Kobe Bryant's Eldest Daughter Natalia Makes Her Runway Debut

Natalia Bryant made her runway debut Friday at the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week, strutting alongside some of the biggest names in the industry — including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Claudia Schiffer.

The eldest daughter of late Lakers star Kobe Bryant took a break from her studies at the University of Southern California to grace her first catwalk for Versace’s Spring/Summer 2024 show wearing a black cap sleeve midi dress and metallic silver shoes with a black handbag.

In an interview with Vogue, the University of Southern California student, 20, talked about making her runway debut and taking her modeling career to the next level.

“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 the outlet regarding Milan Fashion Week. 

“She was just so welcoming and sweet and made me feel so comfortable, especially with it being my first runway,” Natalia said of meeting the fashion icon the day before she strutted down the catwalk. “Meeting her definitely helped settle any nerves.”

The model, who also walked the runway during the Boss spring/summer 2024 show later Friday, added that she got into the industry because she wanted a fresh start where she could “do my own thing.”

“Thankfully I’ve only had positive experiences and I’ve been so happy to see how supportive and welcoming everyone has been,” she continued.  

Natalia credited her mother, Vanessa Bryant, as always being someone she could count on for advice and support.

“I can always go to my mom and get her honest opinion. She keeps it real, and I know she always has my best interest at heart,” the college student shared.

“She encourages me to have my own walk and establish my own way of doing things,” she said before mentioning what model she looked to for inspiration.

“I’ve always loved watching videos of Naomi [Campbell] 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,’ ” Natalia confessed.

Vanessa, 41, expressed her excitement for the opportunity as well.

“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! 😘,” Vanessa wrote on Instagram, congratulating her oldest daughter and thanking those who helped to make it all possible. 

Natalia has been spending her summer working.

In addition to making her runway debut, she also interned for Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour — which has its final show in Kansas City on October 1.

Earlier this year, Natalia joined her mom and younger siblings Capri, 4, and Bianka, 6, to honor the late NBA champion at the unveiling of his handprints at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

"Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me," she said at the gathering while also mentioning her younger sister Gianna, who died in the helicopter crash alongside their dad.