Natalia Bryant walks the runway at the Versace fashion show on Friday.Photo:Estrop/Getty

Natalia Bryant walks the runway at the Versace fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 on September 22, 2023 in Milan, Italy.

Estrop/Getty

Natalia Bryantis “beyond excited” to officially be a runway model!

In an interview withVoguepublished Friday, the University of Southern California student, 20, talked about what it was like to walk the runway for the first time sincesigning with IMG Modelsin 2021.

“I am beyond excited about making my runway debut. It’s such an incredible opportunity and I’m so grateful toDonatella[Versace] and am honored that she has invited me to be a part of something so special,” Bryant told the outlet regardingMilan Fashion Week.

Natalia Bryant walks the runway at the Versace fashion show on Friday.Estrop/Getty

Natalia Bryant walks the runway at the Versace fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 on September 22, 2023 in Milan, Italy.

The eldest daughter of late Lakers starKobe Bryantwalked for Versace’s Spring/Summer 2024 show wearing a black cap sleeve midi dress and metallic silver shoes with a black handbag.

“She was just so welcoming and sweet and made me feel so comfortable, especially with it being my first runway,” Natalia said of meeting the fashion icon the day before she strutted down the catwalk.  “Meeting her definitely helped settle any nerves.”

The model, who also walked the runway during the Boss spring/summer 2024 show later Friday, added that she got into the industry because she wanted a fresh start where she could “do my own thing.”

“Thankfully I’ve only had positive experiences and I’ve been so happy to see howsupportive and welcomingeveryone has been,” she continued.

Gianna Maria Onore Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe Bryant, Bianka Bella Bryant and Natalia Diamante Bryant in 2017.Allen Berezovsky/Getty

Kobe Bryant, wife Vanessa Bryant and daughters Gianna Maria Onore Bryant, Natalia Diamante Bryant and Bianka Bella Bryant attend Kobe Bryant’s jersey retirement ceremony during halftime of a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.

Allen Berezovsky/Getty

Natalia credited her mother,Vanessa Bryant, as always being someone she could count on for advice and support.

“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,” the college student shared.

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“She encourages me to have my own walk and establish my own way of doing things,” she said before mentioning what model she looked to for inspiration.

“I’ve always loved watching videos ofNaomi [Campbell]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,’ ” Natalia confessed.

Vanessa, 41, expressed her excitement for the opportunity as well.

“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! 😘,” Vanessa wrote on Instagram, congratulating her oldest daughter and thanking those who helped to make it all possible.

Her mother wasn’t the only one proud of the accomplishment. Many of the family’s friends also joined in on the well-wishes in the comment section of the Instagram photo.

“Go Nani Go Nani Go!! What a special moment! Truly proud! Brava! Bellissima! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽,”Ciarawrote.

Khloé Kardashianadded, “Wow!!!!! She is so beautiful 😍.”

Natalia has been spending her summer working.

In addition to making her runway debut, she alsointerned for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour — which has itsfinal show in Kansas Cityon Oct. 1.

Earlier this year, Natalia joined her mom and younger siblings Capri, 4, and Bianka, 6, to honor the late NBA champion at theunveiling of his handprintsat the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

Natalia Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Bianka Bryant, Capri Bryant attend the unveiling of Kobe Bryant’s Hand & Footprints now permanently placed in the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre on March 15, 2023 in Hollywood, California.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Natalia Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Bianka Bryant, Capri Bryant attend the unveiling of Kobe Bryant’s Hand & Footprints now permanently placed in the forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre on March 15, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

“Being his daughter is one of the greatest joys of my life, and I hope to continue to embody and cherish the many lessons he has taught me,” she said at the March gathering while also mentioningher younger sister Gianna, whodied in the helicopter crash alongside their dad.

source: people.com