The Final Curtsey for Phoenix magazine

Phoenix magazine

In 1958 the last “proper” British debs were presented before Queen Elizabeth II, when a record number of 1,400 girls curtseyed to her. It ended that year under pressure from palace advisers that the rite was out of touch. These debutantes were about to enter the swinging sixties – how did they feel about taking part?

Photographer: Holly Falconer
Stylist: Jaclyn Bethany
Models: Jess Houghton at Next Model Management, Lucy Chappell at Storm Model Management, Lydia Graham at Models 1
Hair: Elvire Roux using Bumble and bumble, Makeup: Michelle Dacillo using MAC Cosmetics
Photographer’s assistant: James Metcalfe, Stylist’s assistant: Lucas Asin, Location: St Ermin’s Hotel, London, Photographic lab: Labyrinth Photographic Printing, London