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When Hong Kong’s young women made headlines for their looks at a debutante show

In 1959, the Diocesan Girls’ School debutante ball made headlines in the Post, revealing glamour, gowns – and a very different era

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Hong Kong debutantes pose for the press in 1959. Photo: SCMP Archives
Dave Besseling
“Lustrous silks and satins, brocades, velvets and diaphanous chiffons will be among the fabrics fashioned into the season’s latest styles for the ball scene in the Hongkong Debutante show to be held in the Diocesan Girls’ School on Wednesday at 4.30 p.m. and 6.15 p.m,” reported the South China Morning Post on November 1, 1959.
The South China Morning Post reports on the forthcoming Hongkong Debutante show in November, 1959. Photo: SCMP Archives
The South China Morning Post reports on the forthcoming Hongkong Debutante show in November, 1959. Photo: SCMP Archives
“Ladies of the Diocesan Old Girl’s Association are sponsoring the show in aid of school charities. Although details of some of the exclusive creations made specially and given to the cause by the Colony’s local couturiers are a closely-guarded [sic] secret, the organisers promise a feast of fashion in cheongsam and European styles.

“The colourful setting of the coming-out ball will be the background for an Indian gypsy dance by Mrs Kalpana Surtani, expert in the art of classical Indian dancing.”

Hongkong Debutante Miss Gloria Baker (3rd left) as a bride, with her bevy of bridesmaids, in the bridal finale of the show. Photo: SCMP Archives
Hongkong Debutante Miss Gloria Baker (3rd left) as a bride, with her bevy of bridesmaids, in the bridal finale of the show. Photo: SCMP Archives

On November 5, the Post reported that “The Debutante for 1959, Miss Gloria Baker, with charming companions and friends, starred in six scenes featuring episodes in a young girl’s life from the sad day of leaving school to the joyful wedding morn.

“From the moment that cheerful little Julianna Wade and Rosalind Chen crossed the stage in the first scene of a school speech day ceremony, the show went with a swing [...] After school leaving, the Hongkong Debutante was shown at home with her friends wearing Shui Hing housecoats and casual wear. Pamela Low was particularly attractive in Italian mohair pants and purple sweater.

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