Natalia Bryant Makes Runway Model Debut in Versace’s Milan Fashion Week Show


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 of her Renaissance Tour internship with Beyoncé, Bryant 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.

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 22: Gigi Hadid walks the runway during the Versace Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2024 fashion show as part of the Milan Fashion Week on September 22, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)Victor VIRGILE/Getty Images

MILAN, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 22: Claudia Schiffer walks the runway during the Versace Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2024 fashion show as part of the Milan Fashion Week on September 22, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)Victor VIRGILE/Getty Images

“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 walks the runway at the Versace fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week on September 22, 2023.

Pietro D’Aprano/Getty Images

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,” knows a G.O.A.T. 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. 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.’”




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