Natalia Bryant made her runway debut at the Versace show on Friday during Milan Fashion Week, walking among some of the industry’s biggest names, including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Claudia Schiffer.
The 20-year-old stepped out of her studies at the University of Southern California to walk the runway in a tiny black dress with structured shoulders, a nipped-in waist, and a V neckline.
The late Kobe Bryant’s model daughter looked cool, calm, and collected as she walked down the checkered runway in glittering silver sandals.
Natalia told Vogue she was “beyond excited” to take her modeling career to the next level when questioned about her 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,” she said.
Natalia, in fact, had the opportunity to meet the legendary fashion designer the day before the big presentation.
The model continued, “She was just so welcoming and sweet and made me feel so comfortable, especially with it being my first runway. Meeting her definitely helped settle any nerves.”
Natalia, who signed with IMG Models in February 2021, noted that she has “only had positive experiences” in the industry since beginning her career.
Natalie is keen to pursue her own path, but she frequently seeks advice from her mother, Vanessa Bryant, regarding her runway walk.
“She encourages me to have my own walk and establish my own way of doing things,” she explained.
“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.’”
Vanessa was the first to congratulate her daughter on her great accomplishment, indicating that the effort had paid off.
“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! 
,” the proud mom wrote on Instagram Friday alongside a photo of her eldest daughter.
While this was Natalia’s first runway show, she had already landed ads with brands such as Ugg, Ivy Park, and Bulgari, for which she posed with her mother.
Natalia, who attended her first Met Gala at the age of 18, was also on the cover of Teen Vogue last year, her first magazine cover.
