Vanessa and Kobe Bryant's Daughter Natalia Makes Modeling Runway Debut: 'A Literal Vision'
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Natalia Bryant has officially made her high-fashion runway debut!
The eldest daughter of the late, great Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his now-widow, Vanessa Bryant, cemented her model status on Sept. 22, as she hit the scene as part of Versace’s spring 2024 show during Milan Fashion Week—her premiere catwalk since being signed to IMG Models in 2021.
The 20-year-old strutted her stuff for the presentation wearing an all-black selection from the designer, comprised of a structured midi-length dress with bold shoulder detailing and silver, metallic flats.
“I am beyond excited about making my runway debut. It’s such an incredible opportunity and I’m so grateful to Donatella [Versace] and am honored that she has invited me to be a part of something so special,” Bryant told Vogue.
The rookie model was put at ease by Versace, herself, whom she met for the first time just a day prior to the show at her fitting. “She was just so welcoming and sweet and made me feel so comfortable, especially with it being my first runway,” Bryant says. “Meeting her definitely helped settle any nerves.”
Natalia continued: “I wanted to start fresh and do my own thing without having to worry about comparing myself to anyone or setting myself to anyone’s standard. Thankfully I’ve only had positive experiences and I’ve been so happy to see how supportive and welcoming everyone has been.”
On Instagram, the "proud" mom shared a snapshot of her from the event, gushing over her daughter's big reveal.
"Natalia, I’m so proud of you! You did it mama!!!! I love you so much and I’m so happy for you @nataliabryant ! Bellísima! 😘 Versace! ❤️," she wrote in the caption, before adding, "Thank you to @donatella_versace @versace @vogue @piergiorgio @dmcasting @patmcgrathreal @guidopalau @imgmodels ❤️."
In the comment section, one of Vanessa's besties, Ciara, chimed in with applause for the young woman: "Go Nani Go Nani Go!! What a special moment! Truly proud! Brava! Bellissima! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽."
"A literal vision," another Instagrammer dubbed the new model.
Khloe Kardashian complimented, "Wow!!!!! She is so beautiful 😍," while another social media user was convinced, "😍 she’s UNREAL 😍😍😍😍😍😍."
As for the University of Southern California student's industry inspiration, she admitted to looking up to supermodel Naomi Campbell as a child, telling the famed fashion publication, "I’ve always loved watching videos of Naomi walking down the runway, along with videos of other iconic supermodels I look up to. My mom says, ‘Walk like Naomi, but remember to be yourself; put your own style to your walk, and always with your head held high.’”
