I began my journey this summer and I have already gotten lost within the parties and the elegance and atmosphere of this world. My first experience was shopping for my ball gown for the big debut in November. It just so happened that my family and I were going to be in New York City for my sister's law school graduation in early, May. So, my mom made an appointment at Kleinfeld Bridal, most commonly known as the bridal shop where TCL hit series "Say Yes To The Dress" is filmed. I was so excited and, better yet, I had my best friend, Olivia, with me -- the person who convinced me to join the league. It didn't take me long to find the right dress. You can see a picture of it beneath.
These dresses are very heavy and although most leagues don't require a tulle (the poofy part of a dress), Texas is unique in the way that it does require a tool because of the famous "Texas Dip" every Texas, debutant is required to preform. The curtsy is so obscure and exaggerated, a large tulle is necessary for maximum leg movement. That's right, we even have the corsets to go with 'em. Here is an example of what the "Texas Dip" looks like.
It is essential to purchase the dress far in advance as they take at least 3 months to make and photos are taken of the debs fully gowned in February.
After Olivia and I returned from the NYC, we had to attend an announcement reception where the parents of the debutantes and board members are welcomed to watch the announcement of the 2015 Dallas Symphony Orchestra League of Debutantes. We were each paired with a temporary, honor guard for the night, who would walk us down the runway. An honor guard is the social equivalent to a debutante, only they've already gone through their formal training. Honor Guards are older and most have graduated from college and are gentleman from influential families who assist us in our debut to society, as well as help with event organization.
The day before we spent 2 hours preparing how, when, where and with whom we were going to walk. The event took place at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas May, 29th and the Dallas Symphony League holds it every year there during the store's after hours. The night of, all of the girls wait impatiently and nervously in the back for names to be called and it really is a sight to see all these beautiful and sophisticated women surrounded by sparkling designer jewelry in the glass cases and high fashion purses hanging from the racks.
When our name was called we would take the arm of the honor guard assigned and they'd walk us up to a platform where our full name would be announced, the college we attend and our majors. After, we walk down the isle with everyone watching. At the end of the isle, James French, well known for photographing many of Texas' influential families, would take our photo and we'd walk the rest of the way down ourselves. After everyones names were called all the girls took a group photo on the marble stairs and then we were free to mingle.
My first experiences as a debutant have been rewarding and it is definitely a unique society that not many have the privilege to be a part of! Check back in with me Sunday for my next blog post where I will be going more in depth about what it means to be a debutante, what is unique about the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League and discuss other summer events! In the mean time, I will be posting photographs of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League's first class of debutantes from 1946 on my Pinterest this Friday! Also, come back regularly to view some links on the side bars of my blog for upcoming trunk shows on ball gowns!
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