10 vintage photos show the bizarre world of debutantes during the Vanderbilt and Rockefeller era

The traditions surrounding the "debutante" - a woman of age who is ready to marry - date back to ancient, tribal times. However, the ceremony involving gorgeous gowns, cotillion dances, and lavish parties didn't begin until the Victorian era.

Traditionally a matchmaking process, the "coming out" party changed in the 1930s with Miss. Barbara Woolworth Hutton's - who set a new precedent for the events. The lavish ordeal held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New York hosted guests such as the Vanderbilts, Whitneys, Astors, and Rockefellers. The flowers alone cost $50,000.

For the next 25 years, debutante parties entered their final, modern golden age. The book "Debutantes: When Glamour was Born" explores the history of these events - including the changing fashions and traditions. Ahead, 10 images from the book that looks at the debutantes final golden years.