Natalia Bryant made her runway modeling debut at Milan Fashion Week. The 20-year-old walked the Versace and BOSS Spring/Summer 2024 shows, a first since signing with MG Models in 2021.
“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 Vogue.
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She met with the designer backstage, which helped calm her nerves ahead of her big debut.
“She was just so welcoming and sweet and made me feel so comfortable, especially with it being my first runway,” she added. “Meeting her definitely helped settle any nerves.”
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Her mother, Vanessa, flew to Italy to support her and gave her precious advice.
“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,” Bryant told the fashion news outlet.
“She encourages me to have my own walk and establish my own way of doing things,” she added. “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 20-year-old received support from Aoki Lee Simmons, the daughter of Kimora who is also a runway model.
“Best feeling in the world! Having your mom come into town for you!!!” she commented under one of Vanessa’s Instagram posts. “Especially as the older kid!”
Bryant says she entered the modeling industry without any expectations and has received nothing but support.
“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. “Thankfully I’ve only had positive experiences and I’ve been so happy to see how supportive and welcoming everyone has been.”
The 20-year-old is currently enrolled at the University of Southern California. She also interned on Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour over the summer.
