Angela Bassett’s Daughter Bronwyn Golden Vance Shines at Le Bal des Debutantes
Angela Bassett’s Daughter Shines at Le Bal des Débutantes
Bronwyn Golden Vance, daughter of acclaimed actress Angela Bassett and husband Courtney B. Vance, made her debut at the prestigious Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris on November 29. The event, held at the Shangri-La Paris hotel, is renowned as one of the world’s most exclusive debutante balls.
The 19-year-old Harvard student captivated attendees in a custom off-the-shoulder gown designed by Stéphane Rolland, featuring a striking white tulle skirt adorned with gold embroidery. Her look was complemented by elegant drop earrings and a delicate pendant necklace. Bronwyn’s makeup was equally sophisticated, showcasing a smoky eye and rose-hued blush and lipstick.
A highlight of the evening was Bronwyn’s special dance with her father, Courtney. Footage shared by Hello! magazine captured the moment, which also included her mother, Angela Bassett, who looked stunning in a strapless silver column gown. Bronwyn’s twin brother, Slater, took on the role of cavalier for the event.
"I thought it would be less pressure to have my brother and built-in best friend," Bronwyn told Hello!, expressing her joy that the pictures from the evening "will last for a lifetime."
Reflecting on her experience before the gala, Bronwyn described attending the ball as feeling "like a princess for one night." She added, "It’s a beautiful ceremony to allow girls to feel extremely special for one night. I wanted to be a part of something so beautiful, so spectacular, that I probably won’t be able to experience again."
Ophélie Renouard, the founder of Le Bal des Débutantes, shared insights into her role in selecting debutantes and managing their looks, likening the process to casting a play. “You have to like fashion. You have to have a style. The girls tend to be really good students. They’re bright; they’re international,” she said. Renouard emphasized the event’s unique ability to foster friendships among young women from diverse backgrounds.
As the girls traveled to Paris for fittings, Renouard provided styling guidance, noting that debutantes typically avoid wearing black or white to maintain the event’s festive spirit.
While some young women are born into the tradition of Le Bal, others are chosen based on merit, with invitations extended from January through September. Last year, Apple Martin, daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, drew attention at the ball for her striking blue Valentino gown.
Bronwyn’s debut adds her to a distinguished roster of young attendees, which includes the daughters of notable figures such as Reese Witherspoon, Steve Harvey, Demi Moore, and Bruce Willis, further underscoring the ball’s status in high society.
