Ella Wadia, a descendant of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, drew international attention this week after taking part in ‘Le Bal’, the world-renowned debutante gala held annually in Paris.
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The exclusive event — hosted in a historic Parisian palace — invites only 20 young women each year, selected from some of the world’s most prominent royal, business, and celebrity families. Participants wear couture gowns designed by leading fashion houses and formally enter the global social scene through an evening of dance and high-profile engagements.
For her debut, Ella Wadia appeared in a custom gown designed by celebrated Lebanese haute couture designer Elie Saab, earning admiration across social media and South Asian communities.
Wadia is a member of one of the subcontinent’s most storied lineages. She descends from Jinnah’s daughter Dina Wadia, who married industrialist Neville Wadia. Their son, Nusli Wadia, is among India’s most influential business figures as the long-time head of the Wadia Group. Ella Wadia is widely described as the granddaughter of Jinnah’s daughter, placing her within a family that remains symbolically significant across South Asia.
Founded in 1958, ‘Le Bal’ has evolved into one of the world’s most prestigious social showcases — often described as a “teenage Met Gala.” Its organizer, Ophélie Renouard, says the event aims to celebrate “individuality, talent and confidence” among young women stepping into public life.
Ella Wadia’s appearance not only captivated audiences in India and Pakistan but also brought renewed visibility to the younger generation of Jinnah’s descendants on a global stage.
