorgeous unique handbag from Clive Christian.

To the sound of the wonderful Jive Aces the dancing began with a father daughter dance.
I made some great friends throughout the Season, helped raise money for charities Veterans Aid, Help For Heroes and The Smile Train, gained new skills and grew a lot in confidence and as a young lady. The evening of the Queen Charlotte's Ball was an amazing experience and the perfect finale to a wonderful year.
Next week it will be the turn of the debutantes of 2011 to come out at the Queen Charlotte's Ball and I am so looking forward to the event.

Photographs kindly provided by Mike Daines at Photocall Events.