Ella Wadia: Jinnah’s great-great-granddaughter steps into the spotlight at Paris’ Le Bal

At one of Paris’ most exclusive social events, a young woman with deep South Asian roots made a striking debut. Ella Wadia, the great-great-granddaughter of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder of Pakistan, was among this year’s debutantes at Le Bal des Débutantes, held over the weekend at the Shangri-La Paris.

Ella Wadia in Elie Saab Haute Couture pic.twitter.com/imZBXqHOE4

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Wearing an embellished, strapless Elie Saab gown, Ella stood out among a select group of 20 invitees from prominent families around the world. Her appearance drew immediate attention, not just for the couture but for her notable lineage and the cross-continental story behind her family name.

A family history that spans Karachi, Bombay and beyond

Ella descends from Jinnah through his daughter Dina Wadia, whose marriage to industrialist Neville Wadia famously strained her relationship with her father. Dina’s son Nusli Wadia became one of India’s leading businessmen as chair of the Wadia Group.

Ella’s father, Jehangir Wadia, is managing director of Bombay Dyeing, Go First and Bombay Realty, while her mother, Celina Wadia, is a fashion designer. Ella and her brother Jahangir represent the newest generation of a family whose story links some of the subcontinent’s most significant historical and industrial legacies.

Inside Le Bal

Le Bal des Débutantes dates back to 1958 and has evolved into one of Paris’ most exclusive social events. Each year, only around 20 young women under 21 are invited to participate, representing prominent families from across the world. The weekend includes couture fittings, press portraits, rehearsals and a formal ball at the historic Shangri-La Paris, formerly the residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte.

Participants are paired with couture houses to design custom gowns in any colour except black or white, the ball’s only strict fashion rule. Past debutantes have included Margaret Qualley, Lori Harvey, Ava Phillippe and Lily Collins.

This year’s group

Ella joined a diverse roster selected by Le Bal’s organiser, Ophélie Renouard. The 2025 lineup featured Carolina Lansing, Isabelle d’Orléans, Lady Araminta Spencer-Churchill, Ruby Kemper, Bronwyn Vance, Alice Wang, Eugenia of Hohenzollern and others.

As always, Renouard curated participants for their individuality, academic excellence and sense of style.