Each year, Ophélie Renouard brings together about only 20 vibrant young women and their cavaliers. The cavaliers wear white tie, and the haute couture and couture houses each dress a Deb for the event. It is the only Charity ball in the world where the Debs wear haute couture and couture.
A glamorous group of young débutantes shined at the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, for the le Bal, Paris 2019wearing custom haute joaillerie by HARAKH. As one of the world’s most elite and prestigious annual social gatherings, Le Bal proved a fitting stage to introduce the world to HARAKH, the Mumbai-based luxury jewellery brand headed by fourth generation Indian diamantaire Harakh Mehta. For the occasion, Mehta curated an exceptional collection of designs and created custom pieces for the debs. Each unique design captured the singular elegance of the invitation-only débutante ball.
“As the exclusive diamantaire and haute joaillerie partner for le Bal, Paris, 2019, it was an honor to dress each deb in HARAKH joaillerie pieces for one of the most memorable nights of their lives.” – Harakh Mehta, Founder, HARAKH
Harakh Mehta founded his eponymous brand for a higher purpose, to impart joy in every glittering facet. After all, the name HARAKH in his native language means exactly that – “a deep sense of joy and happiness,” a philosophy which is cemented in the simple “tear of joy” HARAKH logo which is stamped on every piece of haute joaillerie. HARAKH haute joaillerie goes beyond the usual standards of high jewelry, with every detail richly finessed and expertly crafted to the highest standard, featuring only rare and exceptional DEF color, IF-VS clarity diamonds set in 18-karat gold or platinum. HARAKH limited edition pieces have been auctioned by leading houses and have earned a reputation for quality craftsmanship, gaining a loyal, global clientele that includes royal families, sports figures, celebrities, and prominent personalities from the entertainment world.
In addition to helping each deb select HARAKH pieces to complement their couture and haute couture ensembles, Mehta also designed a custom jewellery suite for Jane Li, daughter of Chinese action star Jet Li, to wear to Le Bal. Based on a life-changing event that forever impacted the course of Jane’s life, the necklace, earrings, and ring feature large pear cut diamonds which represent the characteristic HARAKH “drop of joy” motif. The piece is further accented by rose cut and brilliant cut natural pink and colorless diamonds. The earring and necklace takes the customization theme yet further with invisible and detachable elements.
Jane Li: “Harak Mehta has a profound understanding of jewelry and its space. Working with him to create custom jewelry for le Bal was a dream—each piece was so intricately and thoughtfully crafted. I am very touched by Harak’s ability to bring my stories to life and combine meaning with generations of craftsmanship. I could not be happier to wear jewelry so authentic to me and my values to le Bal.”
Along with each precious jewel, débutantes also received a personal note from Harakh that details the jewels’ origin story from concept to creation. Like all HARAKH designs, the pieces that have been specially curated or le Bal, Paris 2019 are made with only the finest materials and have been infused with spirituality and the joyful spirit that characterizes the brand.