The 18-year-old, who was named after her famous grandmother, graced the 2024 Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris as an honorary debutante.
Fans pointed out the resemblance between Lucia Sofia Ponti and her grandmother Sophia Loren, as the model joined approximately 20 young women between the ages of 16 and 22 to be introduced to society.
The daughter of Sasha Alexander and Edoardo Ponti turned heads in an elegant Giorgio Armani Privé gown on November 30, 2024. The strapless design featured a pleated A-line skirt adorned with cream and charcoal gray stripes, complemented by intricate lace and beaded embellishments.
@gala.fr #luciaponti #sophialauren #edoardoponti ♬ Way down We Go – KALEO
At the event, held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris, Edoardo shared a touching moment with his daughter on the dance floor. The duo moved gracefully, with Edoardo spinning her in a classic dance move and then holding her close by the waist. They exchanged smiles and light conversation, creating a heartwarming scene during their dance.
Lucia also posed for a photograph with Princess Eugenia de Borbón and Apple Martin. Standing at the center, she was flanked by the two creating a striking trio in the elegant portrait. Eugenia is the daughter of the Legitimist pretender to the French throne HRH Prince Louis Alfonso, Duc d’Anjou, and his wife, Marie-Marguerite Vargas Santaella while Apple Martin is the daughter of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin.
Lucia’s mother delighted fans by sharing a collage of photos from the event, highlighting her daughter’s elegance. Sasha fondly recounted a childhood memory of her daughter, accompanying the photos with a lighthearted caption, “When Lucia was a little girl and we would tell her to ‘act like a lady,’ she would always get mad and say ‘I ain’t no lady.’ 😂 (check out the last pic, it’s that face.) I kept thinking of that this weekend watching our now young woman at @lebal.paris.”
Followers quickly praised how beautiful and graceful Lucia looked, echoing her grandmother’s timeless charm. One admirer exclaimed, “She’s stunning and WOW!” Another wrote warmly, “Awww!! Your baby girl is all grown up! 🥹🥹🥹.” Another shared a simple yet heartfelt sentiment, “Gorgeous Lucia! ❤️.”
Others couldn’t help but draw comparisons to her famous mother and grandmother, with one fan noting, “Omgosh. She looks so much like you and then she smiles and I see her grandma Sophia. Beautiful people and a beautiful night. And those dresses… Like a fairytale. 😍”
Many focused on this striking resemblance, with one saying, “Your daughter is absolutely stunning!! I see a lot of you, Edoardo, & Sophia in her! I’m sure she’s a lovely young lady… with a fiery spirit!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️.”
The admiration continued, “Looks like her grandmother! Stunning!” Someone else observed, “She has Sophia’s smile,” while others chimed in with praise like, “She’s as beautiful as her grandmother.” A fan concurred, “Sofia Loren’s granddaughter❤️.”
When Lucia Sofia Ponti was looking for the perfect attire for the debutante gown, she drew inspiration from Sophia. She disclosed, “My grandmother always believed in timeless elegance and the importance of wearing something that reflects your true self. Growing up, she taught me the value of simplicity, tailoring, and always adding a touch of uniqueness to your outfit.”
Lucia shared that her grandmother’s wardrobe was filled with pieces that told a story, a mindset she has since carried with her. “I tend to go for dresses or clothes that make me feel confident but also are comfortable to wear,” she opened up.
Lucia noted that after reviewing dresses worn by other girls at the debutante in previous years, she admired how each gown beautifully represented the individual wearing it. She hoped to find a dress that would do the same for her. The model successfully achieved her goal of wearing a dress that reflected her unique identity and story as fans complimented how perfectly the gown fit her.
Lucia, who is studying English and art history at Brown University in Rhode Island, also commented on how close she and Sophia are. “My grandmother and I are very close. We visit her frequently in Geneva and she comes to visit us in LA as well. I love her dearly and despite the distance, we spend ample time together,” she shared.
Lucia admires her grandmother for her dedication to remaining true to herself and never compromising her authenticity to meet others’ expectations. She finds this unwavering commitment inspiring, often feeling grateful to have such a remarkable role model.
The model also shared a personal connection to Sophia’s work, mentioning that “House Boat” was the first film of her grandmother’s she ever watched, and it remains her favorite.
Lucia’s career was significantly shaped by the influence of her grandmother. As a child, she was captivated by the transformation that took place in her room whenever Sophia stayed at their home. Lucia would vacate her bedroom for her grandmother, and the room would be filled with hairpieces, jewelry, and glamorous clothing.
“However, I would use that time to do my own personal fashion shows for her and the rest of my family. I would try on the hair pieces or the jewelry and jokingly strut around the house having no understanding of why my grandmother wore such outfits or pieces,” she revealed.
However. she chose not to wear any of her grandmother’s jewelry to the debutante ball. Instead, she reflected on the most precious advice her grandmother had given her: to always be herself. This wisdom, along with her grandmother’s enduring strength and resilience, continues to inspire her as she embarks on her own journey.
Lucia embraces Sophia Loren’s legacy of perseverance, learning to never give up and to relentlessly pursue her goals despite challenges or setbacks.
Sophia’s glamour and advice prepared Lucia for events such as the debutante. She said that being involved in the ball holds deep significance for her, especially due to the charitable organizations it supports, such as ARCFA and the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in New York.
She also mentioned her extensive background in dance, having competed for 14 years prior to college. Lucia was particularly excited to perform the waltz, anticipating that dancing in her gown would be an ethereal and angelic experience, something she had never done before. Lucia truly shone while dancing with her father, glowing with joy and elegance.
