The death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant broke hearts all over the world. He died along with his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
His death is still mourned by his family, who remember the late athlete constantly. Keep reading to learn more about Natalia Bryant’s sweet tribute to her late dad.
Vanessa Bryant was cheering her daughter Natalia on at the Versace Spring 2024 show during Milan Fashion Week on Friday. It was Natala Bryant’s debut on the catwalk, and the 20-year-old had been waiting for this moment for a while.
Her mother, Vanessa Bryant, could not have been more proud as she took to Instagram to show her daughter how proud of her she was. She posted a picture of Natalia strutting down Versace’s iconic black-and-white checkered runway. In the caption of the picture, she wrote, “I’m so proud of you! You did it mama!!!! I love you so much and I’m so happy for you.”
Natalia herself was very happy that she was making her runway debut with such a massive brand. She said, “I am beyond excited about making my runway debut,” adding, “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 20-year-old also credited her mother for her interest in fashion and honest opinion. She said about her mother, “She keeps it real, and I know she always has my best interest at heart.” She went on to explain how Vanessa Bryant has encouraged her daughter to find her own style.
A student at the University of Southern California, Natalia Bryant, was signed by IMG Models in 2021. In an interview, she expressed how good it felt for her to pursue her passion for fashion finally, she said, “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 said she has been warmly embraced by the fashion industry, “I’ve been so happy to see how supportive and welcoming everyone has been.”
Natalia is the eldest daughter of Vanessa and Kobe Bryant. Her father was a basketball legend who lost his life too early in an unfortunate helicopter crash in Calabasas. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was with him at the time and lost her life as well.
Natalia is still in disbelief that she is realizing her dreams of being in the fashion industry. She wrote on Instagram, “Still feels like a dream. I am beyond honored and grateful.”
Just earlier this year, Natalia had given her late father a heartfelt tribute that got people emotional. On 15 March this year, the 20-year-old student was joined by her mother and youngest sisters Bianka and Capri at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, where the statue in Kobe Bryant’s honor was to be unveiled.
The handprints the basketball legend had made in February 2011 were permanently displayed in the theatre’s public forecourt. His ’24’ jersey was also displayed next to the prints. His younger daughters Bianka and Capri placed their hands on top of their fathers as well.
Natalia gave a beautiful speech at the occasion, saying some heartwarming words as a tribute to her father. She began her speech saying, “I’m honoured to be here today to recognise the man we all knew and love, my dad Kobe Bryant.”
She went on, “While most people knew him as a basketball player or a storyteller, I got to know and love him as my dad,” Adding, “And let me tell you, he is the MVP of girl dads, to say the least.”
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