Natalia Bryant made her runway debut at the Versace show during Milan Fashion Week Friday, strutting alongside some of the biggest names in the industry — including Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Claudia Schiffer.
The 20-year-old took a break from her studies at the University of Southern California to grace her first catwalk, clad in a little black dress with structured shoulders, nipped-in waist and V neckline.
The model daughter of the late Kobe Bryant looked cool, calm and collected as she swept across the checkered runway in metallic silver sandals.
When asked about making her runway debut, Natalia told Vogue she was “beyond excited” to take her modeling career to the next level.
“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.
In fact, Natalia was lucky enough to meet the iconic fashion designer the day before the big show.
“She was just so welcoming and sweet and made me feel so comfortable, especially with it being my first runway,” the model continued. “Meeting her definitely helped settle any nerves.”
Natalia, who signed with IMG Models in February 2021, added that she has “only had positive experiences” since starting her career in the biz.
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Although Natalie is determined to forge her own path, she often turns to mom Vanessa Bryant for advice — specifically about 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.’”
The practice seemingly paid off, and Vanessa was the first to congratulate her daughter on the major accomplishment.
“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 the first runway show for Natalia, the young model’s already landed campaigns with brands including Ugg, Ivy Park and Bulgari, the latter of which saw her posing alongside her mom.
Natalia, who attended her first Met Gala at 18, also graced the cover of Teen Vogue last year, marking her first magazine cover.
