Le Bal des débutantes de Paris 1963

Photographs from Le Bal des débutantes de Paris in 1963. I can imagine a debutante ball being very exciting for those going during the 60s and decades prior. Thinking of what dress to wear, what shoes, how to do your hair, who to dance with and such. Such events were different back then. There was a whole other seriousness to it before. It mattered more, I think, I imagine, I hope. It just doesn't feel the same or as real anymore. I know some traditions are important to keep for cultural (and nostalgic) reasons, but the mysteriousness and naïveté that I feel (and again imagine) was more present before is gone. That is indeed both a good and a bad thing. I really must say that it's getting to be pretty dull how all information is just so instantly available. I feel like there's so much less to really explore these days. Omph, I always get sidetracked... To get back to it; these photographs are fun to look at. It seems like Paul Schutzer, the photographer, had a couple of subjects he liked shooting more than the others. It really looks like a fine night from dancing, showing off and having fun.

All photos from the Life Magazine archive.