Natalia Bryant is following up her incredible summer gig with yet another impressive venture.
On September 22, the 20-year-old daughter of late basketball icon Kobe Bryant made her runway debut during Milan Fashion Week. Fresh off her Renaissance tour internship with Beyoncé, Natalia walked in Versace’s spring 2024 fashion show in a demure black dress and silver platform heels. Other models walking in the runway included Gigi Hadid, Vittoria Ceretti, and ’90s supermodel Claudia Schiffer. Not bad company for your first time out.
“I am beyond excited about making my runway debut,” Bryant told Vogue. “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.” The University of Southern California student met the Italian designer during her fitting—just one day ahead of the show. “She was just so welcoming and sweet and made me feel so comfortable, especially with it being my first runway,” Bryant said. “Meeting her definitely helped settle any nerves.”
Natalia Bryant may be new to the runway, but she has been getting a feel for the industry since signing with IMG Models in 2021. “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,” she told Vogue. “Thankfully, I’ve only had positive experiences, and I’ve been so happy to see how supportive and welcoming everyone has been.”
Though Bryant is looking to “establish my own way of doing things,” she knows a GOAT when she sees one and has taken inspiration from modeling legend Naomi Campbell. “I’ve always loved watching videos of Naomi walking down the runway along with videos of other iconic supermodels I look up to,” she said. “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.’”
