In the resplendent city of Paris, where echoes of history meet the pulse of the modern world, a young man of noble descent made history as the first Indonesian cavalier at Le Bal.
Le Bal des Débutantes, often referred to simply as ‘Le Bal’, is a modern incarnation of the traditional debutante ball dating back to the 18th century. Le Bal 2023 is of unique significance to Indonesia as the country was represented in the prestigious event for the very first time in history.
In the present day, Le Bal is organised by Ophélie Renouard as a platform for philanthropy and global unity, focusing on raising funds for the Association of Cardiology Research from Fetus to Adult (ARCFA) within the Necker-Enfants Malades, the first children’s hospital in the world, and the World Central Kitchen, which provides meals to vulnerable communities during global crises. Renouard revived Le Bal in the 90s as an update to the historic debutante balls that had taken place centuries before.
Held annually in Paris, Le Bal features débutantes, often daughters of nobility, business moguls, and celebrities, typically aged between 16 and 22, in an ultraexclusive, elegant affair. More than just a high-end soirée, Le Bal represents a coming-of-age celebration, symbolising the transition of these young women into adulthood. The highlight of the evening includes a waltz between all the debs and their fathers, who were then passed onto their cavaliers to continue the dance accompanied by a live band.
As is customary, the Le Bal des Débutantes 2023, held on November 25, 2023, at the Shangri-La Paris, brought together some of the most notable modern royals, young socialites and philanthropists from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the U.S. – all dressed in extravagant gowns to match their own personal style.
Some of the international royalties in attendance include the Imperial and Royal Archduchess Ildiko von Habsbourg-Lorraine of Austria, French Royal Prince Constantin d’Orléans, Countess Lara Cosima Henckel von Donnersmarck of Germany, Count Rodolphe de Henricourt de Grunne of Belgium, Princess Lissie Selassie of Ethiopia, and Marchioness Barbara Berlingieri of Italy.
They rubbed shoulders with stars and socialites of the global community, such as equestrian champion Eden Leprévost Blin-Lebreton, singer-songwriter Jasmine Yen, who danced with her father, Donnie Yen, British ski racer Talitha Stern, Olivia Ford, a direct descendant of American industrialist and inventor Henry Ford, and many other young personas.
Frederik Kiran Soekarno Seegers, the 17-year-old son of Kartika Soekarno Seegers, who is the daughter of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, was aptly selected as cavalier, opposite debutante Angelina Jordan, a notable Norwegian singer and model. His selection for this prestigious event, deeply rooted in tradition dating back to the 18th century, is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for an entire nation on the global stage.
In an exclusive interview with Prestige Indonesia, Seegers revealed that his journey at the Le Bal was initially met with a mix of nervous excitement and profound honour. Despite his initial unfamiliarity with the event, his perspective changed as he delved deeper. “I was quite nervous, but I saw it as an opportunity to go out of my comfort zone and allow myself room to broaden my horizons – to grow myself and my network as I met with other chosen cavaliers and débutantes,” Seegers recalls, reflecting on his nomination.
Preparing for the event, young Seegers was mindful of the delicate balance between respecting time-honoured traditions and injecting a touch of modernity. His approach was shaped by a sense of duty to represent Indonesia in a manner that harmonised its rich heritage with the contemporary world. “I thought it’d be cool to represent, obviously, a country which I’m a part of,” he explains.
In terms of his preparation for the waltz dance session of the evening, Kiran replied, that, due to being in a boarding school, his only practice was with his housemaster and German roommate.
His attire for the night, a classic white tie, mirrored the tradition and sophistication expected of cavaliers, while the débutantes dazzled in their haute couture gowns and intricate jewellery. Seegers describes the fashion aspect with a sense of admiration, albeit from a distance, understanding its role in enhancing the event’s elegance.
His role at the event went beyond ceremonial duties; it was an opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes. “Obviously, it was an honour to go there in representation of Indonesia, but particularly, it’s significantly imperative that there was an actual charity associated with doing so,” Seegers shares, highlighting the event’s charitable ethos.
Seegers’ commitment to philanthropy, deeply influenced by his family, finds resonance in his Le Bal experience. His work with various NGOs and his participation in the social movement, Movember, focusing on men’s mental health and environmental conservation, aligns with Le Bal’s spirit of charity. “My mother instilled the spirit of Gotong Royong within me, and I find that this heartfelt value really resonates with myself as I strive to also follow in her footstep of making a positive impact for those in need,” he reflects, emphasising the importance of community and mutual support which her mother, Kartika Seokarno, had amply demonstrated through her lifelong philanthropy work helping Indonesia’s children and mothers through the Kartika Soekarno Foundation.
In addition to Kiran’s remarkable achievements at Le Bal, his academic pursuits are equally impressive. Kiran was recently accepted into the University of Chicago, renowned as one of the top four universities in the world for economics. This year, the university faced a fiercely competitive admission process, with 20,000 applicants vying for a mere 800 spots. The acceptance rate was notably stringent, with only 157 international students being among the fortunate 800 to secure a place.
The University of Chicago is esteemed for being the third-highest producer of Nobel Prize winners, boasting over 100 laureates to date. Further solidifying its academic prestige, it currently holds the distinction of being the number one business school in the world.
Looking to the future, Seegers envisions continuing his philanthropic efforts, honouring his family’s legacy, and contributing positively to society. His experience at Le Bal, marked by tradition, elegance, and a commitment to charity, will undoubtedly shape his journey, inspiring others to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Photo by Daniel Paik, Yunling Fang, Studio Vanssay
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