Sophia Loren’s granddaughter, Lucia Sofia Ponti, is preparing to make a stunning debut at the 2024 Le Bal des Débutantes.
At 18, Ponti will be among the debutantes at the prestigious annual event, which celebrates “excellence, the empowering of women, and the harmony between débutantes and cavaliers from all over the world,” according to a statement shared on social media. The renowned Le Bal will take place at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel in Paris.
For the occasion, Ponti selected an exquisite haute couture gown by Armani, as confirmed by Paris-Match. This follows weeks of anticipation after she hinted at her selection process.
“I tend to go for dresses or clothes that make me feel confident but are also comfortable to wear,” Ponti shared with Hello! earlier this month. “I had looked through other dresses featured in Le Bal in previous years, and they all individually represented the girls so beautifully. I just hoped to find a dress that would do the same for me.”
Lucia’s family heritage adds to the allure of her debut. She is the daughter of Italian director Edoardo Ponti and actress Sasha Alexander. Her grandparents are the legendary Sophia Loren, 90, and the late producer Carlo Ponti, who passed away in 2007.
“My grandmother and I are very close,” Lucia revealed. “We visit her frequently in Geneva, and she comes to visit us in L.A. as well. I love her dearly, and despite the distance, we spend ample time together.”
Lucia, a student at Brown University, currently resides in Los Angeles, while Loren primarily lives in Switzerland.
The young debutante expressed deep admiration for her iconic grandmother, both for her illustrious career and her unwavering authenticity.
“I admire her dedication to her values. She never forgoes her own authentic self to fit the expectations of others around her,” Lucia said. “I am infinitely inspired by her and always feel grateful to have such an amazing role model to look up to.”
Lucia also shared fond memories of Loren’s glamorous visits to her family’s home in L.A. “Occasionally, my grandmother would come and visit my family, and I would give her my room to stay in during her visits,” Lucia recalled.
“As a little girl, I would walk into my room covered in hair pieces, jewelry, and coats. I was so mesmerized by the transformation my room would go through every time she visited.”
Loren’s enduring film career and timeless style continue to leave an indelible mark on her granddaughter, as Lucia prepares for her moment in the spotlight at one of the world’s most exclusive social events.
