THE MODERN DEBUTANTE
White dresses. Opera gloves. Pearls. Perfection. Service. Maria Sofia Fanucchi embodies the modern debutante. Since debutante balls formally emerged in the late 1700s, as noted by TIME, the tradition has remained true to its roots while evolving to meet contemporary expectations. French in name and English in origin, being a deb originally signified that eligible young ladies were ready for marriage. However, as history progressed, so did the purpose. “Mine is different from many others because it is based around a Catholic tradition,” Sofia explains of the Chicago debutante ball. “We host events throughout the year leading up to it, including numerous parties and social gatherings, all surrounded with a lot of charitable events.” While community service is not new to Sofia, participating at this level is a significant milestone.
Despite the varying objectives, the debutante institution is undeniably prestigious worldwide. Fans of Bridgerton will recognize that the former Queen Charlotte’s Ball began as a birthday celebration for Her Majesty in 1780. Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris is renowned for its focus on fashion and an impressive guest list of celebrity daughters making their debut. Monaco’s Bal De La Rose has ties to the royal family, particularly Princess Grace Kelly. In the United States, the Presentation Ball, sponsored by the Illinois Club of Catholic Women (ICCW) in Chicago, has become one of the most esteemed debutante events held on American soil since its first event on December 29th, 1958. The Club aims “to celebrate Catholic traditions, raise money for the poor and inspire its young participants to sustain the Club’s commitment to compassion and social service.”
According to the Illinois Club of Catholic Women, “The practice of presenting young women to society in this country dates back to the mid-eighteenth century when colonial families held Dancing Assemblies, the predecessor to the Debutante Ball. The presentation marked the beginning of the young lady’s adulthood; and, she typically danced the first dance of the night with her father. It is, perhaps, for these reasons that the young ladies came to be called ‘debutantes,’ a word that stems from the French word ‘debuter,’ which means to ‘begin’ or ‘lead off.’ Debutante charity balls flourished in the 1940s and 1950s and are currently held in nearly every major U.S. city, primarily during the months of November and December. … The Presentation Ball is currently the ICCW’s central fundraiser and the forum at which over 1,400 young ladies have been welcomed by family, friends and the Catholic community into a world of civic responsibility and awareness.”
The ICCW was founded in 1921 by Julia Deal Lewis at the urging of His Eminence George Cardinal Mundelein, Archbishop of Chicago. During Prohibition, as Al Capone moved into the Windy City, women gained the right to vote, and a rapid shift from agrarian to urban society pushed many women into Chicago’s workforce, where they faced uncertain futures. The ICCW, like many Catholic organizations, has provided compassionate aid to the poor and underprivileged in the Chicago metropolitan area for over a century. The debutantes of their Presentation Ball, which launched nearly 40 years after the Club’s founding, share this mission with each incoming generation, reflecting the core values with which Sofia was raised.
On December 20th, 2024, Miss Maria Sofia Fanucchi experienced a dream come true as she was presented at the Sixty Sixth Annual Presentation Ball. However, her journey to this event officially began in the summer of 2023. Sofia had been aware of the debutante tradition from an early age, having family members participate in various balls. “I’m also kind of obsessed with Jackie Kennedy, and she was in a debutante ball, so I had always loved that, the tradition around it, and all that it stands for.” Sofia also draws inspiration from figures like Lee Radziwill and Audrey Hepburn. “Back then, debutante balls meant you’re of a marriageable age. It’s definitely evolved from that into an all-encompassing societal role.”
Growing up in Fresno, California, Sofia was acutely aware of her mother, Mariangela “Mimi” Fanucchi’s dedication to local charitable organizations. “She volunteers constantly, and a lot of the really strong females in my life devote their time to charity and service, giving back to their communities,” Sofia reflects on her mother. “That’s always been something I’ve looked forward to—being a philanthropist and having that kind of role in my community.” This opportunity came with a chance encounter that felt fated. Sofia met Eloise, a friend of her brother Luca, shortly after deciding to attend Loyola University Chicago for college. As they got to know each other, Sofia learned that Eloise’s family had long been involved in the Chicago debutante ball.
Sofia eagerly shared her passion for debutantes, and Eloise agreed that she would make a great deb. However, to be considered, one must receive an official invitation. “Most of the girls are from Chicago and are legacies, so their families are already known in the process,” Sofia explains. But because she was a newcomer, “They asked me to give a little more information about myself. It’s almost like an interview. They wanted to ensure our values aligned.” Sofia confidently spoke about her service-oriented upbringing, which was integral to her education at St. Anthony’s School and San Joaquin Memorial High School, as well as her involvement in the Catholic church and the Fresno Ballet Theater.
To Sofia’s delight, her invitation to join the Presentation Ball arrived in January 2024. This marked the beginning of a year filled with events—many occurring during the summer in the greater Chicago area—leading up to the big day in December. Most of the debutantes are recently out of high school or in college. In total, there were 23 ladies in Sofia’s class, and each was required to host an event for the others. Sofia was paired with a girl named Quinn, and together, they organized a tea and etiquette class in November at the Skokie County Club just outside of Chicago. Most events are primarily for the debutantes to foster new friendships and a sense of community, so while attendance is not mandatory, it is highly encouraged. “The events were either for just debutantes, debutantes and moms, debutantes and dads, or debutantes and escorts,” she lists.
My parents had a few separate events from me,” Sofia notes. There were several charity events designed as father-daughter occasions. However, given the mother-daughter nature of much of the process, Sofia particularly cherished the time spent with Mimi. “A big part of it is bonding with your mom,” she imparts. “My mom and I spent a lot of time in Chicago over the summer because there were quite a few events we just didn’t want to miss. I think my mom and I got really close during this time because we did a lot of charity there together and obviously spent the whole time flying out and staying here together.”
There are many misconceptions surrounding what it means to be a debutante. “People definitely assume things, just because it’s not a very mainstream event,” she acknowledges. “It’s not something that everyone participates in during their lives, so I feel like people could kind of assume that it’s snooty. But I also don’t think that people really know that, at least with mine, there’s such an emphasis on service and giving back, and those are the other aspects that I feel like a lot of people would never take into account.” Even after moving to Chicago for college, Sofia has continued her commitment to service, particularly through her sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma.
While the service aspect of the debutante tradition is paramount, one cannot overlook the importance of fashion in the ritual. Even before receiving her invitation, Sofia had already found “the dress,” but it took months to finally acquire it. “I absolutely loved getting my dress,” Sofia exclaims. “That was probably my favorite part.” She envisioned something strapless and exceptionally elegant, leading her to discover an Anne Barge gown online that she knew was meant for her the moment she saw it—this was also the same day she met Eloise. “I was very committed,” Sofia laughs. “I was like, ‘I am going to be in this debutante ball now.’ Even after talking to Eloise one time about it, I was very committed!”
At the time, Sofia and her family were in Washington, D.C., and the only dress sample was in New York, where they were headed next. “Can we just try it on?” she pleaded with her parents. “And they were like, ‘For the debutante ball that you’re not in?’” she chuckles in hindsight. The fitting didn’t happen then, but Sofia kept track of the dress as it moved from one bridal salon to another across the country. Finally, after accepting the debutante invitation, she arranged for the sample to be sent to a bridal salon in Chicago. Even the sample fit perfectly and was just as stunning in person. However, before Sofia could purchase it, “There’s a committee of women who specifically work on approving the dresses and ensuring they meet the standards,” she explains regarding the dress code. All gowns must be pure white and floor-length; no low-cut backs or fronts, no high-low hemlines, and trains are prohibited.
Tradition plays a significant role in the Presentation Ball. The ICCW’s rich heritage is reflected in the traditional lace hand fans and the Presentation Ball Emblem (the Dancing Dolly), used since the first Presentation Ball in 1958. The event always incorporates roses, symbolizing the beauty and promise of the Christmas season, as well as respect, generosity, courage, and love. All ladies must wear opera-length gloves. “The gloves are so special,” Sofia recalls, noting that they are included in a list of items the girls are required to order. The gloves are hand-made by a woman in South Carolina who only creates a limited amount annually. Anyone looking to order a pair mmust call her and explain their connection to the ICCW debutante ball before she will agree to make them. They’re crafted from calfskin. In classic “Jackie” style, Sofia donned a simple strand of pearls. “They were my grandma’s, so it was very special.”
Since 1958, each debutante has received a Papal Medallion as a special gift from the Holy Father on the night of the Ball. Only 3,000 are produced annually, each commemorating the pontiff’s current year of leadership. The Polygraphic Institute and the Italian State Mint for the Vatican mint the medallions. In keeping with the Presentation Ball’s Catholic roots, each debutante bows before the Archbishop of Chicago as part of the ceremony. The event takes place in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago. “The night of, we are required to wear these lace shawls that have been used since the first debutante ball through this organization,” Sofia shares, “because you do have to be modest when you bow to the cardinal as a sign of respect. But then after, we get to take it off and it’s fun!”
The entire day of the presentation is made special from start to finish. The Fanucchi family arrived a week early, allowing Sofia time for a final dress fitting. On the day of, Sofia did her own hair and makeup. “Then I had to get dressed in a whole other outfit for a bit because we had a light lunch and they gave us these pretty little gifts,” she recalls. “And then we had to get ready all together. The debutantes get ready alongside each other in the Conrad Hilton Suite, dubbed the Midwest White House, which is the largest hotel suite in the Midwest. “The organization has it on reserve every single year for these two days. And so all of the girls go to this beautiful suite, and you all sit together and you’re all chatting and it’s a really fun, cute thing.”
Then the magic unfolded. The debutantes lined up on the stairs for the receiving line, where they greeted all the ball guests. Mistress of Ceremonies Ms. Marty Peterson introduced the program. His Eminence, Blase J. Cardinal Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, and The Reverend Father Andy Matijevic, Associate Pastor of Holy Name Cathedral, made their grand entrance. Next, the Junior Board and the 2023 Post Debutantes were introduced. The highlight of the night was the official presentation of the 2024 Debutantes. “Girl by girl, they announce your name,” and each lady bowed to the cardinal. Sofia’s father, Edward “Eddie” Fanucchi, beamed with pride by her side during this pinnacle moment. Following this, there was an address by the ICCW President, Mrs. Francis Paul DeRosa III, and then Ball Chairman, Mrs. Jon Lindsay Peck, who gave another introduction, followed by the 2024 Legacy Mothers and Grandmothers. The Archbishop of Chicago then delivered an address. At this point, the Debutante Figures (choreographed walks to traditional music) took place, along with the father-daughter dance and dances between the debutantes and their two escorts. Cardinal Cupich offered the invocation, and finally, dinner and dancing commenced.
Even though the season has concluded, the connections don’t end there. “I am going to try to get on the Junior Board because I just loved it and … honestly, I’m just excited to get more involved in the organization,” Sofia says of the ICCW. Past debutantes may attend the Presentation Ball in black dresses and present red roses, contrasting with the white dresses and white roses of the incoming debs. Reflecting on her experience, “I think it was definitely a little bit better than what I thought it was going to be,” she believes. “There are a lot of different debutante balls and they’re all so different that I didn’t really know what was going to happen at mine or how it was going to look, but it was so beautiful and was so planned out that it was just the most special evening,” she gushes. “It was so nice. It was so pretty. I loved it. I could not have planned it better or thought of anything that could have been added. It was seriously perfect.”
Photographers Ellie Koleen and John Reilly Photography
Hair Melissa Souza
